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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>2 Kings 23:9 Although the priests of the high places did not come up to the altar of the LORD in Jerusalem, they ate unleavened bread with their fellow priests.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_kings/23-9.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/12_2Ki_23_09.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Kings 23:9 - Josiah Destroys Idolatry" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Although the priests of the high places did not come up to the altar of the LORD in Jerusalem, they ate unleavened bread with 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id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><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"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/2_kings/23.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Although the priests of the high places did not serve at the altar of the LORD in Jerusalem, they ate unleavened bread with their fellow priests.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/2_kings/23.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />The priests who had served at the pagan shrines were not allowed to serve at the LORD’s altar in Jerusalem, but they were allowed to eat unleavened bread with the other priests.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/2_kings/23.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />However, the priests of the high places did not come up to the altar of the LORD in Jerusalem, but they ate unleavened bread among their brothers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/2_kings/23.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Although the priests of the high places did not come up to the altar of the LORD in Jerusalem, they ate unleavened bread with their fellow priests.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/2_kings/23.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Nevertheless the priests of the high places came not up to the altar of the LORD in Jerusalem, but they did eat of the unleavened bread among their brethren.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/2_kings/23.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Nevertheless the priests of the high places did not come up to the altar of the LORD in Jerusalem, but they ate unleavened bread among their brethren.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/2_kings/23.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Nevertheless the priests of the high places did not go up to the altar of the LORD in Jerusalem, but they ate unleavened bread among their brothers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/2_kings/23.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Nevertheless the priests of the high places did not go up to the altar of the LORD in Jerusalem, but they ate unleavened bread among their brothers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/2_kings/23.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Nevertheless the priests of the high places did not go up to the altar of the LORD in Jerusalem, but they ate unleavened bread among their brothers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/2_kings/23.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Nevertheless the priests of the high places did not go up to the altar of Yahweh in Jerusalem, but they ate unleavened bread among their brothers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/2_kings/23.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />However, the priests of the high places were not allowed to go up to the altar of the LORD in Jerusalem [to serve], but they ate unleavened bread among their brothers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/2_kings/23.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The priests of the high places, however, did not come up to the altar of the LORD in Jerusalem; instead, they ate unleavened bread with their fellow priests.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/2_kings/23.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The priests of the high places, however, did not come up to the altar of the LORD in Jerusalem; instead, they ate unleavened bread with their fellow priests. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/2_kings/23.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Nevertheless the priests of the high places came not up to the altar of Jehovah in Jerusalem, but they did eat unleavened bread among their brethren.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/2_kings/23.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Those local priests could not serve at the LORD's altar in Jerusalem, but they were allowed to eat sacred bread, just like the priests from Jerusalem. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/2_kings/23.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Nevertheless the priests of the high places came not up to the altar of the LORD in Jerusalem, but they did eat unleavened bread among their brethren.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/2_kings/23.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The priests of the illegal worship sites had never gone to the LORD's altar in Jerusalem. Instead, they ate their unleavened bread among the other worshipers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/2_kings/23.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Those priests were not allowed to serve in the Temple, but they could eat the unleavened bread provided for their fellow priests. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/2_kings/23.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Nevertheless, the priests of the high places did not approach the LORD's altar in Jerusalem, but instead they ate unleavened bread given to them by their relatives.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/2_kings/23.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Although the priests of the high places did not come up to the altar of the LORD in Jerusalem, they ate unleavened bread with their fellow priests.