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The king pulverized them there and threw their dust into the Kidron Valley.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_kings/23-12.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/12_2Ki_23_12.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Kings 23:12 - Josiah Destroys Idolatry" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="He pulled down the altars that the kings of Judah had set up on the roof near the upper chamber of Ahaz, and the altars that Manasseh had set up in the two courtyards of the house of the LORD. The king pulverized them there and threw their dust into the Kidron Valley." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/2_kings/23-12.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/2_kings/23-12.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/2_kings/">2 Kings</a> > <a href="/2_kings/23.htm">Chapter 23</a> > Verse 12</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad12.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/2_kings/23-11.htm" title="2 Kings 23:11">◄</a> 2 Kings 23:12 <a href="/2_kings/23-13.htm" title="2 Kings 23:13">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/2_kings/23.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/2_kings/23.htm">New International Version</a> He pulled down the altars the kings of Judah had erected on the roof near the upper room of Ahaz, and the altars Manasseh had built in the two courts of the temple of the LORD. He removed them from there, smashed them to pieces and threw the rubble into the Kidron Valley. <a href="/nlt/2_kings/23.htm">New Living Translation</a> Josiah tore down the altars that the kings of Judah had built on the palace roof above the upper room of Ahaz. The king destroyed the altars that Manasseh had built in the two courtyards of the LORD’s Temple. He smashed them to bits and scattered the pieces in the Kidron Valley. <a href="/esv/2_kings/23.htm">English Standard Version</a> And the altars on the roof of the upper chamber of Ahaz, which the kings of Judah had made, and the altars that Manasseh had made in the two courts of the house of the LORD, he pulled down and broke in pieces and cast the dust of them into the brook Kidron. <a href="/bsb/2_kings/23.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> He pulled down the altars that the kings of Judah had set up on the roof near the upper chamber of Ahaz, and the altars that Manasseh had set up in the two courtyards of the house of the LORD. The king pulverized them there and threw their dust into the Kidron Valley. <a href="/kjv/2_kings/23.htm">King James Bible</a> And the altars that were on the top of the upper chamber of Ahaz, which the kings of Judah had made, and the altars which Manasseh had made in the two courts of the house of the LORD, did the king beat down, and brake them down from thence, and cast the dust of them into the brook Kidron. <a href="/nkjv/2_kings/23.htm">New King James Version</a> The altars that were on the roof, the upper chamber of Ahaz, which the kings of Judah had made, and the altars which Manasseh had made in the two courts of the house of the LORD, the king broke down and pulverized there, and threw their dust into the Brook Kidron. <a href="/nasb_/2_kings/23.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> The king also tore down the altars that were on the roof, the upper chamber of Ahaz, which the kings of Judah had made, and the altars which Manasseh had made in the two courtyards of the house of the LORD; and he smashed them there and threw their dust into the brook Kidron. <a href="/nasb/2_kings/23.htm">NASB 1995</a> The altars which were on the roof, the upper chamber of Ahaz, which the kings of Judah had made, and the altars which Manasseh had made in the two courts of the house of the LORD, the king broke down; and he smashed them there and threw their dust into the brook Kidron. <a href="/nasb77/2_kings/23.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And the altars which were on the roof, the upper chamber of Ahaz, which the kings of Judah had made, and the altars which Manasseh had made in the two courts of the house of the LORD, the king broke down; and he smashed them there, and threw their dust into the brook Kidron. <a href="/lsb/2_kings/23.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Also, the altars which were on the roof, the upper chamber of Ahaz, which the kings of Judah had made, and the altars which Manasseh had made in the two courts of the house of Yahweh, the king tore down; and he crushed them there and threw their dust into the brook Kidron. <a href="/amp/2_kings/23.htm">Amplified Bible</a> The altars [dedicated to the starry host of heaven] which were on the roof, the upper chamber of Ahaz, which the kings of Judah had made, and the altars which Manasseh had made in the two courtyards of the house of the LORD, the king tore down; and he smashed them there and threw their dust into the Brook Kidron. <a href="/csb/2_kings/23.