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Hosea 6:6 For I desired mercy and not sacrifice;
and the knowledge of God more than your burnt offerings.

Bible Chapter Studies

II CHRONICLES CHAPTER 34

Welcome to the end of sixth century B.C., the year is 531B.C., and we find Father had divided the Nation of the House of Israel into two separate Nations—the House of Israel and the House of Judah—349 years ago, and one of those Nations no longer being in existence: The Nation of the House of Israel which had consisted of ten Tribes—Reuben, Simeon, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, Ephraim and half the Tribe of Manasseh—and occupied the Northern territories—which are now in the hands of the Assyrians and no longer Israelite territory—but because of their ungodliness, had been into captivity by the Assyrians. The siege of the People of the House of Israel had taken place 82 years before this Chapter—613B.C.—and 2 then years after the siege began, they were taken into captivity by the Assyrians. At some point, the People of Israel had had enough of their Assyrian captors and many of them escaped the Assyrians by fleeing up over the Caucasus Mountains; so now we are down to one Nation: the House of Judah which comprises two Tribes—Judah and Benjamin—and occupying the southern territories. At present, the House of Judah has as it’s king, king Josiah, who will begin his reign and rule by doing that which was right in Father’s eyes. As we are reading in the The Books of the Chronicles—(click here)—we are reading things in the Esoteric, meaning, we are reading things from Father’s point of view or perspective, or in other words, events viewed from the Divine standpoint, and as seen and understood by the spiritual mind, to take that further, you could say, from the moral aspect, and you could go even further and say, for those with the “eyes to see.” The reason Father split the Nation into two separate Nations was because of the actions of Israel’s third man-king, David’s son, Solomon—as can be read in I Kings 11:1-11—(click here)—taking unto himself many foreign wives, served their false gods and idols, built altars for those false gods and idols on Father’s Holy mountain, turned his back on Father, which angered Father and caused Father to tell him that He was splitting the Nation into two separate Nations, but not until Solomon returned Home to Him and his son Rehoboam took over the reign and rule of the Nation.

II Chronicles 33—(click here)—brought us 12 year old Manasseh just beginning his reign and rule of the Nation of the House of Judah. We quickly found out that he was considered an evil king, as, II Chronicles 33:2—(Click here)—told us: “…did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD,” and truly things quickly degenerated. Manasseh immediately set to work rearing up altars to baalim, re-established the asherah groves, making a golden copy of his asherah grove and putting it in Father’s House, re-instituting the worship of all the host of heaven, and re-began the worship of molech, i.e., sacrificing his children in fires. Even going this far, Manasseh wasn’t done yet, he continued to delve deeper into idolatry by using auguries—to divine, interpret, or predict, as from omens; prognosticate—using enchantments—casting of magic spells—using witchcraft, and dealing with familiar spirits through wizards. Father considered what Manasseh was doing, worse than the heathen and the Amorites. All this idolatry and worshipping of false gods and idols went on for a number of years, Father finally had had enough and brought the king of Assyria against him who took him into captivity, put hooks and chains through his lips and nose and carried him Babylon. Manasseh finally came to his senses, realized he had brought all this calamity upon himself, humbled himself and sought Father. Father heard his supplication and brought him back to his kingdom in Jerusalem. Upon returning, Manasseh cleaned-up Judah and Jerusalem by removing all his false gods, idols and images, though he removed them, sadly, he did not have the People destroy them, however; he did command all the People to again begin the worship of Father YHVH until the day of his death. When he died, the People of Judah did not bury him with the other kings of Judah, no, they buried him in the garden at his own summer residence, and then made his son Amon king over them.

Amon reinstituted all the evil practices his father had been performing at the beginning of his reign and rule over the Nation, and for such, Father only allowed him on the throne for two years before He called him Home to Him. His own servants rose up against him and slew him, and then the People of Judah rose up against those who killed him, slew them and made his son Josiah king over them. Like his father Manasseh, the People buried Amon beside his father in his own garden.

This then brings us current, and we open this Chapter with Amon’s son Josiah beginning his reign and rule over the Nation of the House of Judah. Will Josiah be a good king or will he be evil like his father? From our stand-point 2,600 plus years looking back on these events, we know that he will not\did not follow in his father’s foot-steps, no, he begins his reign and rule doing extremely well; but, let’s get into Father’s Word and read for ourselves.

With that introduction being said, let’s go to Father and ask Him for His Blessings on our Study of His Word: “ Father, I come to You right now and ask that You Oh LORD Lead me and Guide me as I try and teach Your Word, don’t allow me to mis-teach or mis-lead Your Children. We, Father, also come to You as a group who desire to Learn Your Word, to thank You for inviting us to Your table in order that we might be able to partake of and receive Your Spiritual Meat, and Father, as we prepare to dine on the sustenance which sustains our inner man, we ask that You Oh LORD open our ears and eyes, that we might be able to hear and see your Truths, open our hearts and minds and prepare us in order that we may receive Your Truth. We Pray for Your Understanding of Your Word, we seek Your Knowledge in Your Word, and most importantly Father, we Pray for and desire Your Wisdom from Your Word, in Jesus’ Precious name we Pray, thank You Father, Amen.”

I Chronicles 10:1-II Chronicles 36:21
    HISTORY (UP TO THE CAPTIVITY.)
       (Division.)
I Chronicles 11:1-II Chronicles 36:21
    THE HOUSE of DAVID. ESTABLISHED.
       (Division.)
34:1-35:27 JOSIAH. (Introversion.)
34:1 Introduction.
1A1
II Chronicles 34:1 Josiah^H2977 (founded of YAH; and, whom YHVH heals) (Yo-she-yawי, or Yo-she-yawי-hoo) was eight^H8083 years^H8141 old^H1121 when he began to reign,^H4427 and he reigned^H4427 in Jerusalem^H3389 (founded peaceful; or, the habitation of peace) (Yer-oo-shaw-lahי-im) one^H259 and thirty^H7970 years.^H8141   —>   …eight years old…=Josiah is the second youngest king of Israel; young Joash was the youngest, he ascended the throne at the age of 7 years old after being hid away from his wicked grandmother Athaliah who slew all the seed royal and ascended the throne for herself. The next youngest—after young Josiah—was Josiah’s grandfather Manasseh who ascended the throne at the age of 12. Contrast this with Josiah’s father Amon who also began his reign at the age of 12 and was bred under godly Hezekiah, young Josiah is beginning his rule at the age of 8 and was bred under ungodly Amon.

…one and thirty years=As I noted in my opening introduction, it’s the year 531B.C., and now knowing that Josiah will rule for 31 years, this will take us to the year 500B.C., only 53 years before the Nation of the House of Judah is taken into captivity by Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonians, and only 527 years before the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Josiah=For a detailed description of Josiah, including his history, the etymology of his name, the Strong’s Concordance definition of his name, and the Smith’s Bible Dictionary information, click here.

Jerusalem=For a detailed description of Jerusalem, including the Nations history, the etymology of the name, the Strong’s Concordance definition of the name, and the Smith’s Bible Dictionary information, click here.

34:2 Introduction.
34:2 Event. Personal.
    Well-doing.
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II Chronicles 34:2 And he did^H6213 that which was right^H3477 in the sight^H5869 of the LORD,^H3068 and walked^H1980 in the ways^H1870 of David^H1732 (loving; and, well-beloved) (Daw-veedי) his father,^H1 and declined^H5493 neither to the right hand,^H3225 nor to the left.^H8040   —>   Obviously David was not Josiah’s father; however, he was his grandfather to the 17^th generation; but, what this verse also shows us, is that, as always, the righteous kings were always compared to David, whereas, the unjust kings were compared against Ahab, surprisingly, not Josiah’s grandfather Manasseh.

What we’ll see in the next few verses brethren, is classicclassic Hebrew writing, where, the writer will give the outcome, or result, and then he’ll give the details to what actually transpired; but, I’ll give you some of the details up front in order to assist in understanding what all Josiah is doing in his young age and reign over the House of Judah.

Young king Josiah sought to know Father, and he tried to please Him in all that he did; and like several of his ancestor kings before him, he is beginning his reign correctly by doing those things which are pleasing to Father. What was he doing? Our answer to this question gets answered in the next few verses, let’s continue reading.

The LORD=This Title of Father as used here in this verse, is Father in His Role of יְהֹוָה, YHVH—from Dr. Bullinger’s Companion Bible Appendices: YHVH, YAHVEH, or YEHOVAH—the sacred and personal name of Father. While Elohim is God as the Creator of all things, YEHOVAH is the same God in covenant relation to those whom He has created (compare II Chronicles 18:31). YEHOVAH means the Eternal, the Immutable One, He Who WAS, and IS, and IS TO COME. The Divine definition is given in Genesis 21:33. He is especially, therefore, the God of Israel; and the God of those who are redeemed, and are thus now “in Christ”. We can say “My God,” but not “My YEHOVAH,” for YEHOVAH is “MY God.”.

David=For a detailed description of David, including his birth, history, the etymology of his name, the Strong’s Concordance definition of his name, and the Smith’s Bible Dictionary information, click here.

34:3-35:19 Events Ecclesiastical.
34:3-35:19 EVENTS
    ECCLESIASTICAL. (Division.)
34:3-33 Reformation made.
34:3-33 REFORMATION MADE.
    (Introversion. Compound Alternations.)
34:3-7 Judah and Jerusalem.
    The purging.
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II Chronicles 34:3 For in the eighth^H8083 year^H8141 of his reign,^H4427 while he^H1931 was yet^H5750 young,^H5288 he began^H2490 to seek^H1875 after the God^H430 of David^H1732 his father:^H1 and in the twelfth^H8147 ^H6240 year^H8141 he began^H2490 to purge^H2891 ^(H853) Judah^H3063 (celebrated; and, praised, celebrated) (yeh-hoo-dawי) and Jerusalem^H3389 from^H4480 the high places,^H1116 and the groves,^H842 and the carved images,^H6456 and the molten images.^H4541   —>   Young Josiah had excellent advisors, beginning with his mother, she raised him to know Father—his mother Jedidah must have been raised by Godly parents, and even though her husband Amon was doing unrighteously, doesn’t mean that she was too. During his first year of his reign—approximately 530B.C.—Father’s Prophet Zephaniah began his prophesying, and even possibly advising and mentoring the young king. Then, during his eighth year, when he was 16, he truly began his seeking of Father, and four years later at the age of 20, he began his purging of Judah of the all the asherah groves, and the idolatrous false gods and idols—these are the same images his grandfather Manasseh had made and then removed, and then his father Amon had gotten out of storage and re-set-up—this took a full 6 years to complete—we know this because, when we read the next three verses v34:4-7 below which describe the thoroughness of his cleaning up Judah, verse v34:8—(Click here)—will pick up in Josiah’s eighteenth year of his reign and rule. One year later, during Josiah’s thirteenth year—approximately 518B.C.—JeremiahFather sent His Prophet Jeremiah to join in, and also begin his leading, guiding, and prophesying. With both Zephaniah and Jeremiah leading young Josiah, he had as a minimum, two excellent counselors and guides leading and directing him on Father’s path of righteousness.

God=As used in this verse, this is אלהים, ELOHIM—from Dr. Bullinger’s Companion Bible Appendices,: ELOHIM—the genus God, in other words, Father in His role of Creator of all things. From Dr. Bullinger’s Companion Bible, Appendix 4: “ELOHIM occurs 2,700 times. Its first occurrence connects it with creation, and gives it its essential meaning as the Creator. It indicates His relation to mankind as His creatures (see note on II Chronicles 18:31, where it stands in contrast with YEHOVAH as indicating covenant relationship). ELOHIM is God the Son, the living “WORD” with creature form to create (John 1:1; Colossians 1:15-17; Revelation 3:14); and later, with human form to redeem (John 1:14). “Begotten of His Father before all worlds; born of His mother, in the world.” In this creature form He appeared to the Patriarchs, a form not temporarily assumed.”. Dr. Bullinger further notes in his Companion notes to this verse, that “(with Art.) = the [true] God.”.

Judah=For a detailed description of Judah, including the Territories history, the etymology of the name, the Strong’s Concordance definition of the name, and the Smith’s Bible Dictionary information, click here.
1A4
II Chronicles 34:4 And they brake down^H5422 ^(H853) the altars^H4196 of Baalim^H1168 in his presence;^H6440 and the images,^H2553 that^H834 were on high^H4605 above^H4480 ^H5921 them, he cut down;^H1438 and the groves,^H842 and the carved images,^H6456 and the molten images,^H4541 he brake in pieces,^H7665 and made dust^H1854 of them, and strowed^H2236 it upon^H5921 ^H6440 the graves^H6913 of them that had sacrificed^H2076 unto them.   —>   …and…=You’ll notice this verse and the next several verses begin with, and contain several uses of, the word “and,” this is known as a “polysyndeton,” and it means that there is much more which took place than what is actually being said; the second thing we notice, is the repetitious use of words or phrases similar in sense; but, different in sound and origin, such as: “break down;” “break in pieces;” “cut down;” “made dust of them;” and “strowed about,” what really stands out about these phrases, is, the thoroughness of what Josiah had the People of Judah do in his presence when he had all the false gods and idols destroyed, and he ensured he was present to personally witness their destruction.

