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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/2_kings/23.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/2_kings/23.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Then the king called together all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/2_kings/23.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Then the king summoned all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/2_kings/23.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Then the king sent, and all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem were gathered to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/2_kings/23.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the king summoned all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/2_kings/23.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And the king sent, and they gathered unto him all the elders of Judah and of Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/2_kings/23.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Now the king sent them to gather all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/2_kings/23.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the king sent <i>messengers,</i> and they gathered to him all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/2_kings/23.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then the king sent, and they gathered to him all the elders of Judah and of Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/2_kings/23.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then the king sent, and they gathered to him all the elders of Judah and of Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/2_kings/23.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then the king sent, and they gathered to him all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/2_kings/23.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />King Josiah sent <i>word</i> and they brought to him all the elders of Judah and of Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/2_kings/23.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So the king sent messengers, and they gathered all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/2_kings/23.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So the king sent messengers, and they gathered all the elders of Jerusalem and Judah to him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/2_kings/23.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And the king sent, and they gathered unto him all the elders of Judah and of Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/2_kings/23.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />King Josiah called together the older leaders of Judah and Jerusalem. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/2_kings/23.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And the king sent, and they gathered unto him all the elders of Judah and of Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/2_kings/23.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Then the king sent for all the respected leaders of Judah and Jerusalem to join him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/2_kings/23.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />King Josiah summoned all the leaders of Judah and Jerusalem, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/2_kings/23.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />At this, the king sent for and gathered together all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/2_kings/23.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the king summoned all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/2_kings/23.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The king summoned all the leaders of Judah and Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/2_kings/23.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The king sent, and they gathered to him all the elders of Judah and of Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/2_kings/23.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And the king sent, and they gathered to him all the elders of Judah and of Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/2_kings/23.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The king sent, and they gathered to him all the elders of Judah and of Jerusalem. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/2_kings/23.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And the king sends, and they gather all [the] elderly of Judah and Jerusalem to him,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/2_kings/23.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And the king sendeth, and they gather unto him all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/2_kings/23.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And the king will send and gather to him all the old men of Judah and Jerusalem.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/2_kings/23.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And they brought the king word again what she had said. And he sent: and all the ancients of Juda and Jerusalem were assembled to him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/2_kings/23.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And they reported to the king what she had said. And he sent, and all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem were gathered to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/2_kings/23.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The king then had all the elders of Judah and of Jerusalem summoned before him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/2_kings/23.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Then the king directed that all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem should be gathered to him.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/2_kings/23.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />AND the king sent and they gathered to him all the elders of Judah and of Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/2_kings/23.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And the King sent and assembled to himself all the Elders of Yehuda and of Jerusalem.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/2_kings/23.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And the king sent, and they gathered unto him all the elders of Judah and of Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/2_kings/23.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />So they reported the word to the king: and the king sent and gathered all the elders of Juda and Jerusalem to himself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/2_kings/23-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FiLs3w_mMFQ?start=7843" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/2_kings/23.htm">Josiah Renews the Covenant</a></span><br> <span class="reftext">1</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: ham·me·leḵ (Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">Then the king</a> <a href="/hebrew/7971.htm" title="7971: way·yiš·laḥ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To send. A primitive root; to send away, for, or out.">summoned</a> <a href="/hebrew/622.htm" title="622: way·ya·’as·p̄ū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To gather, remove. A primitive root; to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e. Remove."