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> The king tore down the altars that the kings of Judah had made on the roof of Ahaz’s upper chamber. He also tore down the altars that Manasseh had made in the two courtyards of the LORD’s temple. Then he smashed them there and threw their dust into the Kidron Valley. <a href="/hcsb/2_kings/23.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> The king tore down the altars that were on the roof—Ahaz&#8217s upper chamber that the kings of Judah had made—and the altars that Manasseh had made in the two courtyards of the LORD&#8217s temple. Then he smashed them there and threw their dust into the Kidron Valley. <a href="/asv/2_kings/23.htm">American Standard Version</a> And the altars that were on the roof of the upper chamber of Ahaz, which the kings of Judah had made, and the altars which Manasseh had made in the two courts of the house of Jehovah, did the king break down, and beat them down from thence, and cast the dust of them into the brook Kidron. <a href="/cev/2_kings/23.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Some of the kings of Judah, especially Manasseh, had built altars in the two courts of the temple and in the room that Ahaz had built on the palace roof. Josiah had these altars torn down and smashed to pieces, and he had the pieces thrown into Kidron Valley, just outside Jerusalem. <a href="/erv/2_kings/23.htm">English Revised Version</a> And the altars that were on the roof of the upper chamber of Ahaz, which the kings of Judah had made, and the altars which Manasseh had made in the two courts of the house of the LORD, did the king break down, and beat them down from thence, and cast the dust of them into the brook Kidron. <a href="/gwt/2_kings/23.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> the altars that Judah's kings had made and placed on the roof of Ahaz's upstairs room, and the altars Manasseh had made in the two courtyards of the LORD's temple. The king tore them down from there, crushed them, and dumped their rubble in the Kidron Valley. <a href="/gnt/2_kings/23.htm">Good News Translation</a> The altars which the kings of Judah had built on the palace roof above King Ahaz' quarters, King Josiah tore down, along with the altars put up by King Manasseh in the two courtyards of the Temple; he smashed the altars to bits and threw them into Kidron Valley. <a href="/isv/2_kings/23.htm">International Standard Version</a> The king demolished the rooftop altars on top of Ahaz's upper chamber that the kings of Judah had erected, as well as the altars that Manasseh had made in the two courts of the LORD's Temple. He pulverized them where they stood and cast their dust into the Kidron Brook. <a href="/msb/2_kings/23.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> He pulled down the altars that the kings of Judah had set up on the roof near the upper chamber of Ahaz, and the altars that Manasseh had set up in the two courtyards of the house of the LORD. The king pulverized them there and threw their dust into the Kidron Valley. <a href="/net/2_kings/23.htm">NET Bible</a> The king tore down the altars the kings of Judah had set up on the roof of Ahaz's upper room, as well as the altars Manasseh had set up in the two courtyards of the LORD's temple. He crushed them up and threw the dust in the Kidron Valley. <a href="/nheb/2_kings/23.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> The king broke down the altars that were on the roof of the upper room of Ahaz, which the kings of Judah had made, and the altars which Manasseh had made in the two courts of the house of the LORD, and beat them down from there, and cast their dust into the brook Kidron. <a href="/wbt/2_kings/23.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And the altars that were on the top of the upper chamber of Ahaz, which the kings of Judah had made, and the altars which Manasseh had made in the two courts of the house of the LORD, did the king beat down, and broke them down from thence, and cast the dust of them into the brook Kidron. <a href="/web/2_kings/23.htm">World English Bible</a> The king broke down the altars that were on the roof of the upper room of Ahaz, which the kings of Judah had made, and the altars which Manasseh had made in the two courts of Yahweh’s house, and beat them down from there, and cast their dust into the brook Kidron. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/2_kings/23.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And the altars that [are] on the top of the upper chamber of Ahaz, that the kings of Judah made, and the altars that Manasseh made in the two courts of the house of YHWH, the king has broken down, and removes from there, and has cast their dust into the Brook of Kidron. <a href="/ylt/2_kings/23.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And the altars that are on the top of the upper chamber of Ahaz, that the kings of Judah made, and the altars that Manasseh made in the two courts of the house of Jehovah, hath the king broken down, and removeth thence, and hath cast their dust unto the brook Kidron. <a href="/slt/2_kings/23.