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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 23:5 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_kings/23-5.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/12_2Ki_23_05.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Kings 23:5 - Josiah Destroys Idolatry" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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." /><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'; 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They had also offered sacrifices to Baal, and to the sun, the moon, the constellations, and to all the powers of the heavens. <a href="/esv/2_kings/23.htm">English Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/bsb/2_kings/23.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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="/kjv/2_kings/23.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/2_kings/23.htm">New King James Version</a> 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. <a href="/nasb_/2_kings/23.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Then he did away with the idolatrous priests whom the kings of Judah had appointed to burn incense on the high places in the cities of Judah and in the surrounding area of Jerusalem, as well as those who burned incense to Baal, to the sun, to the moon, to the constellations, and to all the remaining heavenly lights. <a href="/nasb/2_kings/23.htm">NASB 1995</a> He did away with the idolatrous priests whom the kings of Judah had appointed to burn incense in the high places in the cities of Judah and in the surrounding area of Jerusalem, also those who burned incense to Baal, to the sun and to the moon and to the constellations and to all the host of heaven. <a href="/nasb77/2_kings/23.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And he did away with the idolatrous priests whom the kings of Judah had appointed to burn incense in the high places in the cities of Judah and in the surrounding area of Jerusalem, also those who burned incense to Baal, to the sun and to the moon and to the constellations and to all the host of heaven. <a href="/lsb/2_kings/23.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And he did away with the idolatrous priests whom the kings of Judah had appointed and who burn incense in the high places in the cities of Judah and in the surrounding area of Jerusalem, as well as those who burned incense to Baal, to the sun and to the moon and to the constellations and to all the host of heaven. <a href="/amp/2_kings/23.htm">Amplified Bible</a> He got rid of the idolatrous priests whom the kings of Judah had ordained to burn incense [to pagan gods] in the high places in Judah’s cities and all around Jerusalem—also those who burned incense to Baal, to the sun, to the moon, to the constellations [of the zodiac], and to all the [starry] host of heaven. <a href="/csb/2_kings/23.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Then he did away with the idolatrous priests the kings of Judah had appointed to burn incense at the high places in the cities of Judah and in the areas surrounding Jerusalem. They had burned incense to Baal, and to the sun, moon, constellations, and all the stars in the sky. <a href="/hcsb/2_kings/23.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Then he did away with the idolatrous priests the kings of Judah had appointed to burn incense at the high places in the cities of Judah and in the areas surrounding Jerusalem. They had burned incense to Baal, and to the sun, moon, constellations, and the whole heavenly host. <a href="/asv/2_kings/23.htm">American Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/cev/2_kings/23.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Josiah also got rid of the pagan priests at the local shrines in Judah and around Jerusalem. These were the men that the kings of Judah had appointed to offer sacrifices to Baal and to the sun, moon, and stars. <a href="/erv/2_kings/23.htm">English Revised Version</a> 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. <a href="/gwt/2_kings/23.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> He got rid of the pagan priests whom the kings of Judah had appointed to sacrifice at the illegal places of worship in the cities of Judah and all around Jerusalem. They had been sacrificing to Baal, the sun god, the moon god, the zodiac, and the entire army of heaven. <a href="/gnt/2_kings/23.htm">Good News Translation</a> He removed from office the priests that the kings of Judah had ordained to offer sacrifices on the pagan altars in the cities of Judah and in places near Jerusalem--all the priests who offered sacrifices to Baal, to the sun, the moon, the planets, and the stars. <a href="/isv/2_kings/23.htm">International Standard Version</a> The king unseated the idolatrous priests whom the kings of Judah had appointed to burn incense in the high places throughout the cities of Judah and in the environs surrounding Jerusalem, including those who had been burning incense to Baal, to the sun, to the moon, to the constellations, and to every star in the heavens. <a href="/msb/2_kings/23.