Let’s go to II Kings 23—(Click here)—and review just how thorough Josiah was while purging Judah and Jerusalem: II Kings 23:1 And the king^H4428 sent,^H7971 and they gathered^H622 unto^H413 him all^H3605 the elders^H2205 of Judah^H3063 and of Jerusalem.^H3389 [23:2] And the king^H4428 went up^H5927 into the house^H1004 of the LORD,^H3068 and all^H3605 the men^H376 of Judah^H3063 and all^H3605 the inhabitants^H3427 of Jerusalem^H3389 with^H854 him, and the priests,^H3548 and the prophets,^H5030 and all^H3605 the People,^H5971 both small^H4480 ^H6996 and great:^H1419 and he read^H7121 in their ears^H241 ^(H853) all^H3605 the words^H1697 of the book^H5612 of the covenant^H1285 which was found^H4672 in the house^H1004 of the LORD.^H3068   —>   Since we know this Chapter of II Kings 23—(Click here) and our current Chapter here in II Chronicles 34—to be a continuation of II Kings 22—(Click here)—Josiah had just finished hearing of the calamity which Father was going to bring upon the Nation in the not too distant future, the first thing he does is call every one of the Priests, the Levites and the Prophets, and also all the Elders and city leaders of every city in the territories of the House of Judah to come to Jerusalem to meet with him. Why? Because he had been given insight from Father what is going to come to pass, and he can either just let it happen; or, he can try and have as many of his People, his fellow Israelites, repent and change from their current way of life as he can, and that is exactly what he intends to try and do. Think about Josiah’s actions here brethren; as, he is not tempting Father, but, playing the role of Moses, Samuel and our Lord Jesus, in that, his compassion for his fellow-man is causing him to stand in the gap for his fellow Israelites in order to try and save as many souls as he can. How will the People respond? That is actually a good question; as, as I said when reading II Kings 22:2—(Click here) and above here in II Chronicles 34:2—(Click here)—we saw some classic Hebrew writing, in that, in ancient Hebrew writing, sometimes the writer will give the results or outcome of a series of events, and then go into the details of what actually transpired. Well, that is exactly what we’re seeing in these two Chapters; as, in II Kings 22—(Click here)—we saw the results, and now here in both II Kings 23 and II Chronicles 34, we’re going to read the details. We know from reading II Kings 22—(Click here)—that, Josiah purged Judah of all the false gods and idols; well, now we’re going to read exactly what he did to accomplish such, hang-on brethren, as, it’s about to get dirty, and we’re going to see a purging like as hasn’t been seen for over 350 years, since young Asa cleaned the mess he faced when he became king as read in I Kings 15:11-13—(Click here)—only, Asa didn’t go as far in his purging as king Josiah is about to go! But, in any case, everybody came to the royal palace in Jerusalem, and then as one man, they all went over to Father’s Temple. Here in Kings 23:2 the verse reads “the prophets,” which tells me that Jeremiah and Zephaniah are among this crowd of people headed to Father’s Temple; whereas, in Chronicles 34:30—(Click here)—it states “the Levites,” in any case, suffice it to say, that, every male of the Nation Israel who was living in the territories of Israel attended this gathering of repentance. [23:3] And the king^H4428 stood^H5975 by^H5921 a pillar,^H5982 and made^H3772 ^(H853) a covenant^H1285 before^H6440 the LORD,^H3068 to walk^H1980 after^H310 the LORD,^H3068 and to keep^H8104 His commandments^H4687 and His testimonies^H5715 and His statutes^H2708 with all^H3605 their heart^H3820 and all^H3605 their soul,^H5315 to perform^H6965 ^(H853) the words^H1697 of this^H2063 covenant^H1285 that were written^H3789 in^H5921 this^H2088 book.^H5612 And all^H3605 the People^H5971 stood^H5975 to the covenant.^H1285   —>   Once they had all reached Father’s Temple, Josiah stood upon the brazen scaffolding, which had been set-up during the initial building of Father’s Temple, so everybody gathered could easily see him as he read from Father’s Word. Normally, it would be the Priests doing this reading; however, since Josiah was a righteous king, and since Father told him through His Prophetess what was going to come to pass, king Josiah—again, playing intercessor between Father and His Children—took it upon himself as king of the Nation to lead the Nation back to Father in repentance. Of course, though it is indeed to king doing so, he has the backing of all the Priests and the Prophets there behind him 100%. …to keep His commandments and His testimonies and His statutes…=Josiah was further expounding upon his own covenant with Father and having his people—read that, His Children—also make a covenant to be hearers and doers of Father’s Commandments, Judgments, Laws, Ordinances, and Statutes, and to follow them closely. This king was leading from the front, not from the rear, he was a wonderful king. I think this Nation, our Nation, the United States of America, at least a big majority of the people in it, seven years ago 2016, elected to return our hearts to Father as well, when we told the then democrat law breaker candidate, the corrupt media, and holliweird, and all those who followed them, that, we would no longer accept their ungodly ways, and instead elected Donald J. Trump as our President of the United States of America. Four years later, we tried and did re-elect him, however, through cheating, they stole the election from W𝔢 T𝔥𝔢 People, and we are again trying to Properly, through the Election Process, Take our Country Back by re-electing Donald Trump, after 4 years of ungodly rule. Beginning with the next verse here in II Kings 23, Josiah is going to show Father and the People, just how sincere he truly is. [23:4] And the king^H4428 commanded^H6680 ^(H853) Hilkiah^H2518 the high^H1419 priest,^H3548 and the priests^H3548 of the second order,^H4932 and the keepers^H8104 of the door,^H5592 to bring forth^H3318 out of the temple^H4480 ^H1964 of the LORD^H3068 ^(H853) all^H3605 the vessels^H3627 that were made^H6213 for Baal,^H1168 and for the grove,^H842 and for all^H3605 the host^H6635 of heaven:^H8064 and he burned^H8313 them without^H4480 ^H2351 Jerusalem^H3389 in the fields^H7709 of Kidron,^H6939 and carried^H5375 ^(H853) the ashes^H6083 of them unto Beth-el.^H1008   —>   Understand brethren, all these abominable idolatrous idols and false gods were in Father’s Temple; right there where Father said “He would and did indeed manifest His presence and abide and abode with His Children.” Of course, it has been many a year since He has done so, since it has been many years that the idol worshiping kings rejected Him, and then basically threw Him out of His own House. He burned them without Jerusalem=The High Priest, and the Levites and Prophets went into the Temple and gathered the abominable items and carried them out, either into the fields just beside the Brook Kidron, or maybe in the dry creek bed of the Brook Kidron, in either case, once there, they burned them as prescribed in Deuteronomy 7:25. Once the fires from them had been extinguished, they carried the charred remains to Beth-el where they defiled the altars there—which the first king of the divided House of Israel: Jeroboam had set up—according to the prophesy of the disobedient prophet which we read about in I Kings 13:2—(Click here). [23:5] And he put down^H7673 ^(H853) the idolatrous priests,^H3649 whom^H834 the kings^H4428 of Judah^H3063 had ordained^H5414 to burn incense^H6999 in the high places^H1116 in the cities^H5892 of Judah,^H3063 and in the places round about^H4524 Jerusalem;^H3389 them also that burned incense^H6999 unto Baal,^H1168 to the sun,^H8121 and to the moon,^H3394 and to the planets,^H4208 and to all^H3605 the host^H6635 of heaven.^H8064   —>   …idolatrous priests…=Let’s compare the two different usages of the word “priests” in this verse, with the usage of it a moment ago in v23:4. In v23:4, in the Strong’s Concordance, we find that the word priests is Hebrew word number: H3548, - כֹּהֵן, - kôhên, - pronounced: ko-haneי, and means: Active participle of H3547; literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman): - chief ruler, X own, priest, prince, principal officer. Total KJV occurrences: 750.. In other words a Priest appointed by Father through the bloodline of Levi. Now from this verse v23:5, in the Strong’s Concordance, we find that the word “priests” is Hebrew word number: H3649, - כָּמָר, - kâmâr, - pronounced: kaw-mawrי, and means: From H3648; properly an ascetic (as if shrunk with self maceration), that is, an idolatrous priest (only in plural): - Chemarims, (idolatrous) priests. Total KJV occurrences: 3., which this verse correctly identifies, saying “whom the kings of Judah had ordained,” yeppers, a priest appointed by man; and as such, not beholden to, and under no obligation to Father, or holding fast to His Commandments, Judgments, Laws, Ordinances or Statutes; however, it does make him beholden to man, and doing what that man desires. I like what Biblical historian Josephus says in his writings concerning this instance, it reads Josiah: “slew the priests of the idols that were not of the family of Aaron. And when he had done thus in Jerusalem, he came into the country, and utterly destroyed what buildings had been made therein by king Jeroboam, in honor of strange gods; and he burnt the bones of the false prophets upon that altar which Jeroboam first built.”. …planets…=Stations, i.e., the signs of the Zodiac. The word “planet” which is used here, is in the Strong’s Concordance, Hebrew word number: H4208, - מַזָּלָה, - mazzâlâh, - pronounced: maz-zaw-lawי, and means: Apparently from H5140 in the sense of raining; a constellation, that is, Zodiacal sign (perhaps as affecting the weather): - planet. Compare H4216. Total KJV occurrences: 1.. It is used only once in Father’s Word, that is here in, II Kings 23:5. Now let’s do as instructed and bring in H4216 to compare the two: H4216, - מַזָּרָה, - mazzârâh, - pronounced: maz-zaw-rawי, and means: Apparently from H5144 in the sense of distinction; some noted constellation (only in the plural), perhaps collectively the zodiac: - Mazzoroth. Compare H4208. Total KJV occurrences: 1., it’s used only once in all of Father’s Word, in Job 38:32, just as H4208 is used only once. The Babylonian name for the divisions of the Zodiac, called in the Assyrian inscriptions: Mauzalti. …all the host of heaven…=They were also worshiping the angles. Brethren do you recall what the angel told John in The Book of Revelation? Twice John went to worship the angel who was revealing him the revelations of our Lord Jesus as we read in Revelation 19:10, where we read: Revelation 19:9 And^G2532 he saith^G3004 unto me,^G3427 “Write,^G1125 ‘Blessed^G3107 are they which are called^G2564 unto^G1519 the^G3588 marriage^G1062 supper^G1173 of the^G3588 Lamb.’M”^G721 And^G2532 he saith^G3004 unto me,^G3427 “These^G3778 are^G1526 the^G3588 true^G228 sayings^G3056 of God.”^G2316 [19:10] And^G2532 I fell^G4098 at^G1715 his^G848 feet^G4228 to worship^G4352 him.^G846 And^G2532 he said^G3004 unto me,^G3427 “See^G3708 thou do it not:^G3361 I am^G1510 thy^G4675 fellowservant,^G4889 and^G2532 of thy^G4675 brethren^G80 that have^G2192 the^G3588 testimony^G3141 of Jesus:^G2424 worship^G4352 God:^G2316 for^G1063 the^G3588 testimony^G3141 of Jesus^G2424 is the^G3588 spirit^G4151 of prophecy.”^G4394 and then again in Revelation 22:8-9, which reads: Revelation 22:8 And^G2532 ℑ^G1473 John^G2491 saw^G991 these things,^G5023 and^G2532 heard^G191 them. And^G2532 when^G3753 I had heard^G191 and^G2532 seen,^G991 I fell down^G4098 to worship^G4352 before^G1715 the^G3588 feet^G4228 of the^G3588 angel^G32 which shewed^G1166 me^G3427 these things.^G5023 [22:9] Then^G2532 saith^G3004 he unto me,^G3427 “See^G3708 thou do it not:^G3361 for^G1063 I am^G1510 thy^G4675 fellowservant,^G4889 and^G2532 of thy^G4675 brethren^G80 the^G3588 prophets,^G4396 and^G2532 of them which keep^G5083 the^G3588 sayings^G3056 of this^G5127 book:^G975 worship^G4352 God.”^G2316. Let’s return now to II Kings 23 for three more verses before we return to II Chronicles 34. [23:6] And he brought out^H3318 ^(H853) the grove^H842 from the house^H4480 ^H1004 of the LORD,^H3068 without^H4480 ^H2351 Jerusalem,^H3389 unto^H413 the brook^H5158 Kidron,^H6939 and burned^H8313 𝔦t at the brook^H5158 Kidron,^H6939 and stamped it small^H1854 to powder,^H6083 and cast^H7993 ^(H853) the powder^H6083 thereof upon^H5921 the graves^H6913 of the children^H1121 of the people.^H5971   —>   Let’s turn again and read from Biblical historian Josephus’ writings, we read: “After these things, Josiah went also to such other Israelites as had escaped captivity and slavery under the Assyrians, and persuaded them to desist from their impious practices, and to leave off the honors they paid to strange gods, but to worship rightly their own Almighty God, and adhere to him. He also searched the houses, and the villages, and the cities, out of a suspicion that somebody might have one idol or other in private; nay, indeed, he took away the chariots [of the sun] that were set up in his royal palace, which his predecessors had framed, and what thing soever there was besides which they worshipped as a god.”. [23:7] And he brake down^H5422 ^(H853) the houses^H1004 of the sodomites,^H6945 that^H834 were by the house^H1004 of the LORD,^H3068 where^H834 ^H8033 the women^H802 wove^H707 hangings^H1004 for the grove.^H842   —>   Like his grand-father to the twelfth generation before him—one named Asa—Josiah continues his purge of Judah by clearing out those who desire to deal in perverted proclivities. Why did both these kings—Asa and now Josiah—level this action against the people who were doing such? Two reasons immediately come to my mind: (1) because of what Father did to Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 18 and Genesis 19; and because (2) what Father told Moses in Deuteronomy 23:17-18, where we read: Deuteronomy 23:17 There shall be^H1961 no^H3808 whore^H6948 of the daughters^H4480 ^H1323 of Israel,^H3478 nor^H3808 a sodomite^H6945 of the sons^H4480 ^H1121 of Israel.^H3478   —>   …no whore of the daughters of Israel…=Let’s look at this word “whore,” in our Strong’s Concordance and we’ll find that it is Hebrew word number: H6948, - קְדֵשָ ה, - q^edêshâh, - pronounced: ked-ay-shawי, and means: Feminine of H6945; a female devotee (that is, prostitute): - harlot, whore. Total KJV occurrences: 5.. So, in other words, a whore as used in this application means: a sodomitess; or a woman who was consecrated to be used as such during heathen worship services, and what Father is saying, is that, none of the Israelite women were to make themselves available as such, and the men were to not use the Israelite women nor bring in foreign women to use as such in worship of Him. Here, as we see, the word in the Hebrew language is q^edêshâh and means a separated one; or an unclean temple woman. We’ll see in the next verse, a different use of the word whore. …a sodomite of the sons of Israel…=Now let’s look at this word “sodomite” and we find that in the Strong’s Concordance, it is Hebrew word number: H6945, - קָדֵש, - qâdêsh, - pronounced: kaw-dasheי, and means: From H6942; a (quasi) sacred person, that is, (technically) a (male) devotee (by prostitution) to licentious idolatry: - sodomite, unclean. Total KJV occurrences: 6.. This is the same as the word whore as used in this verse; though in this application, it was a man who made himself available as a whore for other men to use in place of a woman for sexual acts, in other words, he was playing the role of a woman and allowing his orifices to be penetrated by other men, in the worship of false gods and in this case: Father, a strict no-no, as; it was a filthy unclean abomination to Him! [23:18] Thou shalt not^H3808 bring^H935 the hire^H868 of a whore,^H2181 or the price^H4242 of a dog,^H3611 into the house^H1004 of the LORD^H3068 thy God^H430 for any^H3605 vow:^H5088 for^H3588 even^H1571 both^H8147 these are abomination^H8441 unto the LORD^H3068 thy God.^H430   —>   …the hire of a whore…=Here, Father is again talking about prostitutes, both female and male, and what He is saying, is that, our Forefathers were to not be as the heathen who used both in worship services to their false gods, and Father definitely didn’t want our forefathers to use prostitutes as worship vessels when worshiping Him. …whore…=We’ll see that this word is different than in the previous verse as; here in Deuteronomy 23:18, in the Strong’s Concordance, it is Hebrew word number: H2181, - זָנָה, - zânâh, - pronounced: zaw-nawי, and means: A primitive root (highly fed and therefore wanton); to commit adultery (usually of the female, and less often of simple fornication, rarely of involuntary ravishment); figuratively to commit idolatry (the Jewish people being regarded as the spouse of YHVH): - (cause to) commit fornication, X continually, X great, (be an, play the) harlot, (cause to be, play the) whore, (commit, fall to) whoredom, (cause to) go a-whoring, whorish. Total KJV occurrences: 93.. Again, Father is saying that it is an abomination to Him for women—and men—to allow themselves to be used as prostitutes in worship services to Him, and that both, a man to allow another man to use him in place of a woman as a sexual object and as such in worship to false gods, and especially in worship to Him is an abomination to Him! He created man for woman and woman for man! Not, man-to-man, nor woman-to-woman! …hangings…=This is referring to veils, or cloth curtains, which were used to cover the asherah, think of the catholic processions of today, where, as they make their march with their virgin on their stick, they have her covered until a certain time in the procession. One more verse here in II Kings 23 and then we’ll return to II Chronicles 34: [23:8] And he brought^H935 ^(H853) all^H3605 the priests^H3548 out of the cities^H4480 ^H5892 of Judah,^H3063 and defiled^H2930 ^(H853) the high places^H1116 where^H834 ^H8033 the priests^H3548 had burned incense,^H6999 from Geba^H4480 ^H1387 to^H5704 Beer-sheba,^H884 and brake down^H5422 ^(H853) the high places^H1116 of the gates^H8179 that^H834 were in the entering in^H6607 of the gate^H8179 of Joshua^H3091 the governor^H8269 of the city,^H5892 which^H834 were on^H5921 a man’s^H376 left hand^H8040 at the gate^H8179 of the city.^H5892   —>   Geba was in the very northern part of the territories of Judah; whereas, Beer-sheba was in the very southern portion, and what this is saying, is that, Josiah went throughout all Judah defiling, desecrating, and destroying every single altar which had been erected to false gods. …high places…=Since the time of Solomon’s reign as king, nobody had been able to completely destroy, remove, or wipeout these idolatrous places of worship; however, Josiah was able to do so, he completely desecrated every one of them. He heard Father loud and clear, he tried to do what was right and completely cleaned-up Judah.
1A5
II Chronicles 34:5 And he burnt^H8313 the bones^H6106 of the priests^H3548 upon^H5921 their altars,^H4196 and cleansed^H2891 ^(H853) Judah^H3063 and Jerusalem.^H3389   —>   On time, and as Father had one of His Prophets prophesy 361 years ago—during the reign of Jeroboam and our reading of his reign, found in I Kings 13—(Click here)—the bones of Jeroboam and the priests who offered and burned incense to false gods up in the high places are now being burnt upon the altar Jeroboam had set up.
1A6
II Chronicles 34:6 And so did he in the cities^H5892 of Manasseh,^H4519 (causing to forget; or, forgetting) (men-ash-shehי) and Ephraim,^H669(double fruit; and double fruitfulness) (ef-rahי-yim) (territory) and Simeon,^H8095(hearing; and, heard (shim-oneי) even unto^H5704 Naphtali,^H5321 (my wrestling; and, wrestling) (naf-taw-leeי) (secondary map) with their mattocks^H2719 round about.^H5439   —>   As we see, Josiah didn’t stop with just Jerusalem and Judah, he went up into the old northern territories of Ephraim, Manasseh and Naphtali, right into the heart of the territories now possessed by the heathen. Simeon, though always included with Judah, they were considered as part of the northern ten tribes; however, geographically, as we see on the map—(Click here)—their territory was smack in the middle of Judah.

