Definition: And Hilkiah the high priest said unto Shaphan the scribe, I have found the book of the law in the house of the LORD. And Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, and he read it.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 2 Kings 22:8. It's a little mysterious, but here's what it essentially means: Basically, this verse tells us that a high priest – specifically Hilkiah – discovered a copy of the Hebrew Bible (the Old Testament) in the house of the Lord. Here’s a more detailed explanation: “And Hilkiah the high priest said…” : This establishes who is involved. Hilkiah was a leader in the religious leadership of Israel. “…unto Shaphan the scribe…” : Shaphan was a scribe, someone who copied and preserved texts. He was responsible for writing down things like the laws and stories from the Bible. “I have found the book of the law…” : This is the key part. Hilkiah discovered a copy of the Hebrew Bible! The “book of the law” refers to the entire collection of scriptures – the Torah, Prophets, and Writings. “…in the house of the LORD.” : This is important. It means this book was found in a place that was considered sacred and holy, specifically within the Temple in Jerusalem. So, what’s the significance? This event is often interpreted as a sign of God's providence and a blessing on Israel. It suggests that God was watching over His people and providing them with something valuable. It could also be seen as a moment of divine revelation or guidance. Important Note: This passage is often debated among scholars, but it’s generally understood to be a significant event in the Old Testament, marking a point where the Hebrew Bible became accessible. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this passage within the larger story of Israel?