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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="/net/2_kings/23.htm">NET Bible</a> He eliminated the pagan priests whom the kings of Judah had appointed to offer sacrifices on the high places in the cities of Judah and in the area right around Jerusalem. (They offered sacrifices to Baal, the sun god, the moon god, the constellations, and all the stars in the sky.) <a href="/nheb/2_kings/23.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> 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 around Jerusalem; those also who burned incense to Baal, to the sun, and to the moon, and to the planets, and to all the host of heaven. <a href="/wbt/2_kings/23.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> 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 around Jerusalem; them also that burned incense to Baal, to the sun, and to the moon, and to the planets, and to all the host of heaven. <a href="/web/2_kings/23.htm">World English Bible</a> He got rid of 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 around Jerusalem; those also who burned incense to Baal, to the sun, to the moon, to the planets, and to all the army of the sky. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/2_kings/23.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And he has caused to cease the idolatrous priests whom the kings of Judah have appointed (and they make incense in high places, in cities of Judah and outskirts of Jerusalem), and those making incense to Ba‘al, to the sun, and to the moon, and to the twelve signs, and to all the host of the heavens. <a href="/ylt/2_kings/23.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And he hath caused to cease the idolatrous priests whom the kings of Judah have appointed, (and they make perfume in high places, in cities of Judah and suburbs of Jerusalem,) and those making perfume to Baal, to the sun, and to the moon, and to the planets, and to all the host of the heavens. <a href="/slt/2_kings/23.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And he caused the obscurations to cease which the kings of Judah gave, and he will burn incense in the heights in the cities of Judah, and those being round about Jerusalem, and those burning incense to Baal, to the sun and to the moon and to the constellations and to all the army of the heavens.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/2_kings/23.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And he destroyed the soothsayers, whom the kings of Juda had appointed to sacrifice in the high places in the cities of Juda, and round about Jerusalem: them also that burnt incense to Baal, and to the sun, and to the moon, and to the twelve signs, and to all the host of heaven. <a href="/cpdv/2_kings/23.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And he destroyed the soothsayers, whom the kings of Judah had appointed to sacrifice in the high places throughout the cities of Judah, and all around Jerusalem, along with those who were burning incense to Baal, and to the Sun, and to the Moon, and to the twelve signs, and to the entire army of heaven. <a href="/nabre/2_kings/23.htm">New American Bible</a> He also put an end to the idolatrous priests whom the kings of Judah had appointed to burn incense on the high places in the cities of Judah and in the vicinity of Jerusalem, as well as those who burned incense to Baal, to the sun, moon, and signs of the zodiac, and to the whole host of heaven. <a href="/nrsvce/2_kings/23.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> He deposed the idolatrous 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 made offerings to Baal, to the sun, the moon, the constellations, and all the host of the heavens.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/2_kings/23.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And he slew the priests whom the kings of Judah had ordained to burn incense on the high places in the cities of Judah and in the places round about Jerusalem, and those also who burned incense to Baal, to the sun and to the moon and to the planets and to all the host of heaven. <a href="/hpbt/2_kings/23.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And he killed those Priests whom the Kings of Yehuda appointed to lay incense on the high places in the villages of Yehuda and in the environs of Jerusalem, and who were setting incense for Baal, and for the sun, and for the moon, and for the stars and all the host of Heaven.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/2_kings/23.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And he put down the idolatrous priests, whom the kings of Judah had ordained to offer in the high places in the cities of Judah, and in the places round about Jerusalem; them also that offered unto Baal, to the sun, and to the moon, and to the constellations, and to all the host of heaven. <a href="/sep/2_kings/23.