2 Kings 22:13
Go ye, enquire of the LORD for me, and for the people, and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that is found: for great is the wrath of the LORD that is kindled against us, because our fathers have not hearkened unto the words of this book, to do according unto all that which is written concerning us.
Original Language Analysis
לְכוּ֩
H1980
לְכוּ֩
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
1 of 36
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
דִרְשׁ֨וּ
ye enquire
H1875
דִרְשׁ֨וּ
ye enquire
Strong's:
H1875
Word #:
2 of 36
properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 36
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְהוָ֗ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֗ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 36
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
בַּֽעֲדִ֣י
H1157
בַּֽעֲדִ֣י
Strong's:
H1157
Word #:
5 of 36
in up to or over against; generally at, beside, among, behind, for, etc
וּבְעַד
H1157
וּבְעַד
Strong's:
H1157
Word #:
6 of 36
in up to or over against; generally at, beside, among, behind, for, etc
הָעָ֗ם
for me and for the people
H5971
הָעָ֗ם
for me and for the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
7 of 36
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
וּבְעַד֙
H1157
וּבְעַד֙
Strong's:
H1157
Word #:
8 of 36
in up to or over against; generally at, beside, among, behind, for, etc
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
9 of 36
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
יְהוּדָ֔ה
and for all Judah
H3063
יְהוּדָ֔ה
and for all Judah
Strong's:
H3063
Word #:
10 of 36
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
11 of 36
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
דִּבְרֵי֙
concerning the words
H1697
דִּבְרֵי֙
concerning the words
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
12 of 36
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
הַסֵּ֣פֶר
of this book
H5612
הַסֵּ֣פֶר
of this book
Strong's:
H5612
Word #:
13 of 36
properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book
הַנִּמְצָ֖א
that is found
H4672
הַנִּמְצָ֖א
that is found
Strong's:
H4672
Word #:
14 of 36
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
הַזֶּ֑ה
H2088
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
16 of 36
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
גְדוֹלָ֞ה
for great
H1419
גְדוֹלָ֞ה
for great
Strong's:
H1419
Word #:
17 of 36
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
חֲמַ֣ת
is the wrath
H2534
חֲמַ֣ת
is the wrath
Strong's:
H2534
Word #:
18 of 36
heat; figuratively, anger, poison (from its fever)
יְהוָ֗ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֗ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
19 of 36
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
20 of 36
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הִיא֙
H1931
הִיא֙
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
21 of 36
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
נִצְּתָ֣ה
that is kindled
H3341
נִצְּתָ֣ה
that is kindled
Strong's:
H3341
Word #:
22 of 36
to burn or set on fire; figuratively, to desolate
עַל֩
H5921
עַל֩
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
24 of 36
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
25 of 36
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
26 of 36
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
שָׁמְע֜וּ
have not hearkened
H8085
שָׁמְע֜וּ
have not hearkened
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
27 of 36
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
אֲבֹתֵ֗ינוּ
against us because our fathers
H1
אֲבֹתֵ֗ינוּ
against us because our fathers
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
28 of 36
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
29 of 36
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
דִּבְרֵי֙
concerning the words
H1697
דִּבְרֵי֙
concerning the words
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
30 of 36
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
הַסֵּ֣פֶר
of this book
H5612
הַסֵּ֣פֶר
of this book
Strong's:
H5612
Word #:
31 of 36
properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book
הַזֶּ֔ה
H2088
לַֽעֲשׂ֖וֹת
to do
H6213
לַֽעֲשׂ֖וֹת
to do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
33 of 36
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
כְּכָל
H3605
כְּכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
34 of 36
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Historical Context
Historical Setting: 2 Kings 22 takes place during the final century of Judah's existence, 7th century BCE, including Manasseh and Josiah's reigns. The chapter's theme (Josiah's Reform Begins) reflects the historical reality of the worst apostasy under Manasseh followed by the most thorough reforms under Josiah, demonstrating that external righteousness cannot reverse God's determined judgment. Archaeological evidence from this period includes royal inscriptions, administrative documents, and material culture that corroborate the biblical account while providing additional context for understanding the political and social dynamics at work.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 22 regarding rediscovery of god's word brings renewal?
- What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
- In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Go ye, enquire of the LORD for me, and for the people, and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that is found: for great is the wrath of the LORD that is kindled against us, because our fathers have not hearkened unto the words of this book, to do according unto all that which is written concerning us.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 22: Rediscovery of God's word brings renewal. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. In Judah's later history, we see both genuine reforms and deep-rooted corruption, revealing that external religious activity cannot substitute for heart transformation.
The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.