Sermon Notes + 6.21.2026
SERMON NOTES
I Have Found the Book of the Law – Part II
2 Kings 22
Dr. Tony Chute, Lead Pastor
Overview: The discovery of the Book of the Law forms the centerpiece of 2 Kings 22. It had been neglected for many years, though no one seems to have been aware that it was missing. During the renovation of the Temple, Hilkiah finds the Book of the Law, which he then gives to Shaphan the secretary, to deliver to King Josiah. When Josiah hears the words of the Book of the Law, he is immediately distraught because he understands that neither he nor Judah have obeyed God’s Word. Huldah the prophetess confirms that God’s wrath and anger will be kindled against Judah for their neglect of God’s law, but not upon Josiah due to his penitential response to God’s Word. Like Judah before us, it is quite possible to neglect God’s Word without realizing the consequences; therefore, we should adopt the posture of Josiah by returning to God’s Word with penitent hearts and an eagerness to implement God’s Word in every area of our lives.
01. Neglecting the Word of God takes place over time in different ways; it robs us of knowing God, and it does not release us from being accountable to God.
02. Discovering the Word of God takes place over time in different ways; it humbles us before God, and it enables us to rejoice in our relationship with God.
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION & DISCOVERY
1. In what ways do people neglect the Word of God? How does the neglect of God’s Word take place deliberately or gradually? Do you have a plan to read the Bible throughout the week or during the year?
2. How does our neglect of the Bible rob us of knowing God? What does the Word of God reveal to us about God that we cannot know on our own? How does a habit of daily Bible reading reinforce our knowledge of God?
3. Note how Josiah reacted when he realized neither he nor Judah had been following God’s Word (v. 11-13). What does he do in the following chapter as a result? Do you also long for others to follow God’s Word?
4. Why does Josiah order his men to inquire of the Lord in verse 13? What information is he trying to gather? How does this text demonstrate the importance of not only reading and hearing the Word of God, but also understanding the Word of God as well? Who do you look to in order to understand God’s Word?
5. What is the significance of Huldah’s pronouncement of judgment in vv. 16-17? Are we still accountable to God’s Word even when we do not read it? What is the significance of Huldah’s promise of peace to Josiah in vv. 18-20? Do you find similar promises for your life as you humble yourself before the Lord?
For Further Reading: J. I. Packer, God Has Spoken (Crossway, 2021)