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And the altars which were upon the roof of the upper chamber of Ahaz which the kings of Judah made, and the altars which Manasseh made in the two enclosures of the house of Jehovah, the king broke down, and he will break in pieces from thence, and cast their dust into the torrent Kidron.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/2_kings/23.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And the altars that were upon the top of the upper chamber of Achaz, which the kings of Juda had made, and the altars which Manasses had made in the two courts of the temple of the Lord, the king broke down: and he ran from thence, and cast the ashes of them into the torrent Cedron. <a href="/cpdv/2_kings/23.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Also, the altars which were upon the roof of the upper room of Ahaz, which the kings of Judah had made, and the altars which Manasseh had made in the two courts of the temple of the Lord, the king destroyed. And he hurried from there, and he scattered their ashes into the torrent Kidron. <a href="/nabre/2_kings/23.htm">New American Bible</a> He also demolished the altars made by the kings of Judah on the roof (the roof terrace of Ahaz), and the altars made by Manasseh in the two courts of the LORD’s house. He pulverized them and threw the dust into the Wadi Kidron. <a href="/nrsvce/2_kings/23.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> The altars on the roof of the upper chamber of Ahaz, which the kings of Judah had made, and the altars that Manasseh had made in the two courts of the house of the LORD, he pulled down from there and broke in pieces, and threw the rubble into the Wadi Kidron.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/2_kings/23.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And the altar that was on the top of the upper chamber of Ahaz, which the kings of Judah had made, and the altars which Manasseh had made in the two courts of the house of the LORD, did the king beat down, and broke them down from thence and cast the dust of them into the brook Kidron. <a href="/hpbt/2_kings/23.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And the altar that was upon the roof of the high place of Akhaz that the Kings of Yehuda had made and the altar that Manassheh made for the two courtyards of the house of LORD JEHOVAH, the King tore down, and he rode quickly from there and he cast their dust into the torrent of Qedrown.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/2_kings/23.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And the altars that were on the roof of the upper chamber of Ahaz, which the kings of Judah had made, and the altars which Manasseh had made in the two courts of the house of the LORD, did the king break down, and beat them down from thence, and cast the dust of them into the brook Kidron. <a href="/sep/2_kings/23.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And the altars that were on the roof of the upper chamber of Achaz, which the kings of Juda had made, and the altars which Manasses had made in the two courts of the house of the Lord, did the king pull down and forcibly remove from thence, and cast their dust into the brook of Kedron. <a href="/parallel/2_kings/23-12.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FiLs3w_mMFQ?start=8015" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/2_kings/23.htm">Josiah Destroys Idolatry</a> …11And he removed from the entrance to the house of the LORD the horses that the kings of Judah had dedicated to the sun. They were in the court near the chamber of an official named Nathan-melech. And Josiah burned up the chariots of the sun. 12<a href="/hebrew/5422.htm" title="5422: nā·ṯaṣ (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To pull down, break down. A primitive root; to tear down.">He pulled down</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: wə·’eṯ- (Conj-w:: DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4196.htm" title="4196: ham·miz·bə·ḥō·wṯ (Art:: N-mp) -- An altar. From zabach; an altar.">the altars</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer- (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: mal·ḵê (N-mpc) -- King. From malak; a king.">the kings</a> <a href="/hebrew/3063.htm" title="3063: yə·hū·ḏāh (N-proper-ms) -- From yadah; celebrated; Jehudah, the name of five Israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory.">of Judah</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: wə·’eṯ- (Conj-w:: DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ‘ā·śū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">had set up</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">on</a> <a href="/hebrew/1406.htm" title="1406: hag·gāḡ (Art:: N-ms) -- A roof, a top. Probably by reduplication from ga'ah; a roof; by analogy, the top of an altar.">the roof</a> <a href="/hebrew/5944.htm" title="5944: ‘ă·lî·yaṯ (N-fsc) -- A roof chamber. Feminine from alah; something lofty, i.e. A stair-way; also a second-story room; figuratively, the sky.">near the upper chamber</a> <a href="/hebrew/271.htm" title="271: ’ā·ḥāz (N-proper-ms) -- He has grasped, two Isr. From 'achaz; possessor; Achaz, the name of a Jewish king and of an Israelite.">of