…mattocks…=This word mattocks when we look it up in our Strong’s Concordance, we find it means “drought” and Dr. Bullinger notes in his Companion Bible that, this means: “in their ruins,” so combining the two, we can then come to what the writer is saying, and that is a ruinous drought. Understand brethren, there Spiritually was a ruinous drought taking place in Judah when Josiah came into power.
cities of Manasseh
…cities of Manasseh…=The Tribe of Manasseh being the largest tribe was allotted the second largest parcels of land when Father brought our forefathers into the Promised Land. The Tribe of Manasseh was divided into two halves, those who were granted territory on the eastern side of the Jordan River, and those on the western side. The territory on the eastern side of the Jordan river included the cities of: Ashtaroth, Bashan, Edrei, Gilead, and Golan. The territories on the western side of the Jordan included the cities of: Beth-Shan, Megiddo, Samaria—the Capital city for the ten northern Tribes—Shechem, Taanach, and Tirzah.
cities of Ephraim
…cities of Ephraim…=Ephraim had on it’s southern border, the Tribes of Benjamin and Dan, which also lie on Ephraim’s western border. On their north and eastern border lie the Tribe of Manasseh—the sons who were allotted their inheritance on the western side of the Jordan River. Cities of Ephraim included Aphek and Shiloh. We read of Ephraim’s inheritance in Joshua 16:5-9, where we read: Joshua 16:5 And the border^H1366 of the children^H1121 of Ephraim^H669 according to their families^H4940 was^H1961 thus: even the border^H1366 of their inheritance^H5159 on the east^H4217 side was^H1961 Ataroth-addar,^H5853 unto^H5704 Beth-horon^H1032 the upper;^H5945 [16:6] And the border^H1366 went out^H3318 toward the sea^H3220 to Michmethah^H4366 on the north side;^H4480 ^H6828 and the border^H1366 went about^H5437 eastward^H4217 unto Taanath-shiloh,^H8387 and passed by^H5674 𝔦t on the east^H4480 ^H4217 to Janohah;^H3239 [16:7] And it went down^H3381 from Janohah^H4480 ^H3239 to Ataroth,^H5852 and to Naarath,^H5292 and came^H6293 to Jericho,^H3405 and went out^H3318 at Jordan.^H3383 [16:8] The border^H1366 went out^H1980 from Tappuah^H4480 ^H8599 westward^H3220 unto the river^H5158 Kanah;^H7071 and the goings out^H8444 thereof were^H1961 at the sea.^H3220 This^H2063 is the inheritance^H5159 of the tribe^H4294 of the children^H1121 of Ephraim^H669 by their families.^H4940 [16:9] And the separate^H3995 cities^H5892 for the children^H1121 of Ephraim^H669 were among^H8432 the inheritance^H5159 of the children^H1121 of Manasseh,^H4519 all^H3605 the cities^H5892 with their villages.^H2691.
cities of Simeon
…cities of Simeon…=Simeon’s allotment and inheritance was always with that of Judah. We read the following in Genesis 49:5-7: Genesis 49:5 Simeon^H8095 and Levi^H3878 are brethren;^H251 instruments^H3627 of cruelty^H2555 are in their habitations.^H4380 [49:6] O my soul,^H5315 come^H935 not^H408 thou into their secret;^H5475 unto their assembly,^H6951 mine honour,^H3519 be not^H408 thou united:^H3161 for^H3588 in their anger^H639 they slew^H2026 a man,^H376 and in their selfwill^H7522 they digged down^H6131 a wall.^H7791 [49:7] Cursed^H779 be their anger,^H639 for^H3588 it was fierce;^H5794 and their wrath,^H5678 for^H3588 it was cruel:^H7185 I will divide^H2505 them in Jacob,^H3290 and scatter^H6327 them in Israel.^H3478. Simeon, though always included with Judah, they were considered as part of the northern ten tribes; however, geographically, their territory was smack in the middle of Judah. Cities of Simeon included Beer-sheba, Hormah and Ziklag. We read of Simeon’s inheritance in Joshua 19:1-9, where we read: Joshua 19:1 And the second^H8145 lot^H1486 came forth^H3318 to Simeon,^H8095 even for the tribe^H4294 of the children^H1121 of Simeon^H8095 according to their families:^H4940 and their inheritance^H5159 was^H1961 within^H8432 the inheritance^H5159 of the children^H1121 of Judah.^H3063 [19:2] And they had^H1961 in their inheritance^H5159 Beer-sheba,^H884 or Sheba,^H7652 and Moladah,^H4137 [19:3] And Hazar-shual,^H2705 and Balah,^H1088 and Azem,^H6107 [19:4] And Eltolad,^H513 and Bethul,^H1329 and Hormah,^H2767 [19:5] And Ziklag,^H5850 and Beth-marcaboth,^H1024 and Hazar-susah,^H2701 [19:6] And Beth-lebaoth,^H1034 and Sharuhen;^H8287 thirteen^H7969 ^H6240 cities^H5892 and their villages:^H2691 [19:7] Ain,^H5871 Remmon,^H7417 and Ether,^H6281 and Ashan;^H6228 four^H702 cities^H5892 and their villages:^H269 [19:8] And all^H3605 the villages^H2691 that^H834 were round about^H5439 these^H428 cities^H5892 to^H5704 Baalath-beer,^H1192 Ramath^H7418 of the south.^H5045 This^H2063 is the inheritance^H5159 of the tribe^H4294 of the children^H1121 of Simeon^H8095 according to their families.^H4940 [19:9] Out of the portion^H4480 ^H2256 of the children^H1121 of Judah^H3063 was the inheritance^H5159 of the children^H1121 of Simeon:^H8095 for^H3588 the part^H2506 of the children^H1121 of Judah^H3063 was^H1961 too much^H7227 for them:^H4480 therefore the children^H1121 of Simeon^H8095 had their inheritance^H5157 within^H8432 the inheritance^H5159 of them..
cities of Naphtali
…cities of Naphtali…=The Tribe of Naphtali was allotted the northern most portion of land on the western side of the Jordan River. The borders of Naphtali were as follows: the northern and north-western border was Aram; on the east they were bordered by the Jordan river, a tiny portion of Gad on the southern portion, and Manasseh on the northern portion; to the south, they were bordered by Issachar to the east, and Zebulun to the west; their western border was Asher. The cities within the territory of Naphtali included the city of Dan, Hazor, Kedesh and Merom. We read of Naphtali’s inheritance in Joshua 19:32-39, where we read: Joshua 19:32 The sixth^H8345 lot^H1486 came out^H3318 to the children^H1121 of Naphtali,^H5321 even for the children^H1121 of Naphtali^H5321 according to their families.^H4940 [19:33] And their coast^H1366 was^H1961 from Heleph,^H4480 ^H2501 from Allon^H4480 ^H436 to Zaanannim,^H6815 and Adami,^H129 Nekeb,^H5346 and Jabneel,^H2995 unto^H5704 Lakum;^H3946 and the outgoings^H8444 thereof were^H1961 at Jordan:^H3383 [19:34] And then the coast^H1366 turneth^H7725 westward^H3220 to Aznoth-tabor,^H243 and goeth out^H3318 from thence^H4480 ^H8033 to Hukkok,^H2712 and reacheth^H6293 to Zebulun^H2074 on the south side,^H5045 and reacheth^H6293 to Asher^H836 on the west side,^H4480 ^H3220 and to Judah^H3063 upon Jordan^H3383 toward the sunrising.^H4217 ^H8121 [19:35] And the fenced^H4013 cities^H5892 are Ziddim,^H6661 Zer,^H5853 and Hammath,^H2575 Rakkath,^H7557 and Chinnereth,^H3672 [19:36] And Adamah,^H128 and Ramah,^H7414 and Hazor,^H2674 [19:37] And Kedesh,^H6943 and Edrei,^H154 and En-hazor,^H5877 [19:38] And Iron,^H3375 and Migdal-el,^H4027 Horem,^H2765 and Beth-anath,^H1043 and Beth-shemesh;^H1053 nineteen^H8672 ^H6240 cities^H5892 with their villages.^H2691 [19:39] This^H2063 is the inheritance^H5159 of the tribe^H4294 of the children^H1121 of Naphtali^H5321 according to their families,^H4940 the cities^H5892 and their villages.^H2691.
1A7
II Chronicles 34:7 And when he had broken down^H5422 ^(H853) the altars^H4196 and the groves,^H842 and had beaten^H3807 the graven images^H6456 into powder,^H1854 and cut down^H1438 all^H3605 the idols^H2553 throughout all^H3605 the land^H776 of Israel,^H3478 he returned^H7725 to Jerusalem.^H3389   —>   Let’s return to II Kings 23 to continue reading what Josiah had the People do in his presence: II Kings 23:10 And he defiled^H2930 ^(H853) Topheth,^H8612 which^H834 is in the valley^H1516 of the children^H1121 of Hinnom,^H2100 that no^H1115 man^H376 might make^(H853) his son^H1121 or his daughter^H1323 to pass through^H5674 the fire^H784 to Molech.^H4432 —> Topheth=Topheth is put for any abhorrent practice or worship service. We find that in the Smith’s Bible Dictionary, that, Topheth means a place of burning; whereas, the “valley of Hinnom,” was a junction of three different valleys uniting in the southern portion of Jerusalem, and what this is saying, is, that, in this junction, our forefathers did a continual burning, it was mainly used to burn garbage; however, sadly, this was also where they took their first born sons and daughters to burn them in these fires to molech. [23:11] And he took away^H7673 ^(H853) the horses^H5483 that^H834 the kings^H4428 of Judah^H3063 had given^H5414 to the sun,^H8121 at the entering in^H4480 ^H935 of the house^H1004 of the LORD,^H3068 by^H413 the chamber^H3957 of Nathan-melech^H5419 the chamberlain,^H5631 which^H834 was in the suburbs,^H6503 and burned^H8313 the chariots^H4818 of the sun^H8121 with fire.^H784   —>   These horses and chariots which Josiah took away, was a practice which presumably started during the days of Manasseh and Amon whereas; the kings would have their soldiers attach the chariots to the horses before the sun arose in the morning, then he and all his soldiers would mount-up in preparation for the suns rising, and upon daybreak they would charge off toward the east in order to meet the sun at its arrival. Once there, they would then burn the chariots in worship of the sun as the giver of life, rather than worship the Creator of the sun, Who is the True Giver of Life. This was a form of religious practice to try to please the sun gods. It was almost as stupid as the idea of “sun-rise services” which many of our denominal kurch houses hold to this day; the rapture theory; and other man-made practices; whereby, people are completely disregarding the prophecies of Father’s Word in favor of man’s customs and traditions which are accepted in the kurch houses of our land today. The congregants rush to meet the morning sun, sort of like the new language practice which many churches are allowing among their pastors and congregations. [23:12] And the altars^H4196 that^H834 were on^H5921 the top^H1406 of the upper chamber^H5944 of Ahaz,^H271 which^H834 the kings^H4428 of Judah^H3063 had made,^H6213 and the altars^H4196 which^H834 Manasseh^H4519 had made^H6213 in the two^H8147 courts^H2691 of the house^H1004 of the LORD,^H3068 did the king^H4428 beat down,^H5422 and brake them down^H7323 from thence,^H4480 ^H8033 and cast^H7993 ^(H853) the dust^H6083 of them into^H413 the brook^H5158 Kidron.^H6939   —>   Remember, Hezekiah had already removed these idolatrous altars which his father Ahaz had erected; however, his son Manasseh had rebuilt them when Hezekiah had returned Home to Father. Now, Josiah is again removing them. Ya gotta give it to ole Josiah; as, he is doing it right in his cleaning house; as we see, he is removing all those old idols, and forms of worship and busting them up, burning them and scattering their ashes in the brook Kidron. [23:13] And the high places^H1116 that^H834 were before^H5921 ^H6440 Jerusalem,^H3389 which^H834 were on the right hand^H4480 ^H3225 of the mount^H2022 of corruption,^H4889 which^H834 Solomon^H8010 the king^H4428 of Israel^H3478 had builded^H1129 for Ashtoreth^H6253 the abomination^H8251 of the Zidonians,^H6722 and for Chemosh^H3645 the abomination^H8251 of the Moabites,^H4124 and for Milcom^H4445 the abomination^H8441 of the children^H1121 of Ammon,^H5983 did the king^H4428 defile.^H2930   —>   Remember, it was Solomon who Father came to in that dream and told him to ask of his heart’s desire, Solomon replied that he only wanted Father’s Wisdom in order to be able to judge His Children; then, after being king for so many years, he started to get the big head, and he started taking wives and concubines unto himself, many of these women were foreign women who sexually satisfied him; and for their doing so, he build altars to their gods for them to worship at, right there on Father’s Holy Mount, The Mount of Olives, the same place where in the future our Lord Jesus will be crucified, which as we read here, is called the mount of corruption because of the idolatries committed upon it. [23:14] And he brake in pieces^H7665 ^(H853) the images,^H4676 and cut down^H3772 ^(H853) the groves,^H842 and filled^H4390 ^(H853) their places^H4725 with the bones^H6106 of men.^H120   —>   Again, as we see, this fulfills Father’s Prophesy which had been given 361 years before it came to pass. Brethren, should anyone ever tell you that Father’s Word isn’t real or true, there is no need to argue with them; as, we know in our hearts that they are incorrect; as, we have it right here in this Prophesy, and also in the Prophesy of Psalms 22, where we read of Jesus’ crucifixion, written 1,000 years before it came to pass, even going so far as to mention and record what the high priest would say and of the gambling for Jesus’ garments. [23:15] Moreover^H1571 ^(H853) the altar^H4196 that^H834 was at Beth-el,^H1008 and the high place^H1116 which^H834 Jeroboam^H3379 the son^H1121 of Nebat,^H5028 who^H834 made^(H853) Israel^H3478 to sin,^H2398 had made,^H6213 both^H1571 ^(H853) that^H1931 altar^H4196 and the high place^H1116 he brake down,^H5422 and burned^H8313 ^(H853) the high place,^H1116 and stamped it small^H1854 to powder,^H6083 and burned^H8313 the grove.^H842   —>   Do you recall when Father split the Nation into two separate and distinct Houses? Do you further recall who the king of each House was? Solomon’s son Rehoboam was king over the House of Judah, and Jeroboam was king over the House of Israel. So, what this is saying, is that, Josiah didn’t stop in Judah; no, he continued on and even went to those places in the old ten northern tribes where heathen altars were build Jeroboam, even to the places where the two golden calves were worshipped, and destroyed the altars there. Though the land was controlled by the king of Assyria, Josiah still had a free reign and was in charge of what went on in the land. Remember, after the Judah’s brothers the Israelites were hauled away, the people which were brought in to fill the land pleaded to have the priests of Israel return, in order that they could worship the “god of the land.” These priests taught these Samaritans how to worship those same heathen gods, just as the Israelites did before them.

