2nd Kings — 22

Yusyahu Rules in Yahudah

1 Yusyahu was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Yahushalam thirty-one years. His mother was Yadidah, the daughter of Adayahu from Buzkath. 

2 He did what was pleasing in the sight of 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄_YAHUAH and followed the example of his ancestor Daud, he did not turn away from doing what was right.

3 In the eighteenth year of his reign, King Yusyahu sent Shaphan son of Azalyahu and grandson of Mashullam, the court secretary, to the Temple of 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄_YAHUAH, he told him, 

4 “Go to Hilkyahu the high Kuhan and have him count the money the gatekeepers have collected from the people at 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄_YAHUAH’s Temple. 

5 Entrust this money to the men assigned to supervise the restoration of 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄_YAHUAH’s Temple. Then they can use it to pay workers to repair the Temple. 

6 They will need to hire carpenters, builders, and masons. Also have them buy the timber and the finished stone needed to repair the Temple. 

7 But do not require the construction supervisors to keep account of the money they receive, for they are honest and trustworthy men.”

Hilkyahu Discovers ALUAH’s Law

8 Hilkyahu the high Kuhan said to Shaphan the court secretary, “I have found the Book of the Turah (Law) in 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄_YAHUAH’s Temple!” Then Hilkyahu gave the scroll to Shaphan, and he read it.

9 Shaphan went to the king and reported, “Your officials have turned over the money collected at the Temple of 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄_YAHUAH to the workers and supervisors at the Temple.” 

10 Shaphan also told the king, “Hilkyahu the Kuhan has given me a scroll.” So Shaphan read it to the king.

11 When the king heard what was written in the Book of the Law, he tore his clothes in despair. 

12 Then he gave these orders to Hilkyahu the Kuhan, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Acbur son of Micayahu, Shaphan the court secretary, and Asayahu the king’s personal adviser: 

13 “Go to the Temple and speak to  𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄_YAHUAH for me and for the people and for all Yahudah. Inquire about the words written in this scroll that has been found. For 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄_YAHUAH’s great anger is burning against us because our ancestors have not obeyed the Dabar in this scroll. We have not been doing everything it says we must do.”

14 So Hilkyahu the Kuhan, Ahikam, Acbur, Shaphan, and Asayahu went to the New Quarter of Yahushalam to consult with the Nabym Huldah. She was the wife of Shallum son of Tikbah, son of Harhas, the keeper of the Temple wardrobe.

15 She said to them, “𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄_YAHUAH, the 𐤀𐤋𐤅𐤄_ALUAH of Yashar'AL, has spoken! Go back and tell the man who sent you, 

16 ‘This is what 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄_YAHUAH Dabar: I am going to bring disaster on this city and its people. All the words written in the scroll that the king of Yahudah has read will come true. 

17 For my people have abandoned me and offered sacrifices to pagan idols, and I am very angry with them for everything they have done. My anger will burn against this place, and it will not be quenched.’

18 “But go to the king of Yahudah who sent you to seek 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄_YAHUAH and tell him: ‘This is what 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄_YAHUAH, the 𐤀𐤋𐤅𐤄_ALUAH of Yashar'AL have Dabar concerning the message you have just heard: 

19 You were sorry and humbled yourself before 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄_YAHUAH when you heard what I said against this city and its people, that this land would be cursed and become desolate. You tore your clothing in despair and wept before me in repentance. And I have indeed heard you, says 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄_YAHUAH. 

20 So I will not send the promised disaster until after you have died and been buried in Shalum. You will not see the disaster I am going to bring on this city.’ So they took her message back to the king.