></a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·lāw (Prep:: 3ms) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">all</a> <a href="/hebrew/2205.htm" title="2205: ziq·nê (Adj-mpc) -- Old. From zaqen; old.">the elders</a> <a href="/hebrew/3063.htm" title="3063: yə·hū·ḏāh (N-proper-ms) -- From yadah; celebrated; Jehudah, the name of five Israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory.">of Judah</a> <a href="/hebrew/3389.htm" title="3389: wî·rū·šā·lim (Conj-w:: N-proper-fs) -- Probably foundation of peace, capital city of all Isr. ">and Jerusalem.</a> </span><span class="reftext">2</span>And he went up to the house of the LORD with all the people of Judah and Jerusalem, as well as the priests and the prophets—all the people small and great—and in their hearing he read all the words of the Book of the Covenant that had been found in the house of the LORD.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/34-29.htm">2 Chronicles 34:29-33</a></span><br />Then the king summoned all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem. / And he went up to the house of the LORD with all the people of Judah and Jerusalem, as well as the priests and the Levites—all the people great and small—and in their hearing he read all the words of the Book of the Covenant that had been found in the house of the LORD. / So the king stood by the pillar and made a covenant before the LORD to follow the LORD and to keep His commandments, decrees, and statutes with all his heart and all his soul, and to carry out the words of the covenant that were written in this book. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/8-1.htm">Nehemiah 8:1-3</a></span><br />At that time all the people gathered together in the square before the Water Gate, and they asked Ezra the scribe to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded for Israel. / On the first day of the seventh month, Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly of men and women and all who could listen and understand. / So Ezra read it aloud from daybreak until noon as he faced the square before the Water Gate, in front of the men and women and those who could understand. And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/31-11.htm">Deuteronomy 31:11-13</a></span><br />when all Israel comes before the LORD your God at the place He will choose, you are to read this law in the hearing of all Israel. / Assemble the people—men, women, children, and the foreigners within your gates—so that they may listen and learn to fear the LORD your God and to follow carefully all the words of this law. / Then their children who do not know the law will listen and learn to fear the LORD your God, as long as you live in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/8-34.htm">Joshua 8:34-35</a></span><br />Afterward, Joshua read aloud all the words of the law—the blessings and the curses—according to all that is written in the Book of the Law. / There was not a word of all that Moses had commanded that Joshua failed to read before the whole assembly of Israel, including the women, the little ones, and the foreigners who lived among them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/10-17.htm">1 Samuel 10:17-25</a></span><br />After this, Samuel summoned the people to the LORD at Mizpah / and said to the Israelites, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘I brought Israel up out of Egypt, and I rescued you from the hands of the Egyptians and of all the kingdoms that oppressed you.’ / But today you have rejected your God, who saves you from all your troubles and afflictions, and you have said to Him, ‘No, set a king over us.’ Now therefore present yourselves before the LORD by your tribes and clans.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/11-17.htm">2 Kings 11:17-20</a></span><br />Then Jehoiada made a covenant between the LORD and the king and the people that they would be the LORD’s people. He also made a covenant between the king and the people. / So all the people of the land went to the temple of Baal and tore it down. They smashed the altars and idols to pieces, and they killed Mattan the priest of Baal in front of the altars. And Jehoiada the priest posted guards for the house of the LORD. / He took with him the commanders of hundreds, the Carites, the guards, and all the people of the land, and they brought the king down from the house of the LORD and entered the royal palace by way of the Gate of the Guards. Then Joash took his seat on the royal throne, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/15-9.htm">2 Chronicles 15:9-15</a></span><br />And he assembled all Judah and Benjamin, along with those from the tribes of Ephraim, Manasseh, and Simeon who had settled among them, for great numbers had come over to him from Israel when they saw that the LORD his God was with him. / So they gathered together in Jerusalem in the third month of the fifteenth year of Asa’s reign. / At that time they sacrificed to the LORD seven hundred oxen and seven thousand sheep from all the plunder they had brought back. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/29-20.htm">2 Chronicles 29:20-30</a></span><br />Early the next morning King Hezekiah gathered the city officials and went up to the house of the LORD. / They brought seven bulls, seven rams, seven lambs, and seven male goats as a sin offering for the kingdom, for the sanctuary, and for Judah. And the king commanded the priests, the descendants of Aaron, to offer them on the altar of the LORD. / So they slaughtered the bulls, and the priests took the blood and splattered it on the altar. They slaughtered the rams and splattered the blood on the altar. And they slaughtered the lambs and splattered the blood on the altar. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezra/10-1.htm">Ezra 10:1-4</a></span><br />While Ezra prayed and made this confession, weeping and falling facedown before the house of God, a very large assembly of Israelites—men, women, and children—gathered around him, and the people wept bitterly as well. / Then Shecaniah son of Jehiel, an Elamite, said to Ezra: “We have been unfaithful to our God by marrying foreign women from the people of the land, yet in spite of this, there is hope for Israel. / So now let us make a covenant before our God to send away all the foreign wives and their children, according to the counsel of my lord and of those who tremble at the command of our God. Let it be done according to the Law. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/36-9.htm">Jeremiah 36:9-10</a></span><br />Now in the ninth month of the fifth year of Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah, a fast before the LORD was proclaimed to all the people of Jerusalem and all who had come there from the cities of Judah. / From the chamber of Gemariah son of Shaphan the scribe, which was in the upper courtyard at the opening of the New Gate of the house of the LORD, Baruch read from the scroll the words of Jeremiah in the hearing of all the people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/13-15.htm">Acts 13:15-16</a></span><br />After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the synagogue leaders sent word to them: “Brothers, if you have a word of encouragement for the people, please speak.” / Paul stood up, motioned with his hand, and began to speak: “Men of Israel and you Gentiles who fear God, listen to me!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/15-6.htm">Acts 15:6-7</a></span><br />So the apostles and elders met to look into this matter. / After much discussion, Peter got up and said to them, “Brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you that the Gentiles would hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/15-30.htm">Acts 15:30-31</a></span><br />So the men were sent off and went down to Antioch, where they assembled the congregation and delivered the letter. / When the people read it, they rejoiced at its encouraging message.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/20-20.htm">Acts 20:20-21</a></span><br />I did not shrink back from declaring anything that was helpful to you as I taught you publicly and from house to house, / testifying to Jews and Greeks alike about repentance to God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/28-23.htm">Acts 28:23</a></span><br />So they set a day to meet with Paul, and many people came to the place he was staying. He expounded to them from morning to evening, testifying about the kingdom of God and persuading them about Jesus from the Law of Moses and the Prophets.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And the king sent, and they gathered to him all the elders of Judah and of Jerusalem.</p><p class="hdg">the king.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/31-28.htm">Deuteronomy 31:28</a></b></br> Gather unto me all the elders of your tribes, and your officers, that I may speak these words in their ears, and call heaven and earth to record against them.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/6-1.htm">2 Samuel 6:1</a></b></br> Again, David gathered together all <i>the</i> chosen <i>men</i> of Israel, thirty thousand.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_chronicles/29-20.htm">2 Chronicles 29:20</a></b></br> Then Hezekiah the king rose early, and gathered the rulers of the city, and went up to the house of the LORD.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_kings/19-2.htm">Elders</a> <a href="/2_kings/22-20.htm">Gather</a> <a href="/2_kings/22-20.htm">Gathered</a> <a href="/2_kings/22-14.htm">Jerusalem</a> <a href="/2_kings/22-18.htm">Judah</a> <a href="/2_kings/12-11.htm">Responsible</a> <a href="/2_kings/22-4.htm">Together</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_chronicles/11-3.htm">Elders</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/13-2.htm">Gather</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/11-1.htm">Gathered</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-2.htm">Jerusalem</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-2.htm">Judah</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/6-31.htm">Responsible</a> <a href="/2_kings/25-11.htm">Together</a><div class="vheading2">2 Kings 23</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_kings/23-1.htm">Josiah causes the book to be read in a solemn assembly.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_kings/23-3.htm">He renews the covenant of the Lord.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_kings/23-4.htm">He destroys idolatry.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_kings/23-15.htm">He burns dead men's bones upon the altar of Bethel, as was prophesied.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">21. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_kings/23-21.htm">He keeps a most solemn Passover.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">24. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_kings/23-24.htm">He puts away witches and all abomination.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">26. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_kings/23-26.htm">God's final wrath against Judah.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">29. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_kings/23-29.htm">Josiah, provoking Pharaoh Neco, is slain at Megiddo.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">31. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_kings/23-31.htm">Jehoahaz, succeeding him,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">33. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_kings/23-33.htm">is imprisoned by Pharaoh Neco, who makes Jehoiakim king.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">36. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_kings/23-36.htm">Jehoiakim's wicked reign.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_kings/23.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_kings/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/2_kings/23.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Then the king summoned</b><br>This phrase indicates a decisive action taken by the king, demonstrating his authority and leadership. In the context of <a href="/2_kings/23.htm">2 Kings 23</a>, the king referred to is Josiah, who was known for his reforms and dedication to restoring the worship of Yahweh. His summoning of the elders signifies the beginning of a significant religious and national reform. This action reflects the king's role as a spiritual leader, akin to the role of Christ as the head of the Church, calling His people to repentance and renewal.<p><b>all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem.</b><br>The elders were the leaders and representatives of the people, holding positions of respect and authority. By summoning them, King Josiah was ensuring that the reforms he intended to implement would have the support and cooperation of the nation's leadership. Judah and Jerusalem were the southern kingdom and its capital, respectively, highlighting the centrality of Jerusalem in religious and political matters. This gathering of elders can be seen as a precursor to the New Testament concept of the Church as a body of believers, where leaders are called to guide and shepherd the flock. The inclusion of both Judah and Jerusalem emphasizes the unity and collective responsibility of the nation in returning to covenant faithfulness.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_king.htm">The King</a></b><br>Refers to King Josiah, the ruler of Judah, known for his religious reforms and dedication to restoring the worship of Yahweh.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/e/elders_of_judah_and_jerusalem.htm">Elders of Judah and Jerusalem</a></b><br>These are the leaders and representatives of the people, including tribal leaders, priests, and other influential figures in society.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/j/judah.htm">Judah</a></b><br>The southern kingdom of the Israelites, consisting of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, with Jerusalem as its capital.