Once all the images and idols were completely destroyed, and the groves cut down, Josiah, as we read in II Kings 23:14—(Click here)—“filled their places with the bones of men,” once that was done, he returned to Jerusalem.

34:8-13 Temple. Repair.
1A8
II Chronicles 34:8 Now in the eighteenth^H8083 ^H6240 year^H8141 of his reign,^H4427 when he had purged^H2891 the land,^H776 and the house,^H1004 he sent^H7971 ^(H853) Shaphan^H8227 (from H8226, a species of rock rabbit (from its hiding); and, coney) (shaw-fawnי) the son^H1121 of Azaliah,^H683 (YAH has reserved; and, whom YAH has reserved) (ats-al-yawי-hoo) and Maaseiah^H4641 (work of YAH; and, work of YAH) (mah-as-ay-yawי-hoo) the governor^H8269 of the city,^H5892 and Joah^H3098 (YHVH-brothered; and, whose brother (i.e., helper) is YHVH) (yo-awkhי) the son^H1121 of Joahaz^H3099 (YHVH-seized; and, whom YHVH holds) (yo-aw-khawzי) the recorder,^H2142 to repair^H2388 ^(H853) the house^H1004 of the LORD^H3068 his God.^H430   —>   It is not mentioned here, but, Shaphan is a royal scribe and secretary.

So, the land had been purged of all the false gods and idols and Father’s House had all the nasty idolatrous items removed. Now it is time to Clean and His House; and to also repair ℑt—remember brethren, Solomon completed building Father’s House in the year 910B.C., that makes ℑt 398 years old and some of that lumber was probably starting to show its age, His House had also been abused by his father Amon and some of the other kings, so ℑt is in need of some repairs—so Josiah is sending these three men of his royal cabinet to Father’s House and begin the actual cleaning and repairing of ℑt.collect Before they go to Father’s House, they will first go throughout the land and collect the monies which had been collected to begin the repairs, where are they going to go? They’ll go to every territory throughout Judah and they’ll even go to the Peoples who are still up in the territories of the old ten northern Tribes, up into Ephraim and Manasseh. Now these Peoples are physically in the hands of the Assyrians; however, religiously and/or Spiritually, they are under Josiah, and he expects them to give monies for the repair of Father’s House.

As none of these men—Shaphan, Maaseiah and Joah—are the High Priest, that means none of them are allowed into the Holiest of Holies, so they can only clean the inner court and the Holy Place. But, as we’ll read in the next verse, when they get there, they’ll go see Hilkiah, the High Priest. We read in II Kings 22:3-4—(Click here)—that Josiah actually sent them to see Hilkiah. They didn’t go to only clean Father’s House, they are also going in order to pay those who were responsible for purchasing the construction materials—the timber, the marble and granite stone and such—and for performing the work—the carpenters, the masons and such.

Shaphan=For a detailed description of Shaphan, including his birth, his history, the etymology of his name, the Strong’s Concordance definition of his name, and the Smith’s Bible Dictionary information, click here.

Azaliah=For a detailed description of Azaliah, including his birth, his history, the etymology of his name, the Strong’s Concordance definition of his name, and the Smith’s Bible Dictionary information, click here.
Maaseiah
Masseiah=Maaseiah is identified in Jeremiah 35:4—(Click here)—as being the son of Shallum. When we turn back and read Jeremiah 32:7-8, we find that Shallum is the uncle of Father’s Prophet Jeremiah, thus making Maaseiah a cousin to Jeremiah; we further read in Jeremiah 32:7, that Maaseiah has a brother named Hanameel; researching further still, we find in II Kings 22:14—(Click here)—that Father’s Prophetess Huldah was the wife of a man named Shallum—“keeper of the wardrobe” in Father’s House—who most likely is the same Shallum who was Maaseiah’s father, which would then make Huldah Maaseiah’s mother. I can pretty much determine this because, all three are mentioned during the reigns of Josiah and his son Jehoiakim. Jeremiah tells us in Jeremiah 35:4—(Click here)—that Maaseiah has his own chamber inside Father’s Temple—whether this chamber was his personal living quarters, an office, or both, Father’s Word doesn’t declare—and that he was the “keeper of the door.” His having his own chamber and being a “keeper of the door,” means that he was a Levite, a Priest—which would stand to reason as he had his own chamber in Father’s Temple—and he was the Chief of Security of Father’s Temple and also of the High Priest. Maaseiah also had a son named Neriah, whose son—Baruch—was Jeremiah’s scribe. This same Maaseiah—as we read in II Chronicles 34:8—(Click here)—was the governor of Jerusalem during the reign and rule of Josiah, king of the House of Judah. † Researching the etymology of the name Maaseiah, I discovered Abarim Publications does not list a description or an etymology of the name Maaseiah. † Now from the Strong’s Concordance, we find that the name Maaseiah is Hebrew word number: H4641, - מַעֲשֵׂיָהi, or מַעֲשֵׂיָהוּ, - ma‛ăśêyâhi, or ma‛ăśêyâhû, - pronounced: mah-as-ay-yawי, or mah-as-ay-yawי-hoo, and means: From H4639 and H3050; work of Yah; Maasejah, the name of sixteen Israelites: - Masseiah. Total KJV occurrences: 23.. † Now from the Smith’s Bible Dictionary where we read: “word of the Lord. The son of Shallum, a Levite of high rank in the reign of Jehoiakim, (Jeremiah 35:4) compare, I Chronicles 9:19.”.
Joah
Joah=Joah was the son of a man named Joahaz—II Chroicles 34:8—(Click here)—of whom nothing is written in Father’s Word, except that he was the father of Joah. There is no other genealogy, either up-line or down-line for Joah. Joah was a recorder, or keeper of the state archives, under King Josiah—II Chronicles 34:8—(Click here)—who was also part of the delegation Josiah sent to repair Father’s House, along with Shaphan and Maaseiah. † Abarim Publications does not provide an etymology of the name Joah, however, I believe I can: the name Joah consists of two elements, the first being יה (Yah) = יהו (Yahu) = יו (Yu), which in turn are abbreviated forms of the Tetragrammaton; YHVH or YAHVEH, the Sacred Name of Father. This very short abbreviation of YHVH also occurs in the names Joab, Jochebed and Jonathan to name but a few. The second element of the name Joah is אח ss(יah), meaning brother. † Now from the Strong’s Concordance, we find that the name Joah is Hebrew word number: H3098, - יוֹאָח, - yô'âch, - pronounced: yo-awkhי, and means: From H3068 and H251; YHVH-brothered; Joach, the name of four Israelites: - Joah. Total KJV occurrences: 11.. † Now from the Smith’s Bible Dictionary where we read: “Whose brother (i.e., helper) is YHVH. The son of Joahaz, and annalist or keeper, of the records to Josiah, II Chronicles 34:8.”.
Joahaz
Joahaz=Joahaz was the father of a man named Joah who was a recorder, or keeper of the state archives, under King Josiah—II Chroicles 34:8—(Click here)—who was also part of the delegation Josiah sent to repair Father’s House, along with Shaphan and Maaseiah. Again, except of his son Joah, there is no other genealogy, either up-line or down-line for Joahaz. Likewise also, other than being listed or identified as his being the father of Joah, there is nothing else written of Joahaz in Father’s Word, as such, we know nothing else of the man, we don’t know when he was born, anything he did, or how long he lived. † For the etymology of the name Joahaz, we read the following in Abarim Publications: “Like the name Jehoahaz, the name Joahaz consists of two elements, the first being יה (Yah) = יהו (Yahu) = יו (Yu), which in turn are abbreviated forms of the Tetragrammaton; YHVH or YAHVEH, the Sacred Name of Father. This very short abbreviation of YHVH also occurs in the names Joab, Jochebed and Jonathan to name but a few. The second part of our name comes from the verb אחז (ahaz), meaning to take hold of, seize or grasp. For a meaning of the name Joahaz, New Open Bible Study Edition (NOBSE) Study Bible Name List reads Yahveh has Laid Hold Of. Jones’ Dictionary of Old Testament Proper Names has Whom The Lord Holds Fast. And Brown Driver Briggs (BDB) Theological Dictionary proposes Yah Hath Grasped.”. † Now from the Strong’s Concordance, we find that the name Joahaz is Hebrew word number: H3099, - יוֹאָחָז, - yô'âchâz, - pronounced: yo-aw-khawzי, and means: A form of H3059; YHVH seized; Joachaz, the name of two Israelites: - Jehoahaz, Joahaz. Total KJV occurrences: 1.. † Now from the Smith’s Bible Dictionary where we read: “Whom YHVH holds. The father of Joah, the chronicler or keeper, of the records to King Josiah, II Chronicles 34:8.”.
1A9
II Chronicles 34:9 And when they came^H935 to^H413 Hilkiah^H2518 (portion of YAH; and, YAH is my portion) (khil-kee-yawי) the high^H1419 priest,^H3548 they delivered^H5414 ^(H853) the money^H3701 that was brought into^H935 the house^H1004 of God,^H430 which^H834 the Levites^H3881 (patronymic from H3878, attached, a Leviite or descendant of Levi; or, descendants of Levi) (lay-veeי) that kept^H8104 the doors^H5592 had gathered^H622 of the hand^H4480 ^H3027 of Manasseh^H4519 and Ephraim,^H669 and of all^H4480 ^H3605 the remnant^H7611 of Israel,^H3478 and of all^H4480 ^H3605 Judah^H3063 and Benjamin;^H1144 (son of (the) right hand; or, son of the right hand, fortunate (bin-yaw-meneי) and they returned^H7725 to Jerusalem.^H3389   —>   …delivered the money…=This is the monies I mentioned in the previous verse—(Click here)—which had been collected from the Peoples throughout Jerusalem, Judah, Simeon, and those who were still residing in the territories of the old ten northern tribes—yes, those territories are in the hands of the Assyrians; but, there is still that remnant of our forefathers who are still residing there who Josiah expects to donate to the repair of Father’s House.