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/2_kings/23.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />(Now the priests of the high places did not go up to the altar of the LORD in Jerusalem, but they did eat unleavened cakes among their fellow priests.)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/2_kings/23.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Nevertheless the priests of the high places did not come up to the altar of the LORD in Jerusalem, but they ate unleavened bread among their brothers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/2_kings/23.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Nevertheless, the priests of the high places came not up to the altar of the LORD in Jerusalem, but they ate of the unleavened bread among their brethren.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/2_kings/23.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Nevertheless the priests of the high places didn’t come up to Yahweh’s altar in Jerusalem, but they ate unleavened bread among their brothers. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/2_kings/23.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />only, the priests of the high places do not come up to the altar of YHWH in Jerusalem, but they have eaten unleavened things in the midst of their brothers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/2_kings/23.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> only, the priests of the high places come not up unto the altar of Jehovah in Jerusalem, but they have eaten unleavened things in the midst of their brethren.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/2_kings/23.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />But the priests of the heights will not come up to the altar of Jehovah in Jerusalem, but they ate the unleavened in the midst of their brethren.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/2_kings/23.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />However the priests of the high places came not up to the altar of the Lord in Jerusalem: but only ate of the unleavened bread among their brethren. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/2_kings/23.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Yet truly, the priests of the high places did not ascend to the altar of the Lord in Jerusalem. For they would only eat from the unleavened bread in the midst of their brothers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/2_kings/23.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />(The priests of the high places could not function at the altar of the LORD in Jerusalem; but they, along with their relatives, ate the unleavened bread.)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/2_kings/23.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The priests of the high places, however, did not come up to the altar of the LORD in Jerusalem, but ate unleavened bread among their kindred.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/2_kings/23.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Nevertheless the priests of the high places did not come up to the altar of the LORD in Jerusalem, but they did eat of the unleavened bread with their brethren.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/2_kings/23.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />However, the Priests of the high places were not going up to the altar of LORD JEHOVAH in Jerusalem, but only ate unleavened bread with their brethren.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/2_kings/23.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Nevertheless the priests of the high places came not up to the altar of the LORD in Jerusalem, but they did eat unleavened bread among their brethren.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/2_kings/23.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Only the priests of the high places went not up to the altar of the Lord in Jerusalem, for they only ate leavened bread in the midst of their brethren.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/2_kings/23-9.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FiLs3w_mMFQ?start=7978" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/2_kings/23.htm">Josiah Destroys Idolatry</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">8</span>Then Josiah brought all the priests from the cities of Judah and desecrated the high places, from Geba to Beersheba, where the priests had burned incense. He tore down the high places of the gates at the entrance of the gate of Joshua the governor of the city, which was to the left of the city gate. <span class="reftext">9</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/389.htm" title="389: ’aḵ (Adv) -- Surely, howbeit. Akin to 'aken; a particle of affirmation, surely; hence only.">Although</a> <a href="/hebrew/3548.htm" title="3548: kō·hă·nê (N-mpc) -- Priest. Active participle of kahan; literally, one officiating, a priest; also an acting priest.">the priests</a> <a href="/hebrew/1116.htm" title="1116: hab·bā·mō·wṯ (Art:: N-fp) -- A high place. From an unused root; an elevation.">of the high places</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">did not</a> <a href="/hebrew/5927.htm" title="5927: ya·‘ă·lū (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp) -- A primitive root; to ascend, intransitively or actively; used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative.">come up</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/4196.htm" title="4196: miz·baḥ (N-msc) -- An altar. From zabach; an altar.">the altar</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/3389.htm" title="3389: bî·rū·šā·lim (Prep-b:: N-proper-fs) -- Probably foundation of peace, capital city of all Isr. ">in Jerusalem,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!"