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And he burned the idolatrous priests, whom the kings of Juda had appointed, (and they burned incense in the high places and in the cities of Juda, and the places around about Jerusalem); and them that burned incense to Baal, and to the sun, and to the moon, and to Mazuroth, and to all the host of heaven. <a href="/parallel/2_kings/23-5.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=7910" 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> 4Then 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. 5<a href="/hebrew/7673.htm" title="7673: wə·hiš·bîṯ (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To repose, desist from exertion. A primitive root; to repose, i.e. Desist from exertion; used in many implied relations.">Josiah also did away with</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/3649.htm" title="3649: hak·kə·mā·rîm (Art:: N-mp) -- A priest (in idol worship). From kamar; properly, an ascetic, i.e. An idolatrous priest.">the idolatrous priests</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/5414.htm" title="5414: nā·ṯə·nū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">ordained</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: mal·ḵê (N-mpc) -- King. From malak; a king.">by 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/6999.htm" title="6999: way·qaṭ·ṭêr (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To make sacrifices smoke. A primitive root; to smoke, i.e. Turn into fragrance by fire.">to burn incense</a> <a href="/hebrew/1116.htm" title="1116: bab·bā·mō·wṯ (Prep-b, Art:: N-fp) -- A high place. From an unused root; an elevation.">on the high places</a> <a href="/hebrew/5892.htm" title="5892: bə·‘ā·rê (Prep-b:: N-fpc) -- Excitement. Or par; or ayar; from uwr a city in the widest sense.">of the cities</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/4524.htm" title="4524: ū·mə·sib·bê (Conj-w:: N-mpc) -- That which surrounds or is round. Plural masculine mcibbiym; or feminine mcibbowth; from cabab; a divan; abstractly around.">and in the places all around</a> <a href="/hebrew/3389.htm" title="3389: yə·rū·šā·lim (N-proper-fs) -- Probably foundation of peace, capital city of all Isr. ">Jerusalem—</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/6999.htm" title="6999: ham·qaṭ·ṭə·rîm (Art:: V-Piel-Prtcpl-mp) -- To make sacrifices smoke. A primitive root; to smoke, i.e. Turn into fragrance by fire.">those who had burned incense</a> <a href="/hebrew/1168.htm" title="1168: lab·ba·‘al (Prep-l, Art:: N-proper-ms) -- Baal -- a heathen god. The same as ba'al; Baal, a Phoenician deity.">to Baal,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8121.htm" title="8121: laš·še·meš (Prep-l, Art:: N-cs) -- From an unused root meaning to be brilliant; the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e. A notched battlement.">to the sun</a> <a href="/hebrew/3394.htm" title="3394: wə·lay·yā·rê·aḥ (Conj-w, Prep-l, Art:: N-ms) -- Moon. From the same as yerach; the moon.">and moon,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4208.htm" title="4208: wə·lam·maz·zā·lō·wṯ (Conj-w, Prep-l, Art:: N-mp) -- Apparently from nazal in the sense of raining; a constellation, i.e. Zodiacal sign.">to the constellations,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: ū·lə·ḵōl (Conj-w, Prep-l:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">and to all</a> <a href="/hebrew/6635.htm" title="6635: ṣə·ḇā (N-csc) -- Or tsbadah; from tsaba'; a mass of persons, especially reg. Organized for war; by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively.">the host</a> <a href="/hebrew/8064.htm" title="8064: haš·šā·mā·yim (Art:: N-mp) -- Heaven, sky. Dual of an unused singular shameh; from an unused root meaning to be lofty; the sky.">of heaven.</a> 6He brought the Asherah pole from the house of the LORD to the Kidron Valley outside Jerusalem, and there he burned it, ground it to powder, and threw its dust on the graves of the common people.…<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="/deuteronomy/4-19.htm">Deuteronomy 4:19</a> When you look to the heavens and see the sun and moon and stars—all the host of heaven—do not be enticed to bow down and worship what the LORD your God has apportioned to all the nations under heaven. <a href="/jeremiah/8-2.htm">Jeremiah 8:2</a> They will be exposed to the sun and moon, and to all the host of heaven which they have loved, served, followed, consulted, and worshiped. Their bones will not be gathered up or buried, but will become like dung lying on the ground. <a href="/zephaniah/1-4.htm">Zephaniah 1:4-5</a> “I will stretch out My hand against Judah and against all who dwell in Jerusalem. I will cut off from this place every remnant of Baal, the names of the idolatrous and pagan priests— / 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="/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="/1_kings/11-5.htm">1 Kings 11:5</a> Solomon