…the Levites that kept the doors…=These Levites were probably the Porters, the Cherethites and the Pelethites—the Porters were the door keepers, i.e, the security forces; while the Cherethites and Pelethites were the executioners of the kings will, executioner being one who enforced the will of the king, not as a executioner as we think of one today from the middle ages, i.e., one who is in charge of carrying-out or performing a death-sentence.

Once the money was delivered to Hilkiah, Shaphan, Maaseiah and Joah returned to Jerusalem and notified Joaiah that their mission was completed.

Hilkiah=For a detailed description of Hilkiah, including his history, the etymology of his name, the Strong’s Concordance definition of his name, and the Smith’s Bible Dictionary information, click here.

Levites=For a detailed description of the Levites, including their history, the etymology of the name, the Strong’s Concordance definition of his name, and the Smith’s Bible Dictionary information, click here.

Benjamite=For a detailed description of the Benjamites, including Their history, the etymology of the word, the Strong’s Concordance definition of the name, and the Smith’s Bible Dictionary information, click here.
1A10
II Chronicles 34:10 And they put^H5414 it in^H5921 the hand^H3027 of the workmen^H6213 ^H4399 that had the oversight^H6485 of the house^H1004 of the LORD,^H3068 and they gave^H5414 it to the workmen^H6213 ^H4399 that^H834 wrought^H6213 in the house^H1004 of the LORD,^H3068 to repair^H918 and amend^H2388 the house:^H1004   —>   So, Hilkiah has the money—the sum of which had already been ascertained, in order that they would know what repairs they could afford—and he’s about to turn it over to the overseers of those who did the labor—we’ll read when we come to verse v34:12 below—(Click here)—that, this was Jahath and Obadiah of the sons of Merari, and Zechariah and Meshullam of the sons of Kohath—they in-turn paid the carpenters, the builders, and the stone masons etc..

We can compare Josiah and his cleaning-up Jerusalem, Judah and Father’s House here, with another of his ancestors, one named Joash. Josiah began his reign and rule at the age of eight, whereas, Joash began his reign and rule at the age of seven. If you’ll recall, Joash—because of his wicked grand-mother Athaliah and her slaying all the seed-royal—he lived in Father’s House for the first seven years of his life—see II Chronicles 22:11 (Click here) and II Chronicles 24 (Click here). As he did live in Father’s House for those seven years, he saw a need for repairs to ℑt, therefore he gathered the Levites and the Priests and had them set to collect the monies from all the Peoples to begin the repairs; and then set about to effect the repairs. It’s funny in a non-humorous way, that the best restorations to Father’s House was conducted by the two youngest kings.
1A11
II Chronicles 34:11 Even to the artificers^H2796 and builders^H1129 gave^H5414 they it, to buy^H7069 hewn^H4274 stone,^H68 and timber^H6086 for couplings,^H4226 and to floor^H7136 ^(H853) the houses^H1004 which^H834 the kings^H4428 of Judah^H3063 had destroyed.^H7843   —>   …artificers…=Let’s check out this word “artificers” in our Strong’s Concordance, when we do, we find that the word artificers is Hebrew word number: H2796, - חָרָשׁ, - chârâsh, - pronounced: khaw-rawshי, and means: From H2790; a fabricator of any material: - artificer, (+) carpenter, craftsman, engraver, maker, + mason, skilful, (+) smith, worker, workman, such as wrought. Total KJV occurrences: 37.. So, an artificer was somebody who was very skillful working with metal, wood, stone, or even cloth materials.

Shaphan, Maaseiah and Joah put the monies they had collected into Hilkiah’s hand, who in turn, paid the workman, who then paid for the cut and dressed granite or marble, the lumber for repairing the walls and the flooring, and the metal for the braces and hinges and such.
1A12
II Chronicles 34:12 And the men^H376 did^H6213 the work^H4399 faithfully:^H530 and the overseers^H5329 of^H5921 them were Jahath^H3189 (unity; and, union) (yakhי-ath) and Obadiah,^H5662 (serving YAH; and, servant of YHVH (o-bad-yawי-hoo) the Levites,^H3881 of^H4480 the sons^H1121 of Merari;^H4847 (bitter; and, bitter, unhappy) (mer-aw-reeי) and Zechariah^H2148 (YAH has remembered; and, YHVH is renownedand, or remembered) (zek-ar-yawי-hoo) and Meshullam,^H4918 (allied; and, friend) (mesh-ool-lawmי) of^H4480 the sons^H1121 of the Kohathites,^H6956 (to ally oneself; allied; and, assembly) (keh-hawthי) to set it forward;^H6485 and other of the Levites,^H3881 all^H3605 that could skill^H995 of instruments^H3627 of musick.^H7892   —>   …the men did the work faithfully…=Jahath, Obadiah, Zechariah and Meshullam all trusted the workers as, they knew they were getting their monies worth from those who were performing the labor.

…sons of Merari…sons of the Kohathites…=Abraham fathered Isaac, Isaac fathered Jacob—who Father re-named Israel in Genesis 32:28—and Jacob fathered Levi—along with the other eleven patriarchs—who fathered Gershom, Kohath and Merari, the three heads of the families of the Levites. Kohath fathered Amram who fathered Aaron—the High Priest and Priest line, hence the saying, allall Priests were Levites, but, not all Levites were Priests—Moses and Miriam.

…skill of instruments of musick…=Don’t allow yourself to be mis-led concerning this statement; as, this doesn’t mean that Levitical Singers were playing music while the workers were busy with their construction. What this is saying, is that, the Levitical Singers also bore the responsibility of being overseers of the workers who were engaged in the repairs. To understand the Levitical Singers; who they were and their responsibilities, I’ll recall you to II Chronicles 5:12-13—(Click here)—where we read that the leaders—also known as, or called “The Chief Musicians”—of such were Asaph—his description can be read of (here)—Heman—his description can be read of (here)—and Jeduthun—his description can be read of (here). The Levitical Singers were Sometimes also called “Musicians,” their duties didn’t just include being “Directors,” “Singers” or, “Musicians,” some of them were prophets—these men were able to speak or sing by Divine Inspiration—some also had other duties in Father’s Temple also. We read in I Chronicles 25:7—(Click here)—that, there were 288 of these Levitical Singers. These 288 Levitical singers were assigned—like the Priests—to the 24 courses of the Priests, though in the case of these Levitical Singers, 12 men served each “Course” or, “Lot.” In other words, they too were on a bi-annual Rotational Duty, having to Serve for a week, twice a year, besides during the 4 major Feasts of Father YHVH—Feast of Passover, Feast of Weeks—what we call Pentecost today—the Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Tabernacles—and then twice a year, individually. Two hundred and eighty-eight may seem like a large number, but, remember, we read back in I Chronicles 23:5—(Click here)—that there were 4,000 of these Levitical Singers. You can think of some of their duties as being the teachers of their younger brethren and also coordinating the Levite Musicians. Two hundred eighty-eight which is a multiplication of 24 x 12. Twelve in Biblical numberics denotes: “Governmental Perfection,” which is a factor in all that pertains to government: “whether by Tribes or Apostles, or in measurements of time, or in things which have to do with government in the heavens and the earth.”
Jahath
Jahath=Save for the statement in II Chronicles 34:12—(Click here)—“…Jahath…of the sons of Merari…,” there is no genealogy for Jahath. We don’t know who his father was, and no sons are mentioned. What we do know of Jahath, is that, he was one of the overseers, or supervisors over the workmen who performed the repairs to Father’s House during the reign and rule of king Joaiah. We know nothing else of the man, we don’t know when he was born, anything else he did, or how long he lived. † For the etymology of the name Jahath, we read the following in Abarim Publications: “The name Jahath looks like it’s the name Heth made active: He Will Heth. But that brings us no closer to a meaning of the name Jahath because the meaning of the name Heth itself is debated. But most sources derive Heth and Jahath from the verb חתה (hata), meaning to snatch up, or else the verb חתת (hatat), meaning to be afraid: For a meaning of the name Jahath, Jones’ Dictionary of Old Testament Proper Names reads He Will Carry Away or He Will Be Broken. Brown Driver Briggs (BDB) Theological Dictionary offers He (God) Will Snatch Up.”. † Now from the Strong’s Concordance, we find that the name Jahath is Hebrew word number: H3189, - יַחַת, - yachath, - pronounced: yakhי-ath, and means: From H3161; unity; Jachath, the name of four Israelites: - Jahath. Total KJV occurrences: 8.. † Now from the Smith’s Bible Dictionary where we read: “Union. A Merarite Levite, in the reign of Josiah, II Chronicles 34:12.”.
Obadiah
Obadiah=Other than the statement in II Chronicles 34:12—(Click here)—“…Obadiah…of the sons of Merari…,” there is no genealogy for Obadiah. We don’t know who his father was, and no sons are mentioned. What we do know of Obadiah, is that, he was one of the overseers, or supervisors over the workmen who performed the repairs to Father’s House during the reign and rule of king Joaiah. We know nothing else of the man, we don’t know when he was born, anything else he did, or how long he lived. † For the etymology of the name Obadiah, we read the following in Abarim Publications: “The name Obadiah consists of two parts. The final bit is יה, which is the abbreviated form of יהוה, the Name of the Lord: YHVH. The first part of the name Obadiah comes from the root עבד ss(יabad), meaning servant or to serve: For a meaning of the name Obadiah, New Open Bible Study Edition (NOBSE) Study Bible Name List reads Servant Of Yahveh. Jones’ Dictionary of Old Testament Proper Names reads Servant Of The Lord.”. † Now from the Strong’s Concordance, where we find that it is Hebrew word number: H5662, - עֹבַדְיָה, ssעֹבַדְיָהוּ, - ‛ôbadyâh, or ‛ôbadyâhû, - pronounced: o-bad-yawי, or o-bad-yawי-hoo, and means: Active particle of H5647 and H3050; serving YAH; Obadjah, the name of thirteen Israelites: - Obadiah. Total KJV occurrences: 20.. † Now from the Smith’s Bible Dictionary where we read: “Union. A Merarite Levite, in the reign of Josiah, II Chronicles 34:12.”.

Merari=For a detailed description of Merari, including his history, the etymology of his name, the Strong’s Concordance definition of his name, and the Smith’s Bible Dictionary information, click here.
Zechariah
Zechariah=Other than the statement in II Chronicles 34:12—(Click here)—“…Zechariah…of the sons of the Kohathites…,” there is no genealogy for Zechariah. We don’t know who his father was, and no sons are mentioned. What we do know of Zechariah, is that, he was one of the overseers, or supervisors over the workmen who performed the repairs to Father’s House during the reign and rule of king Joaiah. We know nothing else of the man, we don’t know when he was born, anything else he did, or how long he lived. † For the etymology of the name Zechariah, we read the following in Abarim Publications: “The name Zechariah consists of two parts. The final bit is יה, the abbreviated form of the Name of the Lord: יהוה (YHVH). The first segment of the name Zechariah comes from the verb זכר (zakar), meaning to think about or meditate upon: The name Zechariah literally means Yah Remembers or Remembrance of Yah or even Pondering Yahveh. For a meaning of the name Zechariah, New Open Bible Study Edition (NOBSE) Study Bible Name List reads Yahveh Remembers and Jones’ Dictionary of Old Testament Proper Names has Remembered Of The Lord. But following zakar’s meaning of male, we find for the name Zechariah a secondary meaning of Yah’s Male. And that isn’t all that weird considering that the name of the archangel Gabriel means God’s Guy.”. † Now from the Strong’s Concordance, where we find that the name Zechariah is Hebrew word number: H2148, - זְכַרְיָהi, or זְכַרְיָהוּ, - z^ekaryâh, or z^ekaryâhû, - pronounced: zek-ar-yawי, or zek-ar-yawי-hoo, and means: From H2142 and H3050; YAH has remembered; Zecarjah, the name of twenty nine Israelites: - Zachariah, Zechariah. Total KJV occurrences: 43.. † Now from the Smith’s Bible Dictionary where we read: “YHVH remembered, or YHVH is renowned. A Kohathite Levite, in the reign of Josiah, II Chronicles 34:12.”.
Meshullam
Meshullam=Other than the statement in II Chronicles 34:12—(Click here)—“…Meshullam…of the sons of the Kohathites…,” there is no genealogy for Meshullam. We don’t know who his father was, and no sons are mentioned. What we do know of Meshullam, is that, he was one of the overseers, or supervisors over the workmen who performed the repairs to Father’s House during the reign and rule of king Joaiah. We know nothing else of the man, we don’t know when he was born, anything else he did, or how long he lived. † For the etymology of the name Meshullam, we read the folllowing in Abarim Publications: “The name Meshullam could be construed to be a participle drawn from the verb שלם (shalem), to be or make whole or complete: For a meaning of the name Meshullam, New Open Bible Study Edition (NOBSE) Study Bible Name List reads Recompensed, Rewarded. Jones’ Dictionary of Old Testament Proper Names proposes Repaying. Brown Driver Briggs (BDB) Theological Dictionary does not offer an interpretation of the name Meshullam but does list it under the verb שלם (shalem). Here at Abarim Publications we surmise that the M of the name Meshullam could also come from the particle מ, which denotes an agent or instrument of the action of the verb. In this case Meshullam would literally mean Peace-maker or Unifier, which appears to also sum up the sentiments of scholars known as the Nazarenes.”. † Now from the Strong’s Concordance, where we find that Meshullam is Hebrew word number: H4918, - מְשֻ לָּם, - m^eshûllâm, - pronounced: mesh-ool-lawmי, and means: From H7999; allied; Meshullam, the name of seventeen Israelites: - Meshullam. Total KJV occurrences: 25.. † Now from the Smith’s Bible Dictionary, where we read: “Friend. A Kohathite or a family of Kohathite Levites, in the reign of Josiah, II Chronicles 34:12.”.

