2 Chronicles 34 4

2 Chronicles 34:4 kjv

And they brake down the altars of Baalim in his presence; and the images, that were on high above them, he cut down; and the groves, and the carved images, and the molten images, he brake in pieces, and made dust of them, and strewed it upon the graves of them that had sacrificed unto them.

2 Chronicles 34:4 nkjv

They broke down the altars of the Baals in his presence, and the incense altars which were above them he cut down; and the wooden images, the carved images, and the molded images he broke in pieces, and made dust of them and scattered it on the graves of those who had sacrificed to them.

2 Chronicles 34:4 niv

Under his direction the altars of the Baals were torn down; he cut to pieces the incense altars that were above them, and smashed the Asherah poles and the idols. These he broke to pieces and scattered over the graves of those who had sacrificed to them.

2 Chronicles 34:4 esv

And they chopped down the altars of the Baals in his presence, and he cut down the incense altars that stood above them. And he broke in pieces the Asherim and the carved and the metal images, and he made dust of them and scattered it over the graves of those who had sacrificed to them.

2 Chronicles 34:4 nlt

He ordered that the altars of Baal be demolished and that the incense altars which stood above them be broken down. He also made sure that the Asherah poles, the carved idols, and the cast images were smashed and scattered over the graves of those who had sacrificed to them.

2 Chronicles 34 verses

2 Chronicles 34 4 Meaning

This verse describes the thorough and systematic dismantling of idolatry under King Josiah's direction. It details the destruction of various pagan altars and images dedicated to Baals and other sun deities, specifically mentioning the process of grinding these objects into dust and scattering them over the graves of their former worshippers. This act served as a powerful symbolic defilement, expressing utter contempt for the idols and a complete break from past apostasy, ensuring no vestige of their sacredness remained.

2 Chronicles 34 4 Context

This verse initiates a detailed account of King Josiah's fervent and comprehensive religious reforms across Judah and parts of the former Northern Kingdom. It describes the physical destruction of various cult objects, representing his decisive move to eradicate idolatry from the land. This cleansing operation predates, yet prepares for, the momentous discovery of the Book of the Law later in the chapter (v. 8), demonstrating Josiah's innate devotion and zeal for Yahweh. Historically, Josiah reigned (c. 640–609 BC) during a period of Assyrian decline, which granted Judah political space to undertake such extensive reforms that reached far beyond Jerusalem, challenging the entrenched pagan practices that had permeated Judah under his idolatrous predecessors, Manasseh and Amon. His actions directly fulfill ancient Deuteronomic commands regarding the destruction of idols and foreign cult sites, serving as a powerful polemic against the polytheistic fertility religions of Canaan.

2 Chronicles 34 4 Word analysis

• And they broke down (וַיְנַתְּצוּ, vay'nat'tzu): "They" refers to Josiah's authorized agents, carrying out his will. The verb "broke down" (נָתַץ, natatz) denotes violent and thorough demolition, emphasizing complete eradication rather than mere removal. It signifies an act of definitive, authorized destruction against false worship.
• the altars (מִזְבְּח֥וֹת, miz'b'khot): Places of sacrifice. These were specifically illicit structures erected for the worship of foreign deities, direct affronts to the one true God, Yahweh.
• of the Baals (לַבְּעָלִ֖ים, lav'ba'alim): Plural form of "Baal" (בַּעַל, Baʿal), a primary Canaanite fertility god. This indicates the numerous localized cults and various manifestations of Baal worshipped across the land. The actions were targeted at this pervasive idolatrous system.
• in his presence (לְפָנָ֑יו, l'fanayv): Literally "before his face." This highlights Josiah's personal supervision or direct involvement, emphasizing his unwavering commitment, leadership, and public endorsement of these actions. It validates the sweeping nature of the reform.
• and the sun-images (וְהַֽחַמָּנִ֗ים, v'hakh'ammanim): These were sacred pillars or incense altars (חַמָּן, Chaman derived from sun-related concepts) associated with solar worship, possibly dedicated to Baal or other sky deities. Their explicit mention signifies their prominence and the depth of syncretism.
• that were on high above them (אֲשֶׁ֨ר לְמַ֜עְלָה מֵהֶ֗ם, asher l'ma'lah me'hem): This suggests their elevated position, likely on "high places" or erected atop altars, underscoring their prominence in pagan worship, and indicating a particular target for demolition.
• he cut down (וַיְגַדַּ֤ע, vaygad'dea): From גָדַע (gadaʿ), meaning to cut off, hack down, or sever. This term specifically applies to the sun-images, denoting the forceful felling of these upright cultic pillars, further signifying their violent overthrow.
• and the Asherim (וְהָאֲשֵׁרִים, v'ha'asherim): Wooden poles or sacred trees representing Asherah, a prominent Canaanite goddess often considered a consort to Baal, linked to fertility cults. Their destruction was a divine command for covenant faithfulness (Deut 12:3).
• and the carved images (וְהַפְּסִלִים, v'hap'silim): Idols fashioned by carving stone or wood (פֶּסֶל, pesel).
• and the molten images (וְהַמַּסֵּכוֹת, v'ham'massekhot): Idols made by casting metal (מַסֵּכָה, massekah). The specific enumeration of carved and molten images covers the two primary methods of idol manufacture, indicating comprehensive eradication.
• he broke in pieces (שִׁבַּ֔ר, shibbar): From שָׁבַר (shabar), to break or shatter. This act ensures that the idols are rendered useless, demonstrating complete disrespect and a definitive end to their supposed power.
• and made dust of them (וַיָּ֕דֶק, vayadeq): From דָּקַק (daqaq), to crush finely, pound into powder. This is a critical detail that signifies utter annihilation. By reducing the idols to dust, Josiah prevented any possible reconstruction, re-veneration, or retention of any symbolic power. It mirrors the crushing of the Golden Calf (Exod 32:20; Deut 9:21).
• and strewed it upon the graves (וַיִּזְרֶ֗ה עַל־קִבְרֵי֙, vayyizreh al-qivre): This act held profound polemical significance. Contact with the dead or graves made one ritually unclean according to Mosaic Law (Num 19:11-22). Scattering the pulverized idols on graves was a public declaration of the idols' impurity, worthlessness, and association with death, directly desecrating them and ensuring their shame.
• of them that had sacrificed unto them (מַזְבִּחֵ֥יהֶם, maz'bikheyhem): Refers to the worshippers of these false gods. Strewing the defiled dust on their graves extended the desecration to the very memory and legacy of the idolaters, signifying their ultimate repudiation and the breaking of their unholy covenant.