followed Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians and Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. <a href="/1_kings/11-33.htm">1 Kings 11:33</a> For they have forsaken Me to worship Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, Chemosh the god of the Moabites, and Milcom the god of the Ammonites. They have not walked in My ways, nor done what is right in My eyes, nor kept My statutes and judgments, as Solomon’s father David did. <a href="/2_kings/21-3.htm">2 Kings 21:3</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. <a href="/2_kings/21-5.htm">2 Kings 21:5</a> In both courtyards of the house of the LORD, he built altars to all the host of heaven. <a href="/2_kings/17-16.htm">2 Kings 17:16</a> They abandoned all the commandments of the LORD their God and made for themselves two cast idols of calves and an Asherah pole. They bowed down to all the host of heaven and served Baal. <a href="/2_kings/18-4.htm">2 Kings 18:4</a> He removed the high places, shattered the sacred pillars, and cut down the Asherah poles. He also demolished the bronze snake called Nehushtan that Moses had made, for up to that time the Israelites had burned incense to it. <a href="/2_chronicles/33-3.htm">2 Chronicles 33:3</a> For he rebuilt the high places that his father Hezekiah had torn down, and he raised up altars for the Baals and made Asherah poles. And he worshiped and served all the host of heaven. <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="/hosea/2-13.htm">Hosea 2:13</a> I will punish her for the days of the Baals when she burned incense to them, when she adorned herself with rings and jewelry, and went after her lovers. But Me she forgot,” declares the LORD. <a href="/acts/7-42.htm">Acts 7:42-43</a> But God turned away from them and gave them over to the worship of the host of heaven, as it is written in the book of the prophets: ‘Did you bring Me sacrifices and offerings forty years in the wilderness, O house of Israel? / You have taken along the tabernacle of Molech and the star of your god Rephan, the idols you made to worship. Therefore I will send you into exile beyond Babylon.’ <a href="/romans/1-25.htm">Romans 1:25</a> They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is forever worthy of praise! Amen.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>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 to Baal, to the sun, and to the moon, and to the planets, and to all the host of heaven.put down.<a href="/hosea/10-5.htm">Hosea 10:5</a> The inhabitants of Samaria shall fear because of the calves of Bethaven: for the people thereof shall mourn over it, and the priests thereof that rejoiced on it, for the glory thereof, because it is departed from it.<a href="/zephaniah/1-4.htm">Zephaniah 1:4</a> I will also stretch out mine hand upon Judah, and upon all the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and I will cut off the remnant of Baal from this place, and the name of the Chemarims with the priests;planets.all the host.<a href="/2_kings/21-3.htm">2 Kings 21:3,4</a> For he built up again the high places which Hezekiah his father had destroyed; and he reared up altars for Baal, and made a grove, as did Ahab king of Israel; and worshipped all the host of heaven, and served them… <a href="/jeremiah/8-1.htm">Jeremiah 8:1,2</a> At that time, saith the LORD, they shall bring out the bones of the kings of Judah, and the bones of his princes, and the bones of the priests, and the bones of the prophets, and the bones of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, out of their graves: … <a href="/jeremiah/44-17.htm">Jeremiah 44:17-19</a> But we will certainly do whatsoever thing goeth forth out of our own mouth, to burn incense unto the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink offerings unto her, as we have done, we, and our fathers, our kings, and our princes, in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem: for then had we plenty of victuals, and were well, and saw no evil… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_kings/23-4.htm">Army</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-4.htm">Baal</a> <a href="/2_kings/22-17.htm">Burn</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-4.htm">Burned</a> <a href="/2_kings/19-25.htm">Cities</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-4.htm">High</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-4.htm">Host</a> <a href="/zephaniah/1-4.htm">Idolatrous</a> <a href="/2_kings/22-17.htm">Incense</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-4.htm">Jerusalem</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-2.htm">Judah</a> <a href="/2_kings/21-25.htm">Kings</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-23.htm">Moon</a> <a href="/2_kings/18-4.htm">Offer</a> <a href="/2_kings/19-25.htm">Ordained</a> <a href="/2_kings/21-3.htm">Places</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-4.htm">Priests</a> <a href="/2_kings/20-2.htm">Round</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-4.htm">Sky</a> <a