NSB(i)
19 As soon as the king heard what the Law said, he tore his clothes in distress.
20 Then the king gave an order to Hilkiah, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Abdon son of Micah, the scribe Shaphan, and the royal official Asaiah. He said:
21 »On behalf of those who are left in Israel and Judah and me, ask Jehovah about the words in this book that was found. Jehovah’s fierce anger has been poured on us because our ancestors did not obey the word of Jehovah by doing everything written in this book.«
22 Hilkiah and the king’s officials went to talk to the prophet Huldah about this matter. She was the wife of Shallum, son of Tokhath and grandson of Hasrah. Shallum was in charge of the royal wardrobe. Huldah was living in the Second Part of Jerusalem.
23 She told them: »This is what Jehovah the God of Israel says: »Tell the man who sent you to me,
24 »This is what Jehovah says: ‘I am going to bring disaster on this place and on the people living here. This is according to the curses written in the book that was read to the king of Judah.
25 »‘I will do this because they have abandoned me. They have sacrificed to other gods in order to make me furious. Therefore, my anger will be poured on this place and it will not be extinguished.’«
26 Huldah continued: »Tell Judah’s king who sent you to me to ask Jehovah a question: ‘This is what Jehovah the God of Israel says about the words you heard:
27 »‘»You had a change of heart and humbled yourself in front of God when you heard my words against this place and those who live here. You humbled yourself, tore your clothes in distress, and cried in front of me. So I will listen to you, proclaims Jehovah.
28 »‘‘That is why I am going to bring you to your ancestors. I am going to bring you to your grave in peace. Your eyes will not see any of the disaster I am going to bring on this place and those who live here.«’« They reported this to the king.
29 The king sent for all the respected leaders of Judah and Jerusalem to join him.
30 The king, everyone in Judah, everyone living in Jerusalem, the priests, the Levites, and all the people, young and old, went up to Jehovah’s Temple. He read everything written in the Book of the Covenant found in Jehovah’s Temple so that they could hear it.
31 The king stood in his place and made a promise to Jehovah that he would follow Jehovah and obey his commandments, instructions, and laws with his entire heart and being. He said he would live by the terms of the covenant (promise) written in this book.