></a> <a href="/hebrew/398.htm" title="398: ’ā·ḵə·lū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To eat. A primitive root; to eat.">they ate</a> <a href="/hebrew/4682.htm" title="4682: maṣ·ṣō·wṯ (N-fp) -- Unleavened bread or cake. ">unleavened bread</a> <a href="/hebrew/8432.htm" title="8432: bə·ṯō·wḵ (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- Midst. From an unused root meaning to sever; a bisection, i.e. the centre.">with</a> <a href="/hebrew/251.htm" title="251: ’ă·ḥê·hem (N-mpc:: 3mp) -- A brother. A primitive word; a brother (like 'ab).">their fellow priests.</a> </span><span class="reftext">10</span>He also desecrated Topheth in the Valley of Ben-hinnom so that no one could sacrifice his son or daughter in the fire to Molech.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/21-6.htm">Leviticus 21:6-8</a></span><br />They must be holy to their God and not profane the name of their God. Because they present to the LORD the food offerings, the food of their God, they must be holy. / A priest must not marry a woman defiled by prostitution or divorced by her husband, for the priest is holy to his God. / You are to regard him as holy, since he presents the food of your God. He shall be holy to you, because I the LORD am holy—I who set you apart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/44-10.htm">Ezekiel 44:10-14</a></span><br />Surely the Levites who wandered away from Me when Israel went astray, and who wandered away from Me after their idols, will bear the consequences of their iniquity. / Yet they shall be ministers in My sanctuary, having charge of the gates of the temple and ministering there. They shall slaughter the burnt offerings and other sacrifices for the people and stand before them to minister to them. / Because they ministered before their idols and became a stumbling block of iniquity to the house of Israel, therefore I swore with an uplifted hand concerning them that they would bear the consequences of their iniquity, declares the Lord GOD. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/2-36.htm">1 Samuel 2:36</a></span><br />And everyone left in your house will come and bow down to him for a piece of silver or a morsel of bread, pleading, “Please appoint me to some priestly office so that I can eat a piece of bread.”’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/18-1.htm">Numbers 18:1-7</a></span><br />So the LORD said to Aaron, “You and your sons and your father’s house must bear the iniquity involving the sanctuary. And you and your sons alone must bear the iniquity involving your priesthood. / But bring with you also your brothers from the tribe of Levi, the tribe of your father, that they may join you and assist you and your sons before the Tent of the Testimony. / And they shall attend to your duties and to all the duties of the Tent; but they must not come near to the furnishings of the sanctuary or the altar, or both they and you will die. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/12-31.htm">1 Kings 12:31</a></span><br />Jeroboam also built shrines on the high places and appointed from every class of people priests who were not Levites.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/11-14.htm">2 Chronicles 11:14-15</a></span><br />For the Levites left their pasturelands and their possessions and went to Judah and Jerusalem, because Jeroboam and his sons had rejected them as priests of the LORD. / And Jeroboam appointed his own priests for the high places and for the goat demons and calf idols he had made.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/29-34.htm">2 Chronicles 29:34</a></span><br />However, since there were not enough priests to skin all the burnt offerings, their Levite brothers helped them until the work was finished and until the priests had consecrated themselves. For the Levites had been more diligent in consecrating themselves than the priests had been.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/30-3.htm">2 Chronicles 30:3</a></span><br />since they had been unable to keep it at the regular time, because not enough priests had consecrated themselves and the people had not been gathered in Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/35-3.htm">2 Chronicles 35:3</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/7-63.htm">Nehemiah 7:63-65</a></span><br />And from among the priests: the descendants of Hobaiah, the descendants of Hakkoz, and the descendants of Barzillai (who had married a daughter of Barzillai the Gileadite and was called by their name). / These men searched for their family records, but they could not find them and so were excluded from the priesthood as unclean. / The governor ordered them not to eat the most holy things until there was a priest to consult the Urim and Thummim.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/56-10.htm">Isaiah 56:10-12</a></span><br />Israel’s watchmen are blind, they are all oblivious; they are all mute dogs, they cannot bark; they are dreamers lying around, loving to slumber. / Like ravenous dogs, they are never satisfied. They are shepherds with no discernment; they all turn to their own way, each one seeking his own gain: / “Come, let me get the wine, let us imbibe the strong drink, and tomorrow will be like today, only far better!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/23-11.htm">Jeremiah 23:11</a></span><br />“For both prophet and priest are ungodly; even in My house I have found their wickedness,” declares the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/4-6.htm">Hosea 4:6-9</a></span><br />My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you as My priests. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children. / The more they multiplied, the more they sinned against Me; they exchanged their Glory for a thing of disgrace. / They feed on the sins of My people and set their hearts on iniquity. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/malachi/2-1.htm">Malachi 2:1-9</a></span><br />“And now this decree is for you, O priests: / If you do not listen, and if you do not take it to heart to honor My name,” says the LORD of Hosts, “I will send a curse among you, and I will curse your blessings. Yes, I have already begun to curse them, because you are not taking it to heart. / Behold, I will rebuke your descendants, and I will spread dung on your faces, the waste from your feasts, and you will be carried off with it. