2 Kings 23 5

2 Kings 23:5 kjv

And he put down the idolatrous priests, whom the kings of Judah had ordained to burn incense in the high places in the cities of Judah, and in the places round about Jerusalem; them also that burned incense unto Baal, to the sun, and to the moon, and to the planets, and to all the host of heaven.

2 Kings 23:5 nkjv

Then he removed the idolatrous priests whom the kings of Judah had ordained to burn incense on the high places in the cities of Judah and in the places all around Jerusalem, and those who burned incense to Baal, to the sun, to the moon, to the constellations, and to all the host of heaven.

2 Kings 23:5 niv

He did away with the idolatrous priests appointed by the kings of Judah to burn incense on the high places of the towns of Judah and on those around Jerusalem?those who burned incense to Baal, to the sun and moon, to the constellations and to all the starry hosts.

2 Kings 23:5 esv

And he deposed the priests whom the kings of Judah had ordained to make offerings in the high places at the cities of Judah and around Jerusalem; those also who burned incense to Baal, to the sun and the moon and the constellations and all the host of the heavens.

2 Kings 23:5 nlt

He did away with the idolatrous priests, who had been appointed by the previous kings of Judah, for they had offered sacrifices at the pagan shrines throughout Judah and even in the vicinity of Jerusalem. They had also offered sacrifices to Baal, and to the sun, the moon, the constellations, and to all the powers of the heavens.

2 Kings 23 verses

2 Kings 23 5 Meaning

King Josiah initiated a profound cleansing of Judah, decisively removing priests dedicated to foreign deities and pagan practices. This verse highlights his systematic eradication of state-sanctioned idolatry, targeting those appointed by previous Judean kings who facilitated worship on illicit high places. His focus included the explicit veneration of false gods like Baal, alongside widespread astral worship of the sun, moon, planets, and other celestial bodies, signifying a direct assault on the deepest roots of apostasy throughout the land and around Jerusalem.

2 Kings 23 5 Context

2 Kings chapter 23 recounts King Josiah's widespread reform efforts following the discovery of the Book of the Law (likely Deuteronomy) in the temple (2 Kings 22). Deeply moved by the Law's covenant curses for disobedience, Josiah responded with immediate repentance and determined action. Verses 4-20 detail his comprehensive purging of idolatry from Jerusalem and Judah, extending even into what was once the northern kingdom of Israel. This verse specifically details his removal of those religious officials and practices that symbolized the syncretism and apostasy prevalent under previous Judean kings like Manasseh and Amon. The pervasive nature of these idolatrous practices across the cities and even surrounding the capital underscores the spiritual corruption that had infected Judah prior to Josiah's reign, making his actions in this verse a crucial step in re-establishing YHWH as the sole object of worship.

2 Kings 23 5 Word analysis

• And he put down: This phrase, wa-yashbet (וַיַּשְׁבֵּת), signifies Josiah's decisive, authoritative action. It implies a complete cessation or abolition of these practices and practitioners, demonstrating his zeal and royal power in cleansing the land.
• the idolatrous priests: The Hebrew word is hakəmarim (הַכְּמָרִים). These were distinct from the Levitical priests appointed by YHWH. The term kemarim typically refers to priests of pagan deities, such as Baal or other foreign gods. Their existence in Judah highlighted a deeply entrenched system of worship that rivaled YHWH. Their removal was essential for religious purity.
• whom the kings of Judah had ordained: This crucial phrase reveals the state-sponsored nature of the apostasy. Previous Judean kings (particularly Manasseh) had not merely tolerated but actively appointed and officially sanctioned these pagan priests, institutionalizing idolatry and making its eradication a direct confrontation with a legacy of royal rebellion against YHWH's covenant.
• to burn incense: Incense burning (liqṭir, לְקַטֵּר) was a central act of worship in ancient Israel and the ancient Near East, symbolizing reverence, prayer, and devotion. Here, it is desecrated by being offered to false gods, highlighting the misdirection of worship away from YHWH. This act of purification reclaimed true worship for God.
• in the high places: The Hebrew is baḇamot (בַּבָּמוֹת). These were cultic sites, often on hills or elevated platforms, used for religious rituals. While some may have been originally used for Yahwistic worship, they were condemned because they decentralized worship and often led to syncretism, incorporating Canaanite practices. Josiah's removal of them emphasized the exclusive legitimacy of the Temple in Jerusalem.
• in the cities of Judah, and in the places round about Jerusalem: This emphasizes the widespread and pervasive nature of idolatry. It was not confined to rural or remote areas but was rampant throughout the settled regions and even encroaching upon the holy city itself, indicating deep corruption at all levels of society.
• them also that burned incense unto Baal: The explicit mention of Baal signifies the persistent influence of Canaanite polytheism, a primary spiritual adversary to YHWH. Baal was the storm god, central to Canaanite fertility cults, whose worship involved practices explicitly forbidden by YHWH. Its specific mention indicates its pervasive and pernicious influence.
• to the sun, and to the moon, and to the planets: This details the various forms of astral worship. The "planets" (mazzalot, מַזָּלוֹת) refer to specific constellations or zodiacal signs, reflecting Mesopotamian astrological practices common during periods of Assyrian dominance. Such worship was a direct violation of God's prohibition against worshiping created things, rather than the Creator.
• and to all the host of heaven: This broad phrase (ṣeḇa hašāmayim, צְבָא הַשָּׁמַיִם) encompasses all celestial bodies and powers perceived as divine. This generalized term points to the comprehensive nature of the idolatry, where various cosmic forces were deified. It is a stark contrast to YHWH, who created and commands the "host of heaven" (as seen in Isa 40:26).

2 Kings 23 5 Bonus section

The extent of Josiah's reforms, particularly the removal of kemarim and specific astral cults, reflects not just internal religious degradation but also significant foreign, especially Assyrian, influence on Judah's religious landscape during the reigns of Manasseh and Amon. Manasseh notably integrated Assyrian worship practices, including the cult of the host of heaven, into Jerusalem. Josiah's bold actions were a public and forceful declaration of Judah's independence from such theological vassalage and a re-affirmation of the Mosaic covenant with YHWH alone. While exceptionally thorough, Josiah's reforms proved temporary after his death, highlighting that genuine spiritual renewal requires sustained commitment beyond a single righteous king.

2 Kings 23 5 Commentary

2 Kings 23:5 vividly portrays King Josiah's radical commitment to restoring YHWH as the exclusive object of worship in Judah. Driven by the rediscovered Law, he undertook a root-and-branch cleansing, targeting not just overt paganism but the insidious syncretism deeply embedded in the religious and political structures. His actions against the "idolatrous priests" highlight the severity of past royal apostasy, as these priests were explicitly "ordained" by earlier kings. The systematic purging of "high places," incense altars, and specifically the cults of Baal and astral deities—including the sun, moon, and constellations—demonstrates the comprehensive nature of the spiritual corruption Josiah sought to eliminate. This verse encapsulates the theological battle between the unique sovereignty of YHWH and the seductive allure of paganism, emphasizing that true repentance demands thorough removal of all that defiles worship.