Kohath=For a detailed description of Kohath, including his history, the etymology of his name, the Strong’s Concordance definition of his name, and the Smith’s Bible Dictionary information, click here.
1A13
II Chronicles 34:13 Also they were over^H5921 the bearers of burdens,^H5449 and were overseers^H5329 of all^H3605 that wrought^H6213 the work^H4399 in any manner of service:^H5656 ^H5656 and of^H4480 the Levites^H3881 there were scribes,^H5608 and officers,^H7860 and porters.^H7778   —>   I mentioned in verse v34:12—(Click here)—that all—(Click here)—the Priests were Levites, but not all Levites were Priests. Here, we see the other duties and responsibilities which the Levites who were not Priests had; they were Scribes, Magistrates, Superintendents, Porters or Security Forces, Guards, Treasurers and such.

…scribes…=These Scribes are NOT the Scribes Father directs us to examine in I Chronicles 2:55—(Click here)—these are actual Levite Scribes, and the reason there were so many, is because, remember, at this time there were not very many people who could read and write, but the Levites were more educated than the common person and therefore they could assist the people with their skills. Of course, as the kenite nethinims were assigned to the priesthood, they too became educated and they wanted to take-over the position of the Levites, and as time wore on, they did so because the Levites became lazy and didn’t take their responsibilities serious enough.

34:14-16 Book of The Law
    found and delivered.
1A14
II Chronicles 34:14 And when they brought out^H3318 ^(H853) the money^H3701 that was brought into^H935 the house^H1004 of the LORD,^H3068 Hilkiah^H2518 the priest^H3548 found^H4672 ^(H853) a book^H5612 of the law^H8451 of the LORD^H3068 given by^H3027 Moses.^H4872 (Drawing out [of the water], that is, rescued; or, “drawn,” i.e. from the water) (mo-shehי)   —>   …a book of the law given of the LORD by Moses=The 𝔅ook is obviously the Original copy of the Torah or Pentateuch which Moses himself wrote at Father’s Command, and which was supposed to have been placed inside Father’s Ark. One of several things must have happened: either Moses had written a second copy—let’s call this a “user copy”—and put another copy in Father’s Ark, or ℑt had gotten secreted away somewhere by one of the Priests, sometime during the reign of one of the heathen worshiping kings in order for it not to be destroyed by one of those ungodly kings for fear that ℑt might have been used as ℑt was originally purposed, as we can read of in Deuteronomy 31: Deuteronomy 31:24 And it came to pass,^H1961 when Moses^H4872 had made an end^H3615 of writing^H3789 ^(H853) the words^H1697 of this^H2063 law^H8451 in^H5921 a book,^H5612 until^H5704 they were finished,^H8522 [31:25] That Moses^H4872 commanded^H6680 ^(H853) the Levites,^H3881 which bare^H5375 the ark^H727 of the covenant^H1285 of the LORD,^H3068 saying,^H559 [31:26] “Take^H3947 ^(H853) this^H2088 book^H5612 of the law,^H8451 and put^H7760 𝔦t in the side^H4480 ^H6654 of the ark^H727 of the covenant^H1285 of the LORD^H3068 your God,^H430 that it may be^H1961 there^H8033 for a witness^H5707 against thee.   —>   Why was Moses telling the Levitical Priests to put it in the Ark? To be a witness against them. Why? [31:27] For^H3588 ℑ^H595 know^H3045 ^(H853) thy rebellion,^H4805 and thy stiff^H7186 neck:^H6203 behold,^H2005 while I am yet^H5750 alive^H2416 with^H5973 you this day,^H3117 ye have been^H1961 rebellious^H4784 against^H5973 the LORD;^H3068 and how^H3588 much more^H637 after^H310 my death?^H4194   —>   Because he had witnessed for himself, how that time and time again, they rebelled, they bellyached, they murmured against Father, and he now wanted it as a testimonial witness against them.

Moses=For a detailed description of Moses, including his birth, history, the etymology of his name, the Strong’s Concordance definition of his name, and the Smith’s Bible Dictionary information, click here.
1A15
II Chronicles 34:15 And Hilkiah^H2518 answered^H6030 and said^H559 to^H413 Shaphan^H8227 the scribe,^H5608 “I have found^H4672 the book^H5612 of the law^H8451 in the house^H1004 of the LORD.”^H3068 And Hilkiah^H2518 delivered^H5414 ^(H853) the book^H5612 to^H413 Shaphan.^H8227   —>   We read in the parallel to this Chapter and Verse, II Kings 22:8—(Click here)—that when Hilkiah handed the 𝔗he 𝔅ook to Shaphan, he read ℑt, or at the very least, some of ℑt.

Notice brethren, Father’s Word doesn’t out-right say that Hilkiah, the High Priest, read 𝔗he 𝔅ook, but, we can infer that, since he knew what he found, and since he knew and deemed ℑt important enough to notify Josiah’s scribe, he had read some of ℑt. Father’s Word also doesn’t say why Hilkiah, the High Priest, didn’t take 𝔗he 𝔅ook to Josiah himself, as, being he was the High Priest, he should have been able to do so. It sort of puts us into question of the relationship between the King and his High Priest.

34:16 Temple, repair.
1A16
II Chronicles 34:16 And Shaphan^H8227 carried^H935 ^(H853) the book^H5612 to^H413 the king,^H4428 and brought^H7725 ^(H853) the king^H4428 word^H1697 back again,^H5750 saying,^H559 “All^H#605 that^H834 was committed^H5414 to thy servants,^H3027 ^H5650 they^H1992 do^H6213 it.   —>   Shaphan returns to Josiah and reports that the construction of Father’s House is completed and everybody is pleased; he continues his report to Josiah into the next verse.

34:17 Temple, repair.
1A17
II Chronicles 34:17 And they have gathered together^H5413 ^(H853) the money^H3701 that was found^H4672 in the house^H1004 of the LORD,^H#068 and have delivered^H5414 it into^H5921 the hand^H3027 of the overseers,^H6485 and to^H5921 the hand^H3027 of the workmen.”^H6213 ^H4399   —>   Shaphan continues his report and tells Josiah that all the monies which had been collected has been put into the hands of the overseers who in turn paid the workers. He’ll tell Josiah what was found, in the next verse.

34:18 Book found,
    and read.
1A18
II Chronicles 34:18 Then Shaphan^H8227 the scribe^H5608 told^H5046 the king,^H4428 saying,^H559 “Hilkiah^H2518 the priest^H3548 hath given^H5414 me a book.”^H5612 And Shaphan^H8227 read^H7121 it before^H6440 the king.^H4428   —>   Shaphan continues; and he then proceeds and tells his king, that while remolding Father’s House, Hilkiah, the High Priest, had found a book, but it wasn’t just any old book, ℑt was “𝔗he 𝔅ook,” “𝔗he 𝔅ook of 𝔗he Law of Father YHVH.”

…read it…=Shaphan didn’t right at that time read the entire first five 𝔅ooks, but, he did read those portions which were at that time applicable to their situation, i.e., Exodus 12—(Click here)—Conducting Father’s Passover—Exodus 20—The Law of the Ten Commandments—Leviticus 26—Father’s Charges for the People—Deuteronomy 17:18—the king shall write his own copy of Father’s Laws—and Deuteronomy 28—Father’s Blessings and Curses for Obedience and Disobedience.

So, Shaphan is pointing out to Josiah, that, though the young king was doing very well at trying to walk Father’s Path of Righteousness, since nobody had actually read Father’s Laws in so many years, the king and his dominion are actually in err, and not walking as closely as originally thought. Can you imagine the surprised look on Josiah’s face at hearing this news and also when he was read the section of Deuteronomy 17:14 and following, where it states that each king was supposed to write his own copy of Father’s Law in order to Judge and Rule Israel by.

34:19 Book found,
    and read.
1A19
II Chronicles 34:19 And it came to pass,^H1961 when the king^H4428 had heard^H8085 ^(H853) the words^H1697 of the law,^H8451 that he rent^H7167 ^(H853) his clothes.^H899   —>   …rent his clothes=To rend, or as in this case, to tear or rip one’s clothes, was a sign of astonishment or mourning, and for young Josiah, I’m sure it was probably a little of both. But, reality is a cold, hard fact to be smacked in the face with, and for 26 years old Josiah who thought he had been doing so well in his walk of Righteousness, he now grasps with horror, the genuineness of how far off Father’s Path he truly is, and he recognizes that cursings are in his and Judah’s future.

So, being an intelligent young man who comprehends what needs being done, Josiah immediately rends his own clothes and begins repenting for his own sins in earnest.

34:20 Inquiry of Father
    YHVH.
1A20
II Chronicles 34:20 And the king^H4428 commanded^H6680 ^(H853) Hilkiah,^H2518 and Ahikam^H296 (brother of rising (that is, high); and, a brother who raises up) (akh-ee-kawmי) the son^H1121 of Shaphan,^H8227 and Abdon^H5658 (servitude (as nibbling); and, servile) (ab-dohnי) the son^H1121 of Micah,^H4318 (who (is) like YAH; and, who is like YAH) (mee-kawי) and Shaphan^H8227 the scribe,^H5608 and Asaiah^H6222 (YAH has made; and, YAH hath made) (aw-saw-yawי) a servant^H5650 of the king’s,^H4428 saying,^H559   —>   After Josiah has completed his repenting, he gathers himself, his composure and his thoughts, and tells Hilkiah that he wants him to round up several other of his royal and loyal officers; as, he has a task for them.

Ahikam=As I stated above—(Click here)—Father’s Prophet Jeremiah had begun his prophesying during Josiah’s 13th year of reign, and he has now been guiding Josiah for five years. Anyway, this Ahikam becomes very instrumental to Father’s Prophet Jeremiah; as, in the Book named for him, in the 26th Chapter—Jeremiah 26:20-24—we read that there was another of Father’s Prophets who was also prophesying right after Josiah’s death, during the reign of his son Eliakim—whom Pharaoh-nechoh king of Egypt renamed Jehoiakim—this Prophet’s name was Urijah and Josiah’s son was totally displeased with his prophesying and had men chase him down into Egypt where they caught him and returned him to Jerusalem. Once back in Jerusalem, Eliakam had him killed by the sword and they threw his dead body onto the graves of the common people. Eliakam was about to turn Jeremiah over to the people in order for them to basically do the same as had been done to Urijah; but, Ahikam stayed Eliakam’s hand an saved Father’s Prophet’s life.
Ahikam
Ahikam=Ahikam was the son of a man named Shaphan, who was a Royal Recorder, secretary, scribe and one of the chief leaders during the reign and rule of king Josiah—531-500B.C.—and the father of Gedaliah—whom Nebuchadnezzar made ruler over the remnant who he left in Jerusalem when he took Judah into captivity. Father’s Word does not record when Ahikam was born, however, ℑt does tell us that he lived during the reigns of Josiah and then his son Eliakim. Ahikam himself was a pretty influential man in his own right, he was part of the delegation who Josiah sent to Huldah the Prophetess to interpret what they were reading when Hilkiah the High Priest found the Original Copy of Father’s Law. He also played a major role in the People of Judah not puting Father’s Prophet Jeremiah to death as they were wont to do. † For the etymology of the name Ahikam, we read the folllowing in Abarim Publications: “The name Ahikam consists of two elements which both occur very frequently in names. The first part of the name Ahikam comes from the word אח i(יah), basically meaning brother: The second part of the name Ahikam comes from the verb קום (qum), meaning to rise up or stand: For a meaning of the name Ahikam, Brown Driver Briggs (BDB) Theological Dictionary and New Open bible Study Edition (NOBSE) Study Bible Name List both read My Brother Has Arisen. Alfred Jones (Dictionary of Old Testament Proper Names) proposes Brother Of Rising Up.”. † Now from the Strong’s Concordance, where we find that the name Ahikam is Hebrew word number: H296, - אֲחִיקָםi, - יăchı̂yqâmi, - pronounced: akh-ee-kawmי, and means: From H251 and H6965; brother of rising; (that is, high); Achikam, an Israelite: - Ahikam. Total KJV occurrences: 20.. † Now from the Smith’s Bible Dictionary, where we read: “A brother who rises up. Son of Shaphan, the scribe, an influential officer at the court of Josiah, was one of the delegates sent by Hilkaih to consult Huldah, II Kings 22:12-14. In the reign of Jehoiakim, he successfully used his influence to protect the prophet Jeremiah, Jeremiah 26:24. He was the father of Gedaliah, see Gedaliah—(Click here).”.
Abdon
Abdon=Abdon—also called Achbor in II Kings 22:12—(click here)—was the son of a man named Micah—called Michaiah in II Kings 22:12—(click here)—the grandson of a man named Gemariah—whose brothers were Ahikam, Elasah and Jaazaniah—Gemariah had a chamber in Father’s House as can be read in Jeremiah 36:10—and great-grandson of Shaphan, who was a Royal Recorder, secretary, scribe and one of the chief leaders during the reign and rule of king Josiah—531-500B.C.. Abdon himself was a pretty influential man in his own right, he was part of the delegation who Josiah sent to Huldah the Prophetess to interpret what they were reading when Hilkiah the High Priest found the Original Copy of Father’s Law as we read in II Kings 22:12-14—(Click here). † For the etymology of the name Abdon, we read the following in Abarim Publications: “The name Abdon is constructed from the root עבד i(יabad), meaning servant, or to serve: The name Abdon is formed by extending the root with the waw-nun couple that brings about a personification or localization of the root. The name Abdon means Place Of Work or Working One. For a meaning of the name Abdon, New Open Bible Study Edition (NOBSE) Study Bible Name List reads Servile. Jones’ Dictionary of Old Testament Proper Names reads the same but adds Hard Slavery. Brown Driver Briggs (BDB) Theological Dictionary does not translate.”. † Now from the Strong’s Concordance, where we find that the name Abdon is Hebrew word number: H5658, - עַבְדוֹןi, - יabdôni, - pronounced: ab-dohnי, and means: From H5647; servitude; Abdon, the name of a place in Palestine and of four Israelites: - Abdon. Compare H5683. Total KJV occurrences: 8.. † Now from the Smith’s Bible Dictionary, where we read: “Servile. Son of Micah, a contemporary of Josiah, II Chronicles 34:20, called Achbor in II Kings 22:12.”.

Micah=Also called Michaiah in II Kings 22:12. For a detailed description of Micah, including his history, the etymology of his name, the Strong’s Concordance definition of his name, and the Smith’s Bible Dictionary information, see Michaiah of II Kings 22:12—(click here).