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/21-12.htm">Matthew 21:12-13</a></span><br />Then Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those selling doves. / And He declared to them, “It is written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer.’ But you are making it ‘a den of robbers.’”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Nevertheless the priests of the high places came not up to the altar of the LORD in Jerusalem, but they did eat of the unleavened bread among their brothers.</p><p class="hdg">the priests.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/44-10.htm">Ezekiel 44:10-14</a></b></br> And the Levites that are gone away far from me, when Israel went astray, which went astray away from me after their idols; they shall even bear their iniquity… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/malachi/2-8.htm">Malachi 2:8,9</a></b></br> But ye are departed out of the way; ye have caused many to stumble at the law; ye have corrupted the covenant of Levi, saith the LORD of hosts… </p><p class="hdg">but they did.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/2-36.htm">1 Samuel 2:36</a></b></br> And it shall come to pass, <i>that</i> every one that is left in thine house shall come <i>and</i> crouch to him for a piece of silver and a morsel of bread, and shall say, Put me, I pray thee, into one of the priests' offices, that I may eat a piece of bread.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/44-29.htm">Ezekiel 44:29-31</a></b></br> They shall eat the meat offering, and the sin offering, and the trespass offering; and every dedicated thing in Israel shall be theirs… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_kings/18-22.htm">Altar</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-5.htm">Although</a> <a href="/2_kings/9-34.htm">Ate</a> <a href="/2_kings/18-32.htm">Bread</a> <a href="/2_kings/19-29.htm">Eat</a> <a href="/2_kings/6-23.htm">Eaten</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-8.htm">High</a> <a href="/2_kings/22-7.htm">However</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-6.htm">Jerusalem</a> <a href="/2_kings/9-2.htm">Midst</a> <a href="/2_kings/17-29.htm">Nevertheless</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-8.htm">Places</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-8.htm">Priests</a> <a href="/2_kings/18-7.htm">Serve</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-24.htm">Unleavened</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_kings/23-15.htm">Altar</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/26-10.htm">Although</a> <a href="/2_kings/25-29.htm">Ate</a> <a href="/2_kings/25-3.htm">Bread</a> <a href="/2_kings/25-3.htm">Eat</a> <a href="/2_kings/25-29.htm">Eaten</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-13.htm">High</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-26.htm">However</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-13.htm">Jerusalem</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/11-14.htm">Midst</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-26.htm">Nevertheless</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-13.htm">Places</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-20.htm">Priests</a> <a href="/2_kings/25-24.htm">Serve</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/23-29.htm">Unleavened</a><div class="vheading2">2 Kings 23</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_kings/23-1.htm">Josiah causes the book to be read in a solemn assembly.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_kings/23-3.htm">He renews the covenant of the Lord.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_kings/23-4.htm">He destroys idolatry.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_kings/23-15.htm">He burns dead men's bones upon the altar of Bethel, as was prophesied.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">21. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_kings/23-21.htm">He keeps a most solemn Passover.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">24. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_kings/23-24.htm">He puts away witches and all abomination.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">26. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_kings/23-26.htm">God's final wrath against Judah.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">29. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_kings/23-29.htm">Josiah, provoking Pharaoh Neco, is slain at Megiddo.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">31. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_kings/23-31.htm">Jehoahaz, succeeding him,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">33. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_kings/23-33.htm">is imprisoned by Pharaoh Neco, who makes Jehoiakim king.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">36. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_kings/23-36.htm">Jehoiakim's wicked reign.</a></span><br></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'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_kings/23.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_kings/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/2_kings/23.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Although the priests of the high places did not come up to the altar of the LORD in Jerusalem</b><br>The high places were local worship sites often associated with idolatry, which were prevalent throughout Israel and Judah. These priests were likely involved in syncretistic practices, blending the worship of Yahweh with pagan rituals. King Josiah's reforms aimed to centralize worship in Jerusalem, as prescribed in <a href="/deuteronomy/12-5.htm">Deuteronomy 12:5-14</a>, to eliminate idolatry. The priests of the high places were not permitted to serve at the central altar in Jerusalem, signifying a separation from the true worship of Yahweh. This reflects the importance of purity in worship and the centralization of religious practices in the temple, which was the designated place for sacrifices and offerings.