Ahaz,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4196.htm" title="4196: ham·miz·bə·ḥō·wṯ (Art:: N-mp) -- An altar. From zabach; an altar.">and the altars</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer- (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/4519.htm" title="4519: mə·naš·šeh (N-proper-ms) -- From nashah; causing to forget; Menashsheh, a grandson of Jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory.">Manasseh</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ‘ā·śāh (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">had set up</a> <a href="/hebrew/8147.htm" title="8147: biš·tê (Prep-b:: Number-fdc) -- Two (a card. number). Dual of sheniy; feminine shttayim; two; also twofold.">in the two</a> <a href="/hebrew/2691.htm" title="2691: ḥaṣ·rō·wṯ (N-cpc) -- A yard, a hamlet.">courtyards</a> <a href="/hebrew/1004.htm" title="1004: bêṯ- (N-msc) -- A house. Probably from banah abbreviated; a house.">of the house</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">of the LORD.</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: ham·me·leḵ (Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">The king</a> <a href="/hebrew/7323.htm" title="7323: way·yā·rāṣ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To run. A primitive root; to run.">pulverized them</a> <a href="/hebrew/8033.htm" title="8033: miš·šām (Prep-m:: Adv) -- There, thither. A primitive particle; there then; often thither, or thence.">there</a> <a href="/hebrew/7993.htm" title="7993: wə·hiš·lîḵ (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To throw, fling, cast. A primitive root; to throw out, down or away.">and threw</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6083.htm" title="6083: ‘ă·p̄ā·rām (N-msc:: 3mp) -- Dry earth, dust. From aphar; dust; hence, clay, earth, mud.">their dust</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">into</a> <a href="/hebrew/6939.htm" title="6939: qiḏ·rō·wn (N-proper-fs) -- Perhaps dusky, a wadi E. of Jer. From qadar; dusky place; Kidron, a brook near Jerusalem.">the Kidron</a> <a href="/hebrew/5158.htm" title="5158: na·ḥal (N-msc) -- Or nachlah; or nachalah; from nachal in its original sense; a stream, especially a winter torrent; a valley; also a shaft.">Valley.</a> 13The king also desecrated the high places east of Jerusalem, to the south of the Mount of Corruption, which King Solomon of Israel had built for Ashtoreth the abomination of the Sidonians, for Chemosh the abomination of the Moabites, and for Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/2_chronicles/34-4.htm">2 Chronicles 34:4-7</a> Then in his presence the altars of the Baals were torn down, and he cut to pieces the incense altars that were above them. He shattered the Asherah poles, the carved idols, and the cast images, crushed them to dust, and scattered them over the graves of those who had sacrificed to them. / Then he burned the bones of the priests on their altars. So he cleansed Judah and Jerusalem. / Josiah did the same in the cities of Manasseh, Ephraim, and Simeon, as far as Naphtali, and in the ruins around them. ... <a href="/2_chronicles/34-33.htm">2 Chronicles 34:33</a> And Josiah removed all the abominations from all the lands belonging to the Israelites, and he required everyone in Israel to serve the LORD their God. Throughout his reign they did not turn aside from following the LORD, the God of their fathers. <a href="/2_chronicles/35-3.htm">2 Chronicles 35:3</a> To the Levites who taught all Israel and were holy to the LORD, Josiah said: “Put the holy ark in the temple built by Solomon son of David king of Israel. It is not to be carried around on your shoulders. Now serve the LORD your God and His people Israel. <a href="/jeremiah/19-13.htm">Jeremiah 19:13</a> The houses of Jerusalem and the houses of the kings of Judah will be defiled like that place, Topheth—all the houses on whose rooftops they burned incense to all the host of heaven and poured out drink offerings to other gods.” <a href="/zephaniah/1-5.htm">Zephaniah 1:5</a> those who bow on the rooftops to worship the host of heaven, those who bow down and swear by the LORD but also swear by Milcom, <a href="/1_kings/11-7.htm">1 Kings 11:7-8</a> At that time on a hill east of Jerusalem, Solomon built a high place for Chemosh the abomination of Moab and for Molech the abomination of the Ammonites. / He did the same for all his foreign wives, who burned incense and sacrificed to their gods. <a href="/1_kings/14-23.htm">1 Kings 14:23</a> They also built for themselves high places, sacred pillars, and Asherah poles on every high hill and under every green tree. <a href="/1_kings/15-12.htm">1 Kings 15:12-13</a> He banished the male shrine prostitutes from the land and removed all the idols that his fathers had made. / He also removed his grandmother Maacah from her position as queen mother because she had made a detestable Asherah pole. Asa chopped down the pole and burned it in the Kidron Valley. <a href="/1_kings/16-32.htm">1 Kings 16:32-33</a> First, Ahab set up an altar for Baal in the temple of Baal that he had built in Samaria. / Then he set up an Asherah pole. Thus Ahab did more to