Asaiah=Also spelled Asahaiah in II Kings 22:12. For a detailed description of Asaiah, including his history, the etymology of his name, the Strong’s Concordance definition of his name, and the Smith’s Bible Dictionary information, see Asahaiah in II Kings 22:12—(click here).

34:21 King’s Command
    Inquiry of Father YHVH.
1A21
II Chronicles 34:21 “Go,^H1980 enquire of^H1875 ^(H853) the LORD^H3068 for^H1157 me, and for^H1157 them that are left^H7604 in Israel^H3478 and in Judah,^H3063 concerning^H5921 the words^H1697 of the book^H5612 that^H834 is found:^H4672 for^H3588 great^H1419 is the wrath^H2534 of the LORD^H3068 that^H834 is poured out^H5413 upon us, because^H5921 ^H834 our fathers^H1 have not^H3808 kept^H8104 ^(H853) the word^H1697 of the LORD,^H3068 to do^H6213 after all^H3605 that is written^H3789 in^H5921 this^H2088 book.”^H5612   —>   Let’s compare our verse here with what is written in II Kings 22:13—(Click here)—as, there is a difference in the wording between the two verses: II Kings 22:13 “Go^H1980 ye, enquire^H1875 of^(H853) the LORD^H3068 for^H1157 me, and for^H1157 the people,^H5971 and for^H1157 all^H3605 Judah,^H3063 concerning^H5921 the words^H1697 of this^H2088 book^H5612 that is found:^H4672 for^H3588 great^H1419 is the wrath^H2534 of the LORD^H3068 that^H834 is kindled^H3341 against us, because^H5921 ^H834 our fathers^H1 have not^H3808 hearkened^H8085 unto^H5921 the words^H1697 of this^H2088 book,^H5612 to do^H6213 according unto all^H3605 that which is written^H3789 concerning^H5921 us.”   —>   The first difference we notice is in the phrases “and for them that are left in Israel and in Judah,” and “and for the people, and for all Judah.” The second difference we notice are the phrases: “for great is the wrath of the LORD that is poured out upon us,” and “for great is the wrath of the LORD that is kindled against us.” Josiah perceives the depth of the condemnation of those who turn their backs to Father, and he knew that even though he was trying to do right, Father’s wrath was kindled against him, the People of Judah, and all the remnant who remained of the House of Israel; therefore, he is now searches earnestly to find the truth which Father would have him do concerning those things that were written in His Word. Josiah wants to hear directly from Father just how it all applies to him and to all the People. So, he sends the High Priest and his royal cabinet to find out the truth. Who are they going to find to seek Father’s Truth? Let’s continue reading and find out:

34:22 Servant’s obedience.
    Inquiry of Father YHVH.
1A22
II Chronicles 34:22 And Hilkiah,^H2518 and they that^H834 the king^H4428 had appointed, went^H1980 to^H413 Huldah^H2468 (a weasel (from its gliding motion), and, weasel) (khool-dawי) the prophetess,^H5301 the wife^H802 of Shallum^H7967 (a requital, that is (secure) retribution, and, retribution) (shal-loomי) the son^H1121 of Tikvath,^H8616 (literally a cord (as an attachment [compare H6961]); figuratively expectancy: - expectation ([-ted]), hope, live, think that I long for.; and, hope) (tik-vawי) the son^H1121 of Hasrah,^H2641 (want; and, very poor) (khas-rawי) keeper^H8104 of the wardrobe;^H899 (now she^H1931 dwelt^H3427 in Jerusalem^H3389 in the college:)^H4932 and they spake^H1696 to^H413 her to that^H2063 effect.   —>   Brethren, I know that those of you who study with myself, and our Pastor(s) Arnold and Dennis Murray of Shepherd’s Chapel have no problem grasping this; as, we know Father will use whomever He will; but, for those of you who have not studied with us and have been taught, or heard, that, “women are to keep silent,” this may come as a shock to you, to now know that Josiah’s royal cabinet sought the counsel of a women prophetess—or that there indeed was\is such a thing. Anyway, this Huldah was the daughter of the keeper of the wardrobe room at the local college in Jerusalem. She is considered the prophetess who would most likely know the answers to the questions the king seeks, they didn’t seek her father. Remember, even though Jeremiah and Zephaniah are with Josiah at the time, the king’s royal cabinet didn’t turn to them either; but, went to the college to seek their king’s answer. Huldah was Father’s representative to His People, especially those attending the college at this time. She was considered the resident expert of Father’s Word.

Brethren, this isn’t the first time in our history where a woman led the Nation. If you’ll recall from The Book of Judges—(Click here)—and Judges 4—(Click here)—more specifically, there was a woman named Deborah, who, when no man would lead, she stepped up and led; not only did she lead the Nation as a Judge, but, Judges 4:4—(Click here)—states that she was also a prophetess.
Huldah
Huldah=Huldah was the wife of Shallum, the keeper of the wardrobe at the college in Jerusalem—II Kings 22:12-14—(Click here) and II Chronicles 34:22-28—(Click here). She was a prophetess and resident expert on Father’s Word who was so knowledgable, she worked at the college in Jerusalem teaching Father’s Word to other students of Father’s Word. It was to Huldah, that, when the High Priest, Hilkiah, found the original copy of Father’s Word in Father’s Temple and didn’t comprehend what he was reading, he gave ℑt to the royal scribe, Shaphan, to take to king Josiah to try and figure out what to do with ℑt. After being read some of the words of ℑt and understanding that they were not in compliance with what was written in ℑt, king Josiah sent a delegation to the college, not Father’s Temple to have ℑt interpreted so they could then come into compliance with ℑt. Huldah intrepreted ℑt for the king’s delegation who then took word back to king Josiah. The news was not good, as the People of Judah had so angered Father, that He was going to bring Judgment upon them for forsaking Him for so long, but, as for king Josiah, he himself would not see this Judgment because he was trying his best to please Father. † For the etymology of the name Huldah, we read the folllowing in Abarim Publications: “The name Huldah comes from the root חלד (hld): חלד — it’s not known what the verb חלד (halad) may have signified, but it appears to have had something to do with being an “earthling.” Noun חלד (holed) describes the mole or other similar burrowing animal. Noun חלד (heled) refers to the acts and deeds that sum up one’s life on earth, or indeed the whole spectrum of human life: the world. The name Huldah is a feminized noun from any of the above. It may mean World or Lifetime, but it may also mean Rat. It’s probably up to the audience to decide. For a meaning of the name Huldah, New Open Bible Study Edition (NOBSE) Study Bible Name List reads Weasel, Mole. Jones’ Dictionary of Old Testament Proper Names reads Weasel.”. † Now from the Strong’s Concordance, where we find that the name Huldah is Hebrew word number: H2468, - חֻלְדָּה, - chûldâh, - pronounced: khool-dawי, and means: Feminine of H2467; a weasel (from its gliding motion): weasel. Total KJV occurrences: 2.. † Now from the Smith’s Bible Dictionary, where we read: “Weasel. A prophetess, whose husband, Shallum, was keeper of the wardrobe, in the time of King Josiah. It was to her that Josiah had recourse, when Hilkiah found a book of the law, to procure an authoritative opinion on it, II Kings 22:14; II Chronicles 34:22.”.
Shallum
Shallum=Shalllum was the son of a man named Tikvah—who is only mentioned twice in Father’s Word, and both times as only being the father of his son Shallum and the son of a man named Harhas, or Hasrah—he was the husband of Father’s Prophetess Huldah. He, like both his father and grandfather, is montioned only two times in Father’s Word—II Kings 22:12-14—(Click here) and II Chronicles 34:22-28—(Click here)—the only thing we know of Tikvah is that he was the keeper of the wardrobe at the college in Jerusalem, we know nothing else of the man, we don’t know when he was born or how long he lived. † For the etymology of the name Shallum, we read the following in Abarim Publications, “Shallum is spelled and pronounced the same as the noun שלום (shillum), meaning recompense, and is spelled the same as but pronounced slightly different from the familiar word שלום (shalom), meaning peace. Both these words come from the verb שלם (shalem), meaning to be unbroken or whole: For a meaning of the name Shallum, New Open Bible Study Edition (NOBSE) Study Bible Name List reads Recompense and Jones’ Dictionary of Old Testament Proper Names has Retribution. Brown Driver Briggs (BDB) Theological Dictionary doesn’t interpret the name Shallum but does list it under the verb שלם (shalem).”. † Now from the Strong’s Concordance, where we find that the name Shallum is Hebrew word number: H7967, - שַׁלּוּםi, or שַׁלֻּם, - shallûmi, or shallûm, - pronounced: shal-loomיi, or shal-loomי, and means: The same as H7966; a requital, that is, (secure) retribution, (venal) a fee: - recompense, reward, Shallum, the name of fourteen Israelites: - Shallum. Total KJV occurrences: 27.. † Now from the Smith’s Bible Dictionary, where we read: “Retribution. The husband of Huldah, the prophetess, II Kings 22:14; II Chronicles 34:23, in the reign of Josiah.”.
Tikvath
Tikvath=Also called or spelled Tikvah in II Kings 22:14—(Click here)—they share the same Strong’s Concordance Hebrew word number: H8616. Tikvah was the son of a man named Harhas, also called Hasrah—who is only mentioned twice in Father’s Word, and both times as only being the father of his son Shallum—Shallum was the husband of Father’s Prophetess Huldah. Tikvah, like both his father and son, is montioned only two times in Father’s Word—II Kings 22:12-14—(Click here) and II Chronicles 34:22-28—(Click here)—the only thing we know of Tikvah is his genealogy, we know nothing else of the man, we don’t know when he was born or how long he lived. † For the etymology of the name Tikvah, we read the following in Abarim Publications: “The name Tikvah is identical to the word תקוה (tiqwah), meaning hope, from the root קוה: For a meaning of the name Tikvah, New Open Bible Study Edition (NOBSE) Study Bible Name List reads Hope. Jones’ Dictionary of Old Testament Proper Names, curiously, doesn’t treat the name Tikvah. Brown Driver Briggs (BDB) Theological Dictionary does not interpret our name but does confirm that it is identical to the noun תקוה (tiqwah), meaning hope.”. † Now from the Strong’s Concordance, where we find that the name Tikvah is Hebrew word number: H8616, - תִּקְוָה, - tiqvâh, - pronounced: tik-vawי, and means: The same as H8615; literally a cord (as an attachment [compare H6961]); figuratively expectancy: - expectation ([-ted]), hope, live, think that I long for. Tikvah, the name of two Israelites: - Tikvah. Total KJV occurrences: 3.. † Now from the Smith’s Bible Dictionary, where we read: “Hope. The father of Shallum, the husband of the prophetess, Huldah, II Kings 22:14.”.
Hasrah
Hasrah=Also called or spelled Harhas in II Kings 22:14—(Click here). The only thing we know of Hasrah, is that he was the father of Tikvath—also called or spelled Tikvah in II Kings 22:14—(Click here)—who was the father of Shallum, the husband of Father’s Prophetess Huldah, who king Josiah sent Hilkiah, Ahikam, Abdon—also called or spelled Achbor in II Kings 22:14—(Click here)—Shaphan the scribe and Asaiah—also called or spelled Asahaiah in II Kings 22:14—(Click here)—to inquire of, and interpret what they were reading, when Hilkiah the High Priest found the Original Copy of Father’s Law as we read in II Chronicles 34:14-28—(Click here). Other than being only mentioned as Tikvath’s father, we know nothing else of the man; we don’t know what he did, in what year he was born, or how long he lived. † Abarim Publications does not provide an etymology for the name Hasrah, as such, neither can I.† Now from the Strong’s Concordance, where we find that the name Tikvah is Hebrew word number: H2641, - חַסְרָה, - chasrâh, - pronounced: khas-rawי, and means: From H2637; want - Chasrah, an Israelite: - Hasrah. Total KJV occurrences: 1.. † Now from the Smith’s Bible Dictionary, where we read: “Very poor. The form in which the name Harhas is given in II Chronicles 34:22. Compare II Kings 22:14.”.

34:23-28 Father YHVH’s
    answer.
1A23
II Chronicles 34:23 And she answered^H559 them, “Thus^H3541 saith^H559 the LORD^H3068 God^H430 of Israel,^H3478 ‘Tell^H559 ye the man^H376 that^H834 sent^H7971 you to^H413 me,   —>   First off brethren, notice the comma at the end of this verse, meaning it should have continued right into the next verse.

Huldah didn’t say “wait, let me go ask a man, a male prophet; or, let me go and seek Father.” No, she immediately tells them the truth in what Josiah is to do. What is it that he is to do, and what is going to come to pass? Again, let’s continue reading and find out; but, know this, the first words out of Huldah’s mouth are, “Thus saith the LORD:”
1A24
II Chronicles 34:24 ‘Thus^H3541 saith^H559 the LORD,^H3068 ‘Behold,^H2009 I will bring^H935 evil^H7451 upon^H5921 this^H2088 place,^H4725 and upon^H5921 the inhabitants^H3427 thereof, even^(H853) all^H3605 the curses^H423 that are written^H3789 in^H5921 the book^H5612 which^H834 they have read^H7121 before^H6440 the king^H4428 of Judah:^H3063   —>   Huldah knew Father’s Word, she knew what Father commanded Moses to write in Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28; and she also knew the wrath of Father, and what must come to pass for Judah’s forsaking and turning their backs on Father.

Josiah was twenty six years old when he finally heard the truth which came out of the words of Father’s Law, and the news is not good news to him; for, Father is saying that, “though you Josiah have been a hearer and doer of My Word, and you Josiah have done your best to walk my Path of Righteousness, I am still going to bring evil—raw-awי in the Hebrew language,—Hebrew word number: H7451 meaning: calamity—upon this place, Jerusalem, and upon the inhabitants thereof.” This is the same message which Father had sent to Hezekiah, the last righteous king before Josiah.
1A25
II Chronicles 34:25 Because^H8478 ^H834 they have forsaken^H5800 Me, and have burned incense^H6999 unto other^H312 gods,^H430 that^H4616 they might provoke Me to anger^H3707 with all^H3605 the works^H4639 of their hands;^H3027 therefore My wrath^H2534 shall be poured out^H5413 upon this^H2088 place,^H4725 and shall not^H#808 be quenched.’i’i’^H3518   —>   …burned incense to other gods…=That would be gods with a lower case “g.” Let’s check out this “Burned incense” in our Strong’s Concordance brethren, we’ll find that it is Hebrew word number: H6999, - קָטַר, - qâṭar, - pronounced: kaw-tarי, and means: A primitive root (rather identical with H7000 through the idea of fumigation in a close place and perhaps thus driving out the occupants); to smoke, that is, turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship): - burn (incense, sacrifice) (upon), (altar for) incense, kindle, offer (incense, a sacrifice). Total KJV occurrences: 116.. What Father is telling Josiah, is, that, the People, His Children which He created, tried to drive Him out of His own Temple and out of the Nation—pretty much what the left today here in the United States of America have tried, and are still trying to do—and that, because of this, He is still going to bring upon the Nation of the House of Judah all the Promises which are Promised in His Word—as I pointed out above, from the curssings of Deuteronomy 28 and Leviticus 26—in order to get their attention and show them and all the world that He is YHVH ELOHIM.