href="/2_kings/20-11.htm">Sun</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_kings/25-1.htm">Army</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/1-49.htm">Baal</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-10.htm">Burn</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-6.htm">Burned</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-8.htm">Cities</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-8.htm">High</a> <a href="/2_kings/25-1.htm">Host</a> <a href="/jeremiah/3-23.htm">Idolatrous</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-8.htm">Incense</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-6.htm">Jerusalem</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-8.htm">Judah</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-11.htm">Kings</a> <a href="/ezra/3-5.htm">Moon</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/16-40.htm">Offer</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/9-22.htm">Ordained</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-8.htm">Places</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-8.htm">Priests</a> <a href="/2_kings/25-1.htm">Round</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/21-16.htm">Sky</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-11.htm">Sun</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'; </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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>Josiah also did away with the idolatrous priests Josiah's reforms were a direct response to the idolatry that had permeated Judah. The idolatrous priests, or "chemārim," were those who led the people in worship of false gods. This action reflects Josiah's commitment to the covenantal laws found in Deuteronomy, which strictly prohibited idolatry. His actions were in line with the reforms of previous kings like Hezekiah, who also sought to purify worship in Judah.ordained by the kings of Judah Previous kings, particularly Manasseh and Amon, had established and supported these priests, leading the nation into idolatry. This highlights the failure of Judah's leadership to uphold the worship of Yahweh. Josiah's reforms were a reversal of these policies, aiming to restore true worship as prescribed in the Law of Moses.to burn incense on the high places of the cities of Judah High places were local shrines often situated on elevated sites, where people worshiped various deities. Although some high places were initially used for Yahweh worship, they became centers for idolatry. Josiah's destruction of these sites was a fulfillment of Deuteronomic law, which commanded the centralization of worship in Jerusalem.and in the places all around Jerusalem This indicates the widespread nature of idolatry, even in the vicinity of the holy city. The proximity to Jerusalem underscores the extent of religious corruption. Josiah's reforms were comprehensive, targeting both rural and urban centers to ensure the eradication of idolatry.those who had burned incense to Baal Baal worship was one of the most pervasive forms of idolatry in ancient Israel and Judah. Baal was a Canaanite deity associated with fertility and storms. The worship of Baal was explicitly condemned in the Hebrew Scriptures, and Josiah's actions were a direct confrontation against this false worship.to the sun and moon Worship of celestial bodies was common in the ancient Near East. The sun and moon were often deified and worshiped as powerful entities. This practice was contrary to the worship of Yahweh, who created the heavenly bodies. Josiah's reforms sought to eliminate these pagan practices, aligning with the biblical mandate to worship the Creator rather than the creation.to the constellations, and to all the host of heaven This phrase encompasses the worship of stars and other celestial phenomena, which was prevalent in surrounding cultures. Such practices were forbidden in the Mosaic Law, as seen in <a href="/deuteronomy/4-19.htm">Deuteronomy 4:19</a>. Josiah's actions were a return to monotheism, emphasizing the worship of Yahweh alone. This reform can be seen as a type of Christ, who also cleansed the temple and called for true worship in spirit and truth.<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/i/idolatrous_priests.htm">Idolatrous Priests</a> These were priests appointed by previous kings of Judah to conduct worship and sacrifices to false gods. 3. <a href="/topical/h/high_places.htm">High Places</a> Elevated sites where unauthorized worship and sacrifices to idols were conducted. 4. <a href="/topical/b/baal.htm">Baal</a> A Canaanite deity often associated with fertility and weather, worshiped by many in ancient Israel and Judah. 5. <a href="/topical/h/heavenly_bodies.htm">Heavenly Bodies</a> The sun, moon, and constellations, which were objects of worship contrary to the worship of Yahweh.