2 Chronicles 34 6

2 Chronicles 34:6 kjv

And so did he in the cities of Manasseh, and Ephraim, and Simeon, even unto Naphtali, with their mattocks round about.

2 Chronicles 34:6 nkjv

And so he did in the cities of Manasseh, Ephraim, and Simeon, as far as Naphtali and all around, with axes.

2 Chronicles 34:6 niv

In the towns of Manasseh, Ephraim and Simeon, as far as Naphtali, and in the ruins around them,

2 Chronicles 34:6 esv

And in the cities of Manasseh, Ephraim, and Simeon, and as far as Naphtali, in their ruins all around,

2 Chronicles 34:6 nlt

He did the same thing in the towns of Manasseh, Ephraim, and Simeon, even as far as Naphtali, and in the regions all around them.

2 Chronicles 34 verses

2 Chronicles 34 6 Meaning

King Josiah's comprehensive and systematic purification campaign, initiated in Judah, extended decisively into the territories of the former northern kingdom. With zeal, he dismantled idolatrous altars, Asherim, and graven images, employing mattocks and other destructive tools to utterly eradicate these pagan elements, signifying his divine authority and unwavering commitment to cleansing the entire land of Israel from false worship.

2 Chronicles 34 6 Context

King Josiah ascended to the throne of Judah at the age of eight and, in the twelfth year of his reign, began a profound religious reform movement, as detailed in 2 Chronicles 34:3-7. The preceding verses (34:3-5) describe his actions within Judah and Jerusalem: he purged the land of high places, Asherim, and all forms of carved and molded idolatrous images, even defiling the idolatrous altars by burning the bones of their priests upon them. Verse 6 signifies the geographical expansion of this comprehensive spiritual cleansing. This period occurred during the significant decline of the Assyrian Empire, which had previously held dominion over these northern Israelite territories. This power vacuum afforded Josiah the unique opportunity to extend his reforms and exert his authority over these former Northern Kingdom lands, implicitly claiming his role as king over all Israel, not merely Judah, in a zealous endeavor to unify the people under Yahweh's exclusive worship.

2 Chronicles 34 6 Word analysis

• And so did he: This phrase explicitly links Josiah's actions in this verse to the preceding thorough purge in Judah (2 Chron 34:4-5), demonstrating a consistent and sustained campaign. "He" unambiguously refers to King Josiah, emphasizing his personal leadership and commitment to eradicating idolatry.
• in the cities of Manasseh, and Ephraim, and Simeon, even unto Naphtali: This detailed geographical listing highlights the expansive reach of Josiah's reforms. These represent the tribal territories of the former Northern Kingdom of Israel, far beyond the traditional borders of Judah.
  • Manasseh & Ephraim: These were central and historically significant tribes in the Northern Kingdom, indicating Josiah's penetration into the heartland of Israelite apostasy.
  • Simeon: A tribe whose allotted land was within Judah's territory (Josh 19:1), but maintained a distinct tribal identity, signifying the comprehensiveness of the purge across Judah's direct sphere and adjacent areas.
  • Naphtali: Situated in the far north of the promised land, extending to the Upper Galilee. The phrase "even unto" dramatically illustrates the unprecedented north-south sweep and thoroughness of Josiah's cleansing operation, showcasing his comprehensive commitment to purging all of Israel.
  • Significance: This demonstrates Josiah's expansive vision to purify the entire land given to Israel, reflecting a commitment to Yahweh's covenant with all twelve tribes. It asserts his divinely sanctioned authority as a pan-Israelite king, re-establishing religious unity after centuries of division and widespread idolatry.
• with their mattocks: Hebrew: חַרְבֹתֵיהֶם (charbōtheihem), derived from חֶרֶב (cherev). While חֶרֶב most commonly means "sword," in this context, and consistent with the act of demolition, it signifies instruments used for breaking, tearing down, or laying waste. Common translations include "axes," "hoes," "picks," or "destructive tools."
  • Significance: The use of these tools underscores the physical, deliberate, and forceful nature of the destruction. This was not a superficial removal but a deep, systematic dismantling, emphasizing the utter desolation of these pagan structures and the complete rooting out of the physical presence of idolatry. It also implies that Josiah's forces were equipped and actively participated in this demolishing work.
• round about: This adverbial phrase intensifies the thoroughness and all-encompassing nature of Josiah's actions. It conveys that within the mentioned tribal territories, the purging was exhaustive; no idolatrous site or area was left unaddressed or untouched, signifying a complete and meticulous eradication of pagan worship centers.

• Words-group analysis:
  • "And so did he in the cities of Manasseh...Naphtali": This grouping highlights Josiah's ambition and commitment, not just to Judah, but to the entire covenant people. It reflects his understanding of being Yahweh's king over all Israel, regardless of political divisions, demonstrating a zeal for pan-Israelite spiritual unity.
  • "with their mattocks round about": This phrase paints a vivid picture of the relentless, systematic, and complete destruction of idolatry. It wasn't a half-hearted attempt but a full-scale campaign to demolish the very foundations of pagan worship, emphasizing the decisive and uncompromising nature of God's command to separate from idolatry.

2 Chronicles 34 6 Bonus section

• Josiah's ability to operate freely in these northern territories signifies the weakening grip of the Assyrian Empire, which had traditionally controlled them since the fall of the Northern Kingdom. This geopolitical context allowed Josiah a unique opportunity to act as the spiritual leader for all Israel.
• This thorough destruction of high places across the whole land prepared the way for the celebration of Passover, inviting people from these areas to come to Jerusalem (2 Chron 35:18), thereby briefly re-establishing a form of spiritual unity among all the tribes centered on the worship of Yahweh in His temple.
• The mention of "their mattocks" implies that Josiah had organized a specific force, a demolition crew if you will, dedicated solely to this religious cleansing. This indicates a well-planned and highly systematic approach to rooting out idolatry, rather than sporadic, impulsive acts.

2 Chronicles 34 6 Commentary

2 Chronicles 34:6 depicts King Josiah's zealous pursuit of divine obedience by extending his anti-idolatry reforms beyond Judah into the fragmented territories of the former Northern Kingdom. His campaign was comprehensive, reaching tribes like Manasseh, Ephraim, Simeon, and even distant Naphtali. The methodical use of "mattocks" (or axes) underscores the physical, deliberate, and thorough destruction of altars, images, and high places. This action was not merely political assertion but a profound act of covenant fidelity, reflecting God's command to utterly destroy all vestiges of pagan worship. Josiah's initiative demonstrates a rare instance of an attempted pan-Israelite spiritual reunification under Yahweh's sole authority, reinforcing that true repentance from idolatry demands radical and total eradication of anything that displaces God from His rightful place.