Words-Group Analysis:

• "And they broke down the altars of the Baals in his presence; and the sun-images...he cut down; and the Asherim, and the carved images, and the molten images, he broke in pieces": This lengthy sequence details the extensive inventory of idolatrous items targeted by Josiah. The listing demonstrates the methodical and comprehensive nature of the purges, ensuring no form of idolatry was overlooked. It reflects a radical commitment to purifying the land from all abominations.
• "made dust of them, and strewed it upon the graves of them that had sacrificed unto them": This specific combination of actions—total pulverization and ritual defilement on graves—illustrates the profound contempt and polemical statement Josiah was making. It was not just about removing physical objects but spiritually nullifying their power, erasing their sanctity, and associating them irrevocably with defilement and death, both for the idols themselves and their deceased adherents. This highly symbolic act underscores the thoroughness and spiritual intent of Josiah's reforms.

2 Chronicles 34 4 Bonus section

• Josiah's acts in this verse directly recall the commands given in Deuteronomy regarding the treatment of idols and cult sites (e.g., Deut 7:5, 12:3). His thoroughness fulfilled the spirit of the Law even before its complete rediscovery.
• The destruction by grinding to dust is a recurring biblical motif for complete judgment and nullification, most notably seen in Moses' handling of the Golden Calf (Exod 32:20, Deut 9:21). This act renders the "sacred" profane and ensures its utter disappearance.
• By desecrating the altars and images and associating them with graves, Josiah targeted the perceived power and memory of idolatry. This was not just about physical removal but spiritual disgrace. It's a vivid demonstration of the principle that "idols are nothing" (1 Cor 8:4).
• This detailed account of destruction underscores Josiah's extraordinary commitment to monotheism amidst prevailing syncretism. His zeal surpassed many other reforming kings (e.g., Asa, Jehoshaphat, Hezekiah), setting a benchmark for devotion to Yahweh.

2 Chronicles 34 4 Commentary

2 Chronicles 34:4 captures the raw intensity and decisive nature of King Josiah's spiritual reforms in Judah. More than mere renovation, Josiah commanded a brutal surgical removal of all pagan practices, physically dismantling the structures of false worship that had infiltrated the nation. His direct involvement, signaled by "in his presence," underlines the official and zealous nature of this purging. The progression from breaking and cutting to pulverizing the idols emphasizes his intent for total annihilation, ensuring no piece could be revered again. The scattering of idol dust onto the graves of worshippers served as a definitive polemic: it stripped the false gods of any perceived holiness, associating them with the utter defilement of death, and marked a symbolic curse on those who had bowed down to them. This preparatory work was crucial; it created a cleared spiritual ground, readying the nation for the rediscovery of God's law and a subsequent covenant renewal, demonstrating that genuine repentance necessitates a complete renunciation of anything that rivals the sovereignty of God.

Examples:

• Josiah's actions are akin to meticulously removing every cancerous cell to ensure a clean bill of spiritual health.
• He publicly shamed the "gods" by reducing them to powerless dust and scattering them on refuse heaps—graves were treated as impure places—thus demonstrating their nothingness.
• The meticulous destruction serves as a model for thorough repentance: leaving no "idol" in one's life intact, and disposing of any remnant in a way that signifies contempt for what formerly held sway.