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/c/commitment_to_purity_in_worship.htm">Commitment to Purity in Worship</a> Josiah's actions remind us of the importance of maintaining purity in our worship practices, ensuring they align with biblical teachings. <a href="/topical/c/courage_in_leadership.htm">Courage in Leadership</a> Josiah demonstrated courage by going against the established norms and practices of his predecessors, a reminder for us to stand firm in our convictions. <a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_syncretism.htm">The Danger of Syncretism</a> The blending of true worship with idolatrous practices is a recurring theme in Israel's history, warning us against compromising our faith with worldly influences. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_scripture_in_reform.htm">The Role of Scripture in Reform</a> Josiah's reforms were driven by the rediscovery of the Book of the Law, highlighting the transformative power of Scripture in guiding our lives. <a href="/topical/g/god's_call_to_holiness.htm">God's Call to Holiness</a> The elimination of idolatry underscores God's call for His people to be holy and set apart, a principle that remains relevant for believers today.<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/who_were_the_chemarim_in_the_bible.htm">Who were the Chemarim in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/why_do_2_chron._35_and_2_kings_23_differ.htm">Why do 2 Chronicles 35 and 2 Kings 23 differ in their accounts of Josiah's death, raising questions about the actual historical events?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_sun_worship.htm">What defines the practice of sun worship?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_psalm_84_11_align_with_no_sun_worship.htm">If the Lord is described as “a sun” in Psalm 84:11, how does this symbolism align with the biblical prohibition against sun worship?</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>(5) He put down.--Syriac and Arabic, he slew.The idolatrous priests.--The k?m?rim, or black-robed priests (<a href="/hosea/10-5.htm" title="The inhabitants of Samaria shall fear because of the calves of Bethaven: for the people thereof shall mourn over it, and the priests thereof that rejoiced on it, for the glory thereof, because it is departed from it.">Hosea 10:5</a>, of the priests of the calf-worship at Beth-el). Only occurring besides in <a href="/zephaniah/1-4.htm" title="I will also stretch out my hand on Judah, and on all the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and I will cut off the remnant of Baal from this place, and the name of the Chemarims with the priests;">Zephaniah 1:4</a>. Here, as in the passage of Hosea, the word denotes the unlawful priests of Jehovah, as contrasted with those of the Baal, mentioned in the next place. Whether the term really means black-robed, as Kimchi explains, is questionable. Priests used to wear white throughout the ancient world, except on certain special occasions. Gesenius derives it from a root meaning black, but explains, one clad in black, i.e., a mourner, an ascetic, and so a priest. Perhaps the true derivation is from another root, meaning to weave: weaver of spells or charms; as magic was an invariable concomitant of false worship. (Comp. <a href="/2_kings/17-17.htm" title="And they caused their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire, and used divination and enchantments, and sold themselves to do evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.">2Kings 17:17</a>; <a href="/2_kings/21-6.htm" title="And he made his son pass through the fire, and observed times, and used enchantments, and dealt with familiar spirits and wizards: he worked much wickedness in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.">2Kings 21:6</a>.) It is a regular word for priest in Syriac (ch-mra; <a href="/psalms/110-4.htm" title="The LORD has sworn, and will not repent, You are a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.">Psalm 110:4</a>; and the Ep. to the Heb., passim.) . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_kings/23.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 5. - And he put down the idolatrous priests; literally, the chemarim. The same word is used of idolatrous priests in <a href="/hosea/10-5.htm">Hosea 10:5</a> and <a href="/zephaniah/1-4.htm">Zephaniah 1:4</a>. It is best connected with the Arabic root chamar, colere deum, and with the Syriac cumro, "priest" or "sacrificer." The Syrian priests were probably so called at the time, and the Hebrews took the word, and applied it to all false priests or idolatrous priests, reserving their own cohanim (כֹּהֲנִים) for true Jehovistic priests only. 