The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Kings 22:8-20
The finding of the Law-book. The finding of the book of the Law by Hilkiah in the temple marks a distinct turning-point in Josiah's reformation It is admitted generally that this Law-book included, if it did not exclusively consist of, the Book of Deuteronomy. As it is further allowed that some of the main narrative documents of our present Pentateuch, and the book of the covenant ( Exodus 21:1-36 .-23.), if not also collections of priestly laws, were then in existence, and had long been,... read more
The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Kings 22:8-14
Discovery of the book of the Law . When Shaphan had transacted with Hilkiah the business entrusted to him by the king, Hilkiah took the opportunity of sending word by him to the king with respect to a discovery that he had recently made, during the investigations connected with the repairs. He had found a book, which he called without any doubt or hesitation, "the book of the Law"— סֵפֶר הַתּוֹרָה —and this book he put into the hands of Shaphan, who "read it," i.e. some of it,... read more