<p><b>they ate unleavened bread with their fellow priests</b><br>Unleavened bread is significant in Jewish tradition, particularly during Passover, symbolizing purity and the haste of the Israelites' exodus from Egypt (<a href="/exodus/12-15.htm">Exodus 12:15-20</a>). Despite their exclusion from the altar service, these priests were still allowed to partake in certain communal religious activities, indicating a level of inclusion within the priestly community. This act of eating unleavened bread may symbolize a form of fellowship and shared identity among the priests, despite their different roles. It also underscores the theme of grace and restoration, as they were not completely cut off from the religious community. This can be seen as a type of Christ, who offers inclusion and redemption to those who turn back to God.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/priests_of_the_high_places.htm">Priests of the High Places</a></b><br>These were priests who served at local shrines or high places, which were often associated with idolatrous practices. Despite reforms, they were not allowed to serve at the central altar in Jerusalem.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/altar_of_the_lord_in_jerusalem.htm">Altar of the LORD in Jerusalem</a></b><br>The central place of worship where sacrifices were to be made according to the Law of Moses. It symbolized the proper worship of Yahweh, distinct from the high places.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/u/unleavened_bread.htm">Unleavened Bread</a></b><br>A significant element in Jewish worship, particularly during Passover, symbolizing purity and the haste of the Israelites' exodus from Egypt.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/f/fellow_priests.htm">Fellow Priests</a></b><br>Refers to the legitimate Levitical priests who served in the temple in Jerusalem, maintaining the proper worship practices as prescribed in the Law.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/j/josiah's_reforms.htm">Josiah's Reforms</a></b><br>The broader context of this verse is King Josiah's religious reforms, which aimed to centralize worship in Jerusalem and eliminate idolatry.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/c/centralization_of_worship.htm">Centralization of Worship</a></b><br>God's design for worship was centralized to prevent idolatry and maintain purity. This principle can be applied today by ensuring our worship is focused on Christ and not diluted by worldly influences.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/purity_in_worship.htm">Purity in Worship</a></b><br>The eating of unleavened bread symbolizes purity. In our spiritual lives, we should strive for purity, removing the "leaven" of sin and idolatry.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/role_of_leadership_in_reform.htm">Role of Leadership in Reform</a></b><br>Josiah's leadership was crucial in bringing about reform. Spiritual leaders today have a responsibility to guide their communities back to biblical principles.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_and_fellowship.htm">Community and Fellowship</a></b><br>Despite their exclusion from the altar, the priests of the high places still participated in community life. This highlights the importance of fellowship and unity within the body of believers.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/o/obedience_to_god's_commands.htm">Obedience to God's Commands</a></b><br>The reforms were a response to God's commands. Obedience to Scripture should be a priority in our lives, even when it requires significant change.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_kings_23.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Kings 23</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/evidence_of_solomon's_pagan_altars.htm">1 Kings 11:7 - Is there any archaeological evidence of the pagan altars and high places that Solomon supposedly built?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/jehoiachin's_age_as_king__18_or_8.htm">How old was Jehoiachin when he became king of Jerusalem? Eighteen (2 Kings 24:8) Eight (2 Chronicles 36:9)</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_solomon's_sacrifice_conflict_with_bans.htm">Does Solomon's sacrifice at high places (1 Kings 3:2-3) conflict with scriptural bans on worship outside the central sanctuary?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_2_chron._23_1-7_and_2_kings_11_differ.htm">Why do the details in 2 Chronicles 23:1-7 differ from the parallel account in 2 Kings 11, suggesting possible biblical inconsistencies?</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>(9) <span class= "bld">Nevertheless . . . came not up to the altar.</span>--<span class= "ital">Only the, priests of the high places used not to offer at the altar</span>. They were not permitted to do so, being considered to be incapacitated for that office by their former illegal ministrations.<p><span class= "bld">But they did eat.</span>--They might not even eat their share of the meat offerings in company with the legitimate priests; but had to take their meals apart, "among their brethren," <span class= "ital">i.e.</span>, in their own company. (Comp. <a href="/context/ezekiel/44-10.htm" title="And the Levites that are gone away far from me, when Israel went astray, which went astray away from me after their idols; they shall even bear their iniquity.">Ezekiel 44:10-14</a>; <a href="/context/leviticus/21-21.htm" title="No man that has a blemish of the seed of Aaron the priest shall come near to offer the offerings of the LORD made by fire: he has a blemish; he shall not come near to offer the bread of his God.">Leviticus 21:21-22</a>.)<p><span class= "bld">Eat of the unleavened bread.