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. This practice had not been mentioned previously, and can scarcely have belonged to the earlier kingdom of Judah, when "the people" (as we are told so often) "worshipped and burnt incense in the high places." But it is quite in harmony with the other doings of Manasseh and Amen, that, when they re-established the high places (<a href="/2_kings/21-3.htm">2 Kings 21:3, 21</a>), they should have followed the custom of the Israelite monarchs at Dan and Bethel (<a href="/1_kings/12-28.htm">1 Kings 12:28-32</a>), and have "ordained priests" to conduct the worship at them. Them also that burned incense unto Baal, to the sun, and to the moon (on the Baal-worship of Manasseh and Amen, see <a href="/2_kings/21-3.htm">2 Kings 21:3</a>; on the sun-worship, compare below, ver. 11; the moon-worship was probably a form of the worship of Astarte), and to the planets; rather, to the twelve signs. The constellations or signs of the zodiac are, no doubt, intended (comp. <a href="/job/38-32.htm">Job 38:32</a>, where the term מַזָּדות may be regarded as a mere variant form of the מַזָּלות of this passage). The proper meaning of the term is "mansions;" or "houses," the zodiacal signs being regarded as the "mansions of the sun" by the Babylonians (see 'Ancient Monarchies,' vol. 3. p. 419). And to all the host of heaven (see the comment on 2 Kings 21:3). <a href="/commentaries/2_kings/23-5.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>[Josiah] also did away with וְהִשְׁבִּ֣ית (wə·hiš·bîṯ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7673.htm">Strong's 7673: </a> To repose, desist from exertion the idolatrous priests הַכְּמָרִ֗ים (hak·kə·mā·rîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3649.htm">Strong's 3649: </a> An ascetic, an idolatrous priest ordained נָֽתְנוּ֙ (nā·ṯə·nū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> To give, put, set by the kings מַלְכֵ֣י (mal·ḵê) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> A king of Judah יְהוּדָ֔ה (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 to burn incense וַיְקַטֵּ֤ר (way·qaṭ·ṭêr) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6999.htm">Strong's 6999: </a> To smoke, turn into fragrance by fire on the high places בַּבָּמוֹת֙ (bab·bā·mō·wṯ) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1116.htm">Strong's 1116: </a> An elevation of the cities בְּעָרֵ֣י (bə·‘ā·rê) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5892.htm">Strong's 5892: </a> Excitement of Judah יְהוּדָ֔ה (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 and in the places all around וּמְסִבֵּ֖י (ū·mə·sib·bê) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4524.htm">Strong's 4524: </a> That which surrounds or is round Jerusalem— יְרוּשָׁלִָ֑ם (yə·rū·šā·lim) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3389.htm">Strong's 3389: </a> Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israel those who had burned incense הַֽמְקַטְּרִ֣ים (ham·qaṭ·ṭə·rîm) Article | Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6999.htm">Strong's 6999: </a> To smoke, turn into fragrance by fire to Baal, לַבַּ֗עַל (lab·ba·‘al) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1168.htm">Strong's 1168: </a> Baal -- a heathen god to the sun לַשֶּׁ֤מֶשׁ (laš·še·meš) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8121.htm">Strong's 8121: </a> The sun, the east, a ray, a notched battlement and moon, וְלַיָּרֵ֙חַ֙ (wə·lay·yā·rê·aḥ) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3394.htm">Strong's 3394: </a> The moon to the constellations, וְלַמַּזָּל֔וֹת (wə·lam·maz·zā·lō·wṯ) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4208.htm">Strong's 4208: </a> Constellations, perhaps signs of the zodiac and to all וּלְכֹ֖ל (ū·lə·ḵōl) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every the host צְבָ֥א (ṣə·ḇā) Noun - common singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6635.htm">Strong's 6635: </a> A mass of persons, reg, organized for, war, a campaign of heaven. הַשָּׁמָֽיִם׃ (haš·šā·mā·yim) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8064.htm">Strong's 8064: </a> Heaven, sky <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_kings/23-5.htm">2 Kings 23:5 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/2_kings/23-5.htm">2 Kings 23:5 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/2_kings/23-5.htm">2 Kings 23:5 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/2_kings/23-5.htm">2 Kings 23:5 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/2_kings/23-5.htm">2 Kings 23:5 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/2_kings/23-5.htm">2 Kings 23:5 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_kings/23-5.htm">2 Kings 23:5 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_kings/23-5.htm">2 Kings 23:5 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/2_kings/23-5.htm">2 Kings 23:5 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/2_kings/23-5.htm">2 Kings 23:5 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-5.htm">OT History: 2 Kings 23:5 He put down the idolatrous priests whom (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_kings/23-4.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Kings 23:4"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Kings 23:4" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_kings/23-6.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Kings 23:6"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Kings 23:6" /></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>