Over and over again, Father sent His Prophets and Priests to the Nation(s) to try and get them to change their direction from following after and worshiping their false gods of sticks and stones and carved images; and, instead to pick up His Word and read it; but, not only did they not read His Word, His Law; but, they even went so far as to lose it to the point to where they didn’t even know what it was.

34:26-28 Consolation,
    Josiah
1A26
II Chronicles 34:26 And as for^H413 the king^H4428 of Judah,^H3063 who sent^H7971 you to enquire^H1875 of the LORD,^H3068 so^H3541 shall ye say^H559 unto^H413 him, ‘Thus^H3541 saith^H559 the LORD^H3068 God^H430 of Israel^H3478 concerning the words^H1697 which^H834 thou hast heard;^H8085   —>   …as for the king of Judah…= Father, through His Prophetess Huldah, is specifically addressing Josiah, and what is it that Father has for him?
1A27
II Chronicles 34:27 ‘Because^H3282 thine heart^H3824 was tender,^H7401 and thou didst humble thyself^H3665 before^H4480 ^H6440 God,^H430 when thou heardest^H8085 ^(H853) His words^H1697 against^H5921 this^H2088 place,^H4725 and against^H5921 the inhabitants^H3427 thereof, and humbledst thyself^H3665 before^H6440 Me, and didst rend^H7167 ^(H853) thy clothes,^H899 and weep^H1058 before^H6440 Me; ℑ^H589 have even heard^H8085 thee also,’i’^H1571 saith^H5002 the LORD.^H3068   —>   Listen to what Father tells Josiah: Because you were compassionate and you cared for the things of Me, and you humbled yourself before Me, I will likewise also be merciful toward you. The point which Father is stressing here, is, that, it doesn’t matter how bad the world is, or even your own family is, if you humbly seek Father in repentance, then He hears you and He forgives you. Father loves all those who love Him and humbly seek after Him in repentance, and when you do, then His wrath is not directed towards you. A great example of this, is Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; remember, the entire Babylonian kingdom, even including some of their own brethren were falling down and worshiping the golden image whenever king Nebuchadnezzar had the music play, and it was law that those who did not, were to be thrown into the burning fiery furnace. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were indeed thrown into burning fiery furnace and what happened? I’ll let Nebuchadnezzar tell it himself: Daniel 3:24 Then^H116 Nebuchadnezzar^H5020 the king^H4430 was astonied,^H8429 and rose up^H6966 in haste,^H927 and spake,^H6032 and said^H560 unto his counsellors,^H1907 “Did not^H3809 we cast^H7412 three^H8532 men^H1400 bound^H3729 into the midst^H1459 of the fire?”^H5135 They answered^H6032 and said^H560 unto the king,^H4430 “True,^H3330 O king.”^H443 [3:25] He answered^H6032 and said,^H560 “Lo,^H1888 ℑ^H576 see^H2370 four^H703 men^H1400 loose,^H8271 walking^H1981 in the midst^H1459 of the fire,^H5135 and they have^H383 no^H3809 hurt;^H2257 and the form^H7299 of^H1768 the fourth^H7244 is like^H1821 the Son^H1247 of God.”^H426   —>   Much meat there brethren, as, first off, how did Nebuchadnezzar know what Jesus looked like that he immediately recognized Him? Secondly, notice Jesus was able to keep the three young men from being burned in that fire? Thirdly, had we continued reading, we would have read that they didn’t even have the smell of smoke on them. But, the point is that Father is able to protect us no matter what is going on around us. This is why it is important to let Father know that you love Him, and repent through His Son Jesus Christ. He will not let the wrath which He brings on this world harm you one little speck, when He moves to bring His wrath on this world.

34:28 Servant’s return.
1A28
II Chronicles 34:28 “Behold,^H2009 I will gather^H622 thee to^H413 thy fathers,^H1 and thou shalt be gathered^H622 to^H413 thy grave^H6913 in peace,^H7965 neither^H3808 shall thine eyes^H5869 see^H7200 all^H3605 the evil^H7451 that^H834 ℑ^H589 will bring^H935 upon^H5921 this^H2088 place,^H4725 and upon^H5921 the inhabitants^H3427 of the same.”
So they brought^H7725 ^(H853) the king^H4428 word^H1697 again.   —>   This was a major bombshell which hit Josiah’s court, as, Huldah has just told him that the entire kingdom, including all the people and all the buildings would be destroyed after he died and returned Home to Father. Sure, for Josiah it was for the most part, good news to him personally; however, stop and think of how this he would take it that all those people of his kingdom would perish after he was dead and gone. We’ll see that he’ll try and save as many as he can before he does indeed return Home to Father. Anyway, Father’s prophetess, true to Father’s fashion, told it like it was, and held back nothing. Her own nation was going to be destroyed, she fully grasped the situation, and still, she withheld none of the bad news from the king. Was she the one that said it? No, of course not, she was just repeating Father’s Words.

…in peace…=Josiah would go to his grave in peace; however, that doesn’t mean he’ll die in peace; as, we’ll read when we come to II Kings 23:29—(Click here)—that, he’ll actually die while engaged in war; but, why not “in peace” of mind as well as heart?

34:29 Judah and Jerusalem.
    The assembling.
1A29
II Chronicles 34:29 Then the king^H4428 sent^H7971 and gathered together^H622 ^(H853) all^H3605 the elders^H2205 of Judah^H3063 and Jerusalem.^H3389   —>   After hearing of the calamity which Father is going to bring upon the Nation in the not too distant future, the first thing Josiah does is call every one of the Elders and City Leaders of every city in the territories of the House of Judah to come to Jerusalem to come and meet with him—we’ll read in our next verse, that he’ll also call all the Priests, the Levites and the Prophets as well. Why? Because he has been given insight from Father as to what is going to come to pass, and he can either just let it happen; or, he can try and have as many of his people, his fellow Israelites, repent and change from their current way of life as he can; and that is exactly what he intends to try and do. And he is going to go about that by laying down the Law to the Elders and City Leaders.

Think about Josiah’s actions here brethren; as, he is not tempting Father, but, playing the role of Moses, Samuel and our Lord Jesus in that, his compassion for his fellow-man is causing him to stand in the gap for his fellow Israelites in order to try and save as many souls as he can.

34:30 Entry into Father’s
    Temple by Josiah.
34:30 Father’s Law read
    by Josiah to the People.
1A30
II Chronicles 34:30 And the king^H4428 went up^H5927 into the house^H1004 of the LORD,^H3068 and all^H3605 the men^H376 of Judah,^H3063 and the inhabitants^H3427 of Jerusalem,^H3389 and the priests,^H3548 and the Levites,^H3881 and all^H3605 the People,^H5971 great^H4480 ^H1419 and small:^H6996

and he read^H7121 in their ears^H241 ^(H853) all^H3605 the words^H1697 of the book^H5612 of the covenant^H1285 that was found^H4672 in the house^H1004 of the LORD.^H3068   —>   …all the men…the inhabitants…the Priests…the Levites…all the People great and small…=So, everybody came to the royal palace in Jerusalem, and then, as one gathering, they all went over to Father’s Temple. Here in II Chronicles 34:30, the verse reads “the Levites;” however, in II Kings 23:2—(Click here)—the verse reads: “…the priests, and the prophets…,” which tells me that Jeremiah and Zephaniah are with Josiah headed to Father’s Temple; in any case, suffice it to say, that everybody of the Nation of the House of Judah who was living in the territories of Israel, this included the remnant of the old ten Northern Tribes who were living in the cities of Ephraim, Manasseh, Naphtali and Simeon as well, attended this gathering for the reading of Father’s Law.

…he read in their ears all the words of the book of the covenant…=As when Shaphan read to Josiah in verse v34:18—(Click here)—above, Josiah most probably did not read the entire first five 𝔅ooks of Father’s Law; as, that would have taken a long time; therefore, again, just as Shaphan read the important portions, so also most probably Josiah read the important portions to his People. What did he read? Again, probably Exodus 12—(Click here)—Conducting Father’s Passover—Exodus 20—The Law of the Ten Commandments—Leviticus 26—Father’s Charges for the People—and Deuteronomy 28—Father’s Blessings and Curses for Obedience and Disobedience.

34:31 Temple. Station
    of Josiah.
34:31-33 Covenant made.
34:31-33 Father’s Law
    obeyed
1A31
II Chronicles 34:31 And the king^H4428 stood^H5975 in^H5921 his place,^H5977
and made^H3772 ^(H853) a covenant^H1285 before^H6440 the LORD, ^H3068 to walk^H1980 after^H310 the LORD,^H3068 and to keep^H8104 ^(H853) His Commandments,^H4687 and His Testimonies,^H5715 and His Statutes,^H2706 with all^H3605 his heart,^H3824 and with all^H3605 his soul,^H5315 to perform^H6213 ^(H853) the words^H1697 of the covenant^H1285 which are written^H3789 in^H5921 this^H2088 book.^H5612   —>   Again, there is a difference between what is written here in II Chronicles 34:31, and what is written in it’s parallel, II Kings 23:3—(Click here). In II Kings 23:3—(Click here)—the verse reads: “…with all their heart and all their soul…,” substituting the words “his” and “their.”

…the king stood in his place…=Once they had all reached Father’s Temple, Josiah stood upon the brazen scaffolding which had been set-up during the initial building of Father’s Temple so everybody gathered could easily see him as he read from Father’s Word. Normally this would be the Priests doing this reading; however, since Josiah was a righteous king, and since Father told him through His Prophetess what was going to come to pass, king Josiah—again, playing intercessor between Father and His Children—took it upon himself as king of the Nation to lead the Nation back to Father in repentance. Of course, though it is indeed to king doing so, he has the backing of all the Priests and the Prophets there behind him 100%.

…to keep His commandments and His testimonies and His statutes…=Josiah was further expounding upon his own covenant with Father and having his people—read that, His Children—also make a covenant to be hearers and doers of Father’s Commandments, Judgments, Laws, Ordinances, and Statutes, and to follow them closely. This king was leading from the front, not from the rear, he was a wonderful king. I think this Nation, our Nation, the United States of America, at least a big majority of the people in it, eight years ago, 2016, elected to return our hearts to Father as well, when we told the then democrat law breaker candidate, the corrupt media, and holliweird, and all those who followed them; that, we would no longer accept their ungodly ways, and instead elected Donald J. Trump as our President of the United States of America. Four years later, we tried and did re-elect him, however, through cheating, they stole the election from W𝔢 T𝔥𝔢 People, and we are again trying to Properly, through the Election Process, Take our Country Back by re-electing Donald Trump, after 4 years of ungodly rule.
1A32
II Chronicles 34:32 And he caused^(H853) all^H3605 that were present^H4672 in Jerusalem^H3389 and Benjamin^H1144 (son of (the) right hand; or, son of the right hand, fortunate (bin-yaw-meneי) to stand^H5975 to it. And the inhabitants^H3427 of Jerusalem^H3389 did^H6213 according to the covenant^H1285 of God,^H430 the God^H430 of their fathers.^H1   —>   …to stand to it…=This Pastor believes this phrase has a double meaning: first, I believe Josiah had the People—as a separate, or an aside “I believe,” I believe the People desired to stand, I say this because we read in II Kings 23:3—(Click here), the following: “…And all the People stood to the covenant.”—stand to hear him read Father’s Covenant; and I believe the phrase also means that he and the People desired to stand fast and be doers of Father’s Commandments, Covenant, Judgments, Laws, Ordinances, and Statutes. I’m not saying I believe they’ll stay that way for long—we know they won’t, and Father’s Word tells us they won’t—but, I do believe for this specific period in time, they truly desired to be doers, and to be obedient to Father YHVH.

Benjamin=For a detailed description of Benjamin, including his birth, history, the etymology of his name, the Strong’s Concordance definition of his name, and the Smith’s Bible Dictionary information, click here.
1A33
II Chronicles 34:33 And Josiah^H2977 took away^H5493 ^(H853) all^H3605 the abominations^H8441 out of^H4480 all^H3605 the countries^H776 that^H834 pertained to the children^H1121 of Israel,^H3478 and made^(H853) all^H3605 that were present^H4672 in Israel^H3478 to serve,^H5647 even to serve^H5647 ^(H853) the LORD^H3068 their God.^H430 And all^H3605 his days^H3117 they departed^H5493 not^H3808 from following^H4480 ^H310 the LORD,^H3068 the God^H430 of their fathers.^H1   —>   …And all his days…=Though this sounds as if this is closing-out Josiah’s reign, rule and life, it is not; remember we are only in his eighteenth year of his reign and rule and he still has another thirteen years yet. But, what this is saying, it that, for the remaining thirteen years of his reign and rule over the House of Judah, all the People followed after Father YHVH and He Only.

In our next Chapter, II Chronicles 35—(Click here)—we’ll be reading of Josiah conducting and holding Father’s Passover; and we’ll read when we come to verse vII Chronicles 35:18—(Click here)—the following: “And there was no passover like to that kept in Israel from the days of Samuel the prophet; neither did all the kings of Israel keep such a passover as Josiah kept, and the priests, and the Levites, and all Judah and Israel that were present, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem..”

Mar 2024.

This Bible Study was written by Scott Reis and is provided in order to be used as a private Bible Study Tool. Therefore, it may be copied in whole or in part and shared for private Bible Study; however, it may not be reproduced and published as an original work.

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Hosea 6:6 For I desired mercy and not sacrifice;
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Hosea 6:6 For I desired mercy and not sacrifice;and the knowledge of God more than your burnt offerings.

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II CHRONICLES CHAPTER 34

Hosea 6:6 For I desired mercy and not sacrifice;
and the knowledge of God more than your burnt offerings.