</span>--Omit <span class= "ital">of the</span>. The phrase is a technical one, meaning to live upon offerings. (See <a href="/context/leviticus/2-1.htm" title="And when any will offer a meat offering to the LORD, his offering shall be of fine flour; and he shall pour oil on it, and put frankincense thereon:">Leviticus 2:1-11</a>; <a href="/context/leviticus/6-16.htm" title="And the remainder thereof shall Aaron and his sons eat: with unleavened bread shall it be eaten in the holy place; in the court of the tabernacle of the congregation they shall eat it.">Leviticus 6:16-18</a>; <a href="/leviticus/10-12.htm" title="And Moses spoke to Aaron, and to Eleazar and to Ithamar, his sons that were left, Take the meat offering that remains of the offerings of the LORD made by fire, and eat it without leaven beside the altar: for it is most holy:">Leviticus 10:12</a>.) These irregular priests were probably employed in the inferior duties of the Temple. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_kings/23.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 9.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Nevertheless the priests of the high places came not up to the altar of the Lord in Jerusalem.</span> Though Josiah recalled to Jerusalem the Levitical priests who had recently been attached to the various high places, yet he did not attach them to the temple, or assign them any part in its services. Their participation in a semi-idolatrous service had disqualified them for the temple ministrations. <span class="cmt_word">But they did eat of the unleavened bread among their brethren.</span> They were allowed, <span class="accented">i.e.</span>, their maintenance out of the priestly revenues, as were priests disqualified by a personal blemish (<a href="/leviticus/21-21.htm">Leviticus 21:21, 22</a>). Practically they lived on the altar gifts intended for the priests (<a href="/leviticus/6-9.htm">Leviticus 6:9, 10, 22</a>), in which it was unlawful to mix leaven. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/2_kings/23-9.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Although</span><br /><span class="heb">אַ֗ךְ</span> <span class="translit">(’aḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_389.htm">Strong's 389: </a> </span><span class="str2">A particle of affirmation, surely</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the priests</span><br /><span class="heb">כֹּהֲנֵ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(kō·hă·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3548.htm">Strong's 3548: </a> </span><span class="str2">Priest</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the high places</span><br /><span class="heb">הַבָּמ֔וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(hab·bā·mō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1116.htm">Strong's 1116: </a> </span><span class="str2">An elevation</span><br /><br /><span class="word">did not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֤א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">come up</span><br /><span class="heb">יַֽעֲלוּ֙</span> <span class="translit">(ya·‘ă·lū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5927.htm">Strong's 5927: </a> </span><span class="str2">To ascend, in, actively</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the altar</span><br /><span class="heb">מִזְבַּ֥ח</span> <span class="translit">(miz·baḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4196.htm">Strong's 4196: </a> </span><span class="str2">An altar</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in Jerusalem,</span><br /><span class="heb">בִּירוּשָׁלִָ֑ם</span> <span class="translit">(bî·rū·šā·lim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3389.htm">Strong's 3389: </a> </span><span class="str2">Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they ate</span><br /><span class="heb">אָכְל֥וּ</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·ḵə·lū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_398.htm">Strong's 398: </a> </span><span class="str2">To eat</span><br /><br /><span class="word">unleavened bread</span><br /><span class="heb">מַצּ֖וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(maṣ·ṣō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4682.htm">Strong's 4682: </a> </span><span class="str2">Sweetness, sweet, an unfermented cake, loaf, the festival of Passover</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּת֥וֹךְ</span> <span class="translit">(bə·ṯō·wḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8432.htm">Strong's 8432: </a> </span><span class="str2">A bisection, the centre</span><br /><br /><span class="word">their fellow priests.</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲחֵיהֶֽם׃</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·ḥê·hem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_251.htm">Strong's 251: </a> </span><span class="str2">A brother, )</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_kings/23-9.htm">2 Kings 23:9 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/2_kings/23-9.htm">2 Kings 23:9 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/2_kings/23-9.htm">2 Kings 23:9 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/2_kings/23-9.htm">2 Kings 23:9 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/2_kings/23-9.htm">2 Kings 23:9 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/2_kings/23-9.htm">2 Kings 23:9 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_kings/23-9.htm">2 Kings 23:9 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_kings/23-9.htm">2 Kings 23:9 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/2_kings/23-9.htm">2 Kings 23:9 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/2_kings/23-9.htm">2 Kings 23:9 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/2_kings/23-9.htm">OT History: 2 Kings 23:9 Nevertheless the priests of the high places (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_kings/23-8.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Kings 23:8"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Kings 23:8" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_kings/23-10.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Kings 23:10"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Kings 23:10" /></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>