provoke the LORD, the God of Israel, to anger than all the kings of Israel before him. <a href="/1_kings/21-26.htm">1 Kings 21:26</a> He committed the most detestable acts by going after idols, just like the Amorites whom the LORD had driven out before the Israelites.) <a href="/2_kings/21-3.htm">2 Kings 21:3-5</a> For he rebuilt the high places that his father Hezekiah had destroyed, and he raised up altars for Baal. He made an Asherah pole, as King Ahab of Israel had done, and he worshiped and served all the host of heaven. / Manasseh also built altars in the house of the LORD, of which the LORD had said, “In Jerusalem I will put My Name.” / In both courtyards of the house of the LORD, he built altars to all the host of heaven. <a href="/2_kings/21-21.htm">2 Kings 21:21</a> He walked in all the ways of his father, and he served and worshiped the idols his father had served. <a href="/2_kings/23-4.htm">2 Kings 23:4-5</a> Then the king commanded Hilkiah the high priest, the priests second in rank, and the doorkeepers to remove from the temple of the LORD all the articles made for Baal, Asherah, and all the host of heaven. And he burned them outside Jerusalem in the fields of Kidron and carried their ashes to Bethel. / Josiah also did away with the idolatrous priests ordained by the kings of Judah to burn incense on the high places of the cities of Judah and in the places all around Jerusalem—those who had burned incense to Baal, to the sun and moon, to the constellations, and to all the host of heaven. <a href="/2_kings/23-24.htm">2 Kings 23:24</a> Furthermore, Josiah removed the mediums and spiritists, the household gods and idols, and all the abominations that were seen in the land of Judah and in Jerusalem. He did this to carry out the words of the law written in the book that Hilkiah the priest had found in the house of the LORD. <a href="/isaiah/27-9.htm">Isaiah 27:9</a> Therefore Jacob’s guilt will be atoned for, and the full fruit of the removal of his sin will be this: When he makes all the altar stones like crushed bits of chalk, no Asherah poles or incense altars will remain standing.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And the altars that were on the top of the upper chamber of Ahaz, which the kings of Judah had made, and the altars which Manasseh had made in the two courts of the house of the LORD, did the king beat down, and broke them down from there, and cast the dust of them into the brook Kidron.on the top.<a href="/deuteronomy/22-8.htm">Deuteronomy 22:8</a> When thou buildest a new house, then thou shalt make a battlement for thy roof, that thou bring not blood upon thine house, if any man fall from thence.<a href="/jeremiah/19-13.htm">Jeremiah 19:13</a> And the houses of Jerusalem, and the houses of the kings of Judah, shall be defiled as the place of Tophet, because of all the houses upon whose roofs they have burned incense unto all the host of heaven, and have poured out drink offerings unto other gods.<a href="/zephaniah/1-5.htm">Zephaniah 1:5</a> And them that worship the host of heaven upon the housetops; and them that worship and that swear by the LORD, and that swear by Malcham;which Manasseh.<a href="/2_kings/21-5.htm">2 Kings 21:5,21,22</a> And he built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the LORD… <a href="/2_chronicles/33-5.htm">2 Chronicles 33:5,15</a> And he built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the LORD… brake them down from thence.<a href="/2_kings/23-6.htm">2 Kings 23:6</a> And he brought out the grove from the house of the LORD, without Jerusalem, unto the brook Kidron, and burned it at the brook Kidron, and stamped it small to powder, and cast the powder thereof upon the graves of the children of the people.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_kings/20-11.htm">Ahaz</a> <a href="/2_kings/21-5.htm">Altars</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-6.htm">Beat</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-8.htm">Brake</a> <a href="/2_kings/3-26.htm">Break</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-8.htm">Broke</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-6.htm">Brook</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-6.htm">Cast</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-11.htm">Chamber</a> <a href="/2_kings/21-5.htm">Courts</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-6.htm">Dust</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-11.htm">House</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-11.htm">Judah</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-6.htm">Kidron</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-11.htm">Kings</a> <a href="/2_kings/21-20.htm">Manasseh</a> <a href="/2_kings/19-26.htm">Roof</a> <a href="/2_kings/17-33.htm">Thence</a> <a href="/2_kings/9-13.htm">Top</a> <a href="/2_kings/18-17.htm">Upper</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_chronicles/3-13.htm">Ahaz</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-20.htm">Altars</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-15.htm">Beat</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-14.htm">Brake</a> <a