2 Chronicles 34:21

“Go, inquire of the Lord for me, and for them that are left in Israel and in Judah, concerning the words of the book that is found: for great is the wrath of the Lord that is poured out upon us, because our fathers have not kept the word of the Lord, to do after all that is written in this book.”

This verse is part of a larger narrative found in the Second Book of Chronicles. It describes a significant event during the reign of King Josiah of Judah. Josiah became king at the age of eight and was known for his devotion to God and his efforts to reform the religious practices of his kingdom.

In the earlier part of 2 Chronicles 34, we learn that during the eighteenth year of Josiah’s reign, he ordered the repair and restoration of the Temple of the Lord. As the workers were renovating the temple, they discovered the Book of the Law (likely referring to the Torah or the Pentateuch) hidden within the temple.

When the book was brought to King Josiah and read aloud in his presence, he was deeply moved. Josiah realised that the nation had strayed from the commandments of God, and he understood the seriousness of the situation. Recognising the significance of the book and the words contained within it, he sent messengers to inquire of the Lord on his behalf and on behalf of the people of Israel and Judah.

The verse you mentioned captures Josiah’s understanding of the gravity of the situation. He acknowledged that the wrath of the Lord was upon them because their ancestors had not kept the word of the Lord as written in the book that was found. Josiah recognised that the sins and disobedience of the past generations had brought judgment upon the nation.

Josiah’s response demonstrates his humility and his desire to seek God’s guidance and forgiveness. By sending messengers to inquire of the Lord, he sought to understand the implications of the book and how the nation could repent and turn back to the ways of the Lord.

This verse highlights the importance of knowing and keeping the word of God. It serves as a reminder that neglecting God’s commands can lead to dire consequences. Josiah’s recognition of this truth prompted him to take immediate action and seek the Lord’s guidance.

Overall, this passage emphasises the significance of the written word of God and the need for repentance and obedience. It encourages us to examine our own lives, ensure that we are aligning ourselves with God’s word, and seek His guidance in times of trouble or when we realise that we have strayed from His ways.