Albert Barnes Commentary 2 Kings 22:13

"Go ye, inquire of Jehovah for me, and for the people, and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that is found; for great is the wrath of Jehovah that is kindled against us, because our fathers have not hearkened unto the words of this book, to do according unto all that which is written concerning us." — 2 Kings 22:13 (ASV)

Enquire of the Lord - As inquiry by Urim and Thummim had ceased—apparently because it was superseded by prophecy—this order was equivalent to an injunction to seek the presence of a prophet (Compare 2 Kings 3:11; 1 Kings 22:5).

Because our fathers have not obeyed - Josiah, it will be observed, assumes that preceding generations had had a full opportunity to hear and know the Law. He thus regards the loss as comparatively recent (Compare 2 Kings 22:8 note).