href="/2_kings/25-13.htm">Break</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-14.htm">Broke</a> <a href="/2_kings/24-7.htm">Brook</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-27.htm">Cast</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/12-11.htm">Chamber</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/23-28.htm">Courts</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-15.htm">Dust</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-24.htm">House</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-17.htm">Judah</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/15-16.htm">Kidron</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-19.htm">Kings</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-26.htm">Manasseh</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-16.htm">Roof</a> <a href="/2_kings/24-13.htm">Thence</a> <a href="/2_kings/25-17.htm">Top</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/7-24.htm">Upper</a><div class="vheading2">2 Kings 23</div>1. <a href="/2_kings/23-1.htm">Josiah causes the book to be read in a solemn assembly.</a> 3. <a href="/2_kings/23-3.htm">He renews the covenant of the Lord.</a> 4. <a href="/2_kings/23-4.htm">He destroys idolatry.</a> 15. <a href="/2_kings/23-15.htm">He burns dead men's bones upon the altar of Bethel, as was prophesied.</a> 21. <a href="/2_kings/23-21.htm">He keeps a most solemn Passover.</a> 24. <a href="/2_kings/23-24.htm">He puts away witches and all abomination.</a> 26. <a href="/2_kings/23-26.htm">God's final wrath against Judah.</a> 29. <a href="/2_kings/23-29.htm">Josiah, provoking Pharaoh Neco, is slain at Megiddo.</a> 31. <a href="/2_kings/23-31.htm">Jehoahaz, succeeding him,</a> 33. <a href="/2_kings/23-33.htm">is imprisoned by Pharaoh Neco, who makes Jehoiakim king.</a> 36. <a href="/2_kings/23-36.htm">Jehoiakim's wicked reign.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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The altars on the roof suggest a syncretistic practice, where elements of pagan worship were incorporated into the worship of Yahweh. The "upper chamber of Ahaz" refers to a part of the palace or temple complex associated with King Ahaz, who was known for his unfaithfulness to God (<a href="/2_kings/16-10.htm">2 Kings 16:10-16</a>). The rooftop altars may have been used for astral worship, a practice condemned in <a href="/deuteronomy/4-19.htm">Deuteronomy 4:19</a>. Josiah's actions fulfill the Deuteronomic law, which commands the destruction of idolatrous sites (<a href="/deuteronomy/12-2.htm">Deuteronomy 12:2-3</a>).and the altars that Manasseh had set up in the two courtyards of the house of the LORD King Manasseh, Josiah's grandfather, was notorious for his idolatry and desecration of the temple (<a href="/2_kings/21-4.htm">2 Kings 21:4-5</a>). The "two courtyards" refer to the inner and outer courts of the temple, which were meant for the worship of Yahweh alone. Manasseh's altars represented a direct violation of the sanctity of the temple, as he introduced foreign gods and practices. Josiah's removal of these altars signifies a return to monotheistic worship and a cleansing of the temple, reminiscent of Hezekiah's reforms (<a href="/2_chronicles/29-3.htm">2 Chronicles 29:3-5</a>).The king pulverized them there Josiah's act of pulverizing the altars symbolizes total destruction and the impossibility of their restoration. This action is in line with the biblical mandate to utterly destroy objects of idolatry (<a href="/exodus/23-24.htm">Exodus 23:24</a>). Pulverizing the altars also serves as a public demonstration of Josiah's commitment to covenantal faithfulness and his rejection of his predecessors' apostasy.and threw their dust into the Kidron Valley The Kidron Valley, located east of Jerusalem, often served as a dumping ground for impurities and idolatrous remnants (<a href="/2_chronicles/29-16.htm">2 Chronicles 29:16</a>). By casting the dust of the altars into the Kidron Valley, Josiah not only physically removes the idolatrous elements from the temple precincts but also symbolically purifies the land. This act echoes the cleansing of the temple by Hezekiah and foreshadows the ultimate purification brought by Jesus Christ, who cleanses the temple in <a href="/john/2-13.htm">John 2:13-17</a>. The Kidron Valley's association with judgment and cleansing is further seen in its mention in eschatological contexts (<a href="/joel/3-12.htm">Joel 3:12</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/josiah.htm">Josiah</a> The king of Judah who initiated religious reforms to restore the worship of Yahweh and eliminate idolatry. 2. <a href="/topical/k/kings_of_judah.htm">Kings of Judah</a> Previous rulers who had set up altars for idol worship, contributing to the spiritual decline of the nation. 3. <a href="/topical/a/ahaz.htm">Ahaz</a> A former king of Judah known for his idolatrous practices, including setting up altars on the roof. 4. <a href="/topical/m/manasseh.htm">Manasseh</a> Another king of Judah notorious for his extensive idolatry, including altars in the temple courtyards. 