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When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his clothes.

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Go and inquire of the LORD for me and for the people and for all Judah

about what is written in this book that has been found.

Great is the LORD’s anger that burns against us

because those who have gone before us have not

obeyed the words of this book.

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Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam, Akbor, Shaphan and Asaiah went to speak to prophet Huldah,

who was the wife of Shallum son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe.

She lived in Jerusalem, in the New Quarter.

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She said to them,

“This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: Tell the man who sent you to me,

‘This is what the LORD says:

I am going to bring disaster on this place and its people,

according to everything written in the book the king of Judah has read.

Because they have forsaken me and burned incense to other gods

and aroused my anger by all the idols their hands have made,

my anger will burn against this place and will not be quenched.’

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Tell the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of the LORD,

‘This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says concerning the words you heard:

Because your heart was responsive and you humbled yourself before the LORD

when you heard what I have spoken against this place and its people –

that they would become a curse and be laid waste –

and because you tore your robes and wept in my presence,

.

I also have heard you, declare the LORD.

Therefore I will gather you to your ancestors,

and you will be buried in peace.

Your eyes will not see all the disaster I am going to bring

on this place.'”

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So they took her answer back to the king.

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Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to

destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads

to life, and only a few find it.

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