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a></b><br>The central city of worship and political power in Judah, home to the Temple built by Solomon.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/s/summoning.htm">Summoning</a></b><br>This event marks the beginning of a significant religious reform led by King Josiah, emphasizing the importance of communal repentance and renewal.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_leadership_in_spiritual_renewal.htm">The Importance of Leadership in Spiritual Renewal</a></b><br>Leaders play a crucial role in guiding and influencing the spiritual direction of a community. Josiah's initiative to gather the elders demonstrates the impact of godly leadership.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_community_in_spiritual_growth.htm">The Role of Community in Spiritual Growth</a></b><br>Spiritual renewal often begins with a collective effort. The gathering of the elders signifies the importance of community involvement in seeking God and implementing His commands.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/returning_to_god's_word.htm">Returning to God's Word</a></b><br>Josiah's reforms were rooted in a return to the Scriptures. This highlights the necessity of grounding our lives and communities in the truth of God's Word for genuine transformation.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/repentance_and_reform.htm">Repentance and Reform</a></b><br>True repentance involves both a change of heart and a change of action. Josiah's actions remind us that turning back to God requires both personal and communal commitment to His ways.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_legacy_of_faithful_obedience.htm">The Legacy of Faithful Obedience</a></b><br>Josiah's reforms left a lasting impact on Judah. Our obedience to God can influence future generations, encouraging them to walk in His ways.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_kings_23.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Kings 23</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_'foreign_attire'_in_zephaniah_1_8_historical.htm">In Zephaniah 1:8, what evidence exists, if any, for the identity of “foreign attire,” and can this cultural reference be authenticated historically? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_were_tribes_gathered_quickly_in_2_chr_15.htm">In 2 Chronicles 15:8–9, how were such large numbers gathered from multiple tribes so quickly and with no recorded logistical challenges? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_2_chron._35_and_2_kings_23_differ.htm">Why do 2 Chronicles 35 and 2 Kings 23 differ in their accounts of Josiah’s death, raising questions about the actual historical events?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_was_jerusalem_destroyed.htm">What caused the destruction of Jerusalem?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_kings/23.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>XXIII.<p>JOSIAH RENEWS THE COVENANT, ROOTS OUT IDOLTARY, AND HOLDS A SOLEMEN PASSOVER.HIS END.</span><p>(1) <span class= "bld">They gathered.</span>--The right reading is probably that of the Syriac and Vulg., <span class= "ital">there gathered</span>. Chron., LXX., and Arabic have <span class= "ital">he gathered</span>.<p><span class= "bld">All the elders.</span>--The representatives of the nation.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_kings/23.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 1.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And the king sent, and they gathered unto him all the elders of Judah and of Jerusalem</span>; <span class="accented">i.e.</span> all the elders of Jerusalem and of the rest of Judah. (On the important position held by "the elders" in the undivided kingdom, see <a href="/1_kings/8-1.htm">1 Kings 8:1</a>, and the comment <span class="accented">ad loc</span>.; and on their position in the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah, see <a href="/1_kings/20-7.htm">1 Kings 20:7, 8</a>; <a href="/1_kings/21-8.htm">1 Kings 21:8, 11</a>; <a href="/2_kings/10-1.htm">2 Kings 10:1</a>, etc.) <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/2_kings/23-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Then the king</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמֶּ֑לֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(ham·me·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> </span><span class="str2">A king</span><br /><br /><span class="word">summoned</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּשְׁלַ֖ח</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiš·laḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7971.htm">Strong's 7971: </a> </span><span class="str2">To send away, for, out</span><br /><br /><span class="word">all</span><br /><span class="heb">כָּל־</span> <span class="translit">(kāl-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the elders</span><br /><span class="heb">זִקְנֵ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(ziq·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2205.htm">Strong's 2205: </a> </span><span class="str2">Old</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Jerusalem</span><br /><span class="heb">וִירוּשָׁלִָֽם׃</span> <span class="translit">(wî·rū·šā·lim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3389.htm">Strong's 3389: </a> </span><span class="str2">Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and Judah.</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוּדָ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(yə·hū·ḏāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3063.htm">Strong's 3063: </a> </span><span class="str2">Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_kings/23-1.htm">2 Kings 23:1 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/2_kings/23-1.htm">2 Kings 23:1 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/2_kings/23-1.htm">2 Kings 23:1 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/2_kings/23-1.htm">2 Kings 23:1 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/2_kings/23-1.htm">2 Kings 23:1 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/2_kings/23-1.htm">2 Kings 23:1 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_kings/23-1.htm">2 Kings 23:1 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_kings/23-1.htm">2 Kings 23:1 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/2_kings/23-1.htm">2 Kings 23:1 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/2_kings/23-1.htm">2 Kings 23:1 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/2_kings/23-1.htm">OT History: 2 Kings 23:1 The king sent and they gathered (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_kings/22-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Kings 22:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Kings 22:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_kings/23-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Kings 23:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Kings 23:2" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>