5. <a href="/topical/k/kidron_valley.htm">Kidron Valley</a> A location outside Jerusalem where Josiah disposed of the remnants of the destroyed altars, symbolizing the removal of sin and idolatry.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/c/commitment_to_purity.htm">Commitment to Purity</a> Josiah's actions demonstrate a commitment to spiritual purity and obedience to God's commands. Believers are called to examine their lives and remove anything that hinders their relationship with God. <a href="/topical/c/courage_in_leadership.htm">Courage in Leadership</a> Josiah's reforms required courage to go against established practices. Christians are encouraged to stand firm in their faith, even when it means challenging societal norms. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_repentance.htm">The Importance of Repentance</a> The destruction of the altars symbolizes repentance and turning away from sin. Believers should regularly seek God's forgiveness and strive to live righteously. <a href="/topical/l/legacy_of_influence.htm">Legacy of Influence</a> The actions of past leaders like Ahaz and Manasseh had long-lasting negative effects. Christians should consider the legacy they are leaving for future generations. <a href="/topical/s/symbolic_acts_of_faith.htm">Symbolic Acts of Faith</a> Josiah's physical destruction of idols serves as a powerful symbol of spiritual renewal. Believers can engage in symbolic acts that reinforce their commitment to God.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_kings_23.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Kings 23</a> <a href="/q/why_is_ahaz's_idolatry_less_condemned.htm">Why doesn't 2 Kings 16 emphasize divine judgment on Ahaz's actions as clearly as other Old Testament passages condemn idolatry?</a> <a href="/q/why_no_archaeological_proof_of_ezekiel_6_4-5.htm">Why does Ezekiel 6:4–5 describe a destruction of altars and idols that lacks clear archaeological confirmation of such widespread devastation? </a> <a href="/q/why_is_kidron_valley_important.htm">What is the significance of Kidron Valley?</a> <a href="/q/how_reconcile_deut._12_30-31_with_2_kings_16.htm">In Deuteronomy 12:30-31, how can the warning against adopting pagan rites be reconciled with other passages (e.g., 2 Kings 16:10-15) where Israelite leaders incorporated foreign practices?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_kings/23.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(12) And the altars that were on the top (roof) of the upper chamber of Ahaz.--The roof of an upper chamber in one of the Temple courts. perhaps built over one of the gateways (comp. <a href="/jeremiah/35-4.htm" title="And I brought them into the house of the LORD, into the chamber of the sons of Hanan, the son of Igdaliah, a man of God, which was by the chamber of the princes, which was above the chamber of Maaseiah the son of Shallum, the keeper of the door:">Jeremiah 35:4</a>), appears to be meant. The altars were for star-worship, which was especially practised on housetops. (Comp. <a href="/jeremiah/19-13.htm" title="And the houses of Jerusalem, and the houses of the kings of Judah, shall be defiled as the place of Tophet, because of all the houses on whose roofs they have burned incense to all the host of heaven, and have poured out drink offerings to other gods.">Jeremiah 19:13</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/32-29.htm" title="And the Chaldeans, that fight against this city, shall come and set fire on this city, and burn it with the houses, on whose roofs they have offered incense to Baal, and poured out drink offerings to other gods, to provoke me to anger.">Jeremiah 32:29</a>; <a href="/zephaniah/1-5.htm" title="And them that worship the host of heaven on the housetops; and them that worship and that swear by the LORD, and that swear by Malcham;">Zephaniah 1:5</a>.)Brake them down from thence.--The Targum has removed from thence; the LXX. pulled them down from thence (??????????). The Hebrew probably means ran from thence; marking the haste with which the work was done. The clause thus adds a vivid touch to the narrative. It is hardly necessary to alter the points with Kimchi and Thenius, so as to read, he caused to run from thence; i.e., hurried them away.Cast the dust of them.--Over the wall of the Temple enclosure, into the ravine beneath.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_kings/23.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 12. - And the altars that were on the top of the upper chamber of Ahaz. It would seem that "the upper chamber of Ahaz" was within the temple precincts, since the pollutions spoken of, both before and after, are pollutions belonging to the temple. It may have been erected on the flat roof of one of the gates, or on the top of a store-chamber. Altars upon roofs were a new form of idolatry, apparently connected with the worship of the "host of heaven" (see <a href="/jeremiah/19-13.htm">Jeremiah 19:13</a>; <a href="/zephaniah/1-5.htm">Zephaniah 1:5</a>). Which the kings of Judah - i.e. Manasseh and Amen, perhaps also Ahaz - had made, and the altars which Manasseh had made in the two courts of the house of the Lord (see above, <a href="/2_kings/21-4.htm">2 Kings 21:4, 5</a>). As Manasseh, on his repentance, merely "cast these altars out of the city" (<a href="/2_chronicles/33-15.htm">2 Chronicles 33:15</a>), it was easy for Amen to replace them. They belonged to the worship of the "host of heaven." Did the king beat down, and brake them down from thence, and east the dust of them into the brook Kidron (comp. ver. 6, and the comment ad loc.). <a href="/commentaries/2_kings/23-12.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>He pulled down נָתַ֣ץ (nā·ṯaṣ) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5422.htm">Strong's 5422: </a> To pull down, break down the altars הַֽמִּזְבְּח֡וֹת (ham·miz·bə·ḥō·wṯ) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4196.htm">Strong's 4196: </a> An altar that אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-) Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that the kings מַלְכֵ֣י (mal·ḵê) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> A king of Judah יְהוּדָ֗ה (yə·hū·ḏāh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3063.htm">Strong's 3063: </a> Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites had set up עָשׂ֣וּ ׀ (‘ā·śū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make on עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against the roof הַגָּג֩ (hag·gāḡ) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1406.htm">Strong's 1406: </a> A roof, the top of an altar near the upper chamber עֲלִיַּ֨ת (‘ă·lî·yaṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5944.htm">Strong's 5944: </a> Something lofty, a stair-way, a second-story room, the sky of Ahaz, אָחָ֜ז (’ā·ḥāz) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_271.htm">Strong's 271: </a> Ahaz -- 'he has grasped', two Israelites and the altars הַֽמִּזְבְּחוֹת֙ (ham·miz·bə·ḥō·wṯ) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4196.htm">Strong's 4196: </a> An altar Manasseh מְנַשֶּׁ֔ה (mə·naš·šeh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4519.htm">Strong's 4519: </a> Manasseh -- 'causing to forget', a son of Joseph, also a king of Judah, also two Israelites had set up עָשָׂ֣ה (‘ā·śāh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make in the two בִּשְׁתֵּ֛י (biš·tê) Preposition-b | Number - fdc <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8147.htm">Strong's 8147: </a> Two (a cardinal number) courtyards חַצְר֥וֹת (ḥaṣ·rō·wṯ) Noun - common plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2691.htm">Strong's 2691: </a> A yard, a hamlet of the house בֵּית־ (bêṯ-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1004.htm">Strong's 1004: </a> A house of the LORD. יְהוָ֖ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel The king הַמֶּ֑לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> A king pulverized וַיָּ֣רָץ (way·yā·rāṣ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7323.htm">Strong's 7323: </a> To run them there מִשָּׁ֔ם (miš·šām) Preposition-m | Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8033.htm">Strong's 8033: </a> There, then, thither and threw וְהִשְׁלִ֥יךְ (wə·hiš·lîḵ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7993.htm">Strong's 7993: </a> To throw out, down, away their dust עֲפָרָ֖ם (‘ă·p̄ā·rām) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6083.htm">Strong's 6083: </a> Dust, clay, earth, mud into אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to the Kidron קִדְרֽוֹן׃ (qiḏ·rō·wn) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6939.htm">Strong's 6939: </a> Kidron -- perhaps 'dusky', a wadi East of Jerusalem Valley. נַ֥חַל (na·ḥal) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5158.htm">Strong's 5158: </a> A stream, a winter torrent, a, valley, a shaft <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_kings/23-12.htm">2 Kings 23:12 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/2_kings/23-12.htm">2 Kings 23:12 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/2_kings/23-12.htm">2 Kings 23:12 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/2_kings/23-12.htm">2 Kings 23:12 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/2_kings/23-12.htm">2 Kings 23:12 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/2_kings/23-12.htm">2 Kings 23:12 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_kings/23-12.htm">2 Kings 23:12 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_kings/23-12.htm">2 Kings 23:12 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/2_kings/23-12.htm">2 Kings 23:12 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/2_kings/23-12.htm">2 Kings 23:12 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-12.htm">OT History: 2 Kings 23:12 The altars that were on the roof (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_kings/23-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Kings 23:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Kings 23:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_kings/23-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Kings 23:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Kings 23:13" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>