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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 23:15 He even pulled down the altar at Bethel, the high place set up by Jeroboam son of Nebat, who had caused Israel to sin. Then he burned the high place, ground it to powder, and burned the Asherah pole.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_kings/23-15.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/12_2Ki_23_15.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Kings 23:15 - Josiah Destroys Idolatry" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="He even pulled down the altar at Bethel, the high place set up by Jeroboam son of Nebat, who had caused Israel to sin. 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He burned the high place and ground it to powder, and burned the Asherah pole also. <a href="/nlt/2_kings/23.htm">New Living Translation</a> The king also tore down the altar at Bethel—the pagan shrine that Jeroboam son of Nebat had made when he caused Israel to sin. He burned down the shrine and ground it to dust, and he burned the Asherah pole. <a href="/esv/2_kings/23.htm">English Standard Version</a> Moreover, the altar at Bethel, the high place erected by Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin, that altar with the high place he pulled down and burned, reducing it to dust. He also burned the Asherah. <a href="/bsb/2_kings/23.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> He even pulled down the altar at Bethel, the high place set up by Jeroboam son of Nebat, who had caused Israel to sin. Then he burned the high place, ground it to powder, and burned the Asherah pole. <a href="/kjv/2_kings/23.htm">King James Bible</a> Moreover the altar that was at Bethel, and the high place which Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin, had made, both that altar and the high place he brake down, and burned the high place, and stamped it small to powder, and burned the grove. <a href="/nkjv/2_kings/23.htm">New King James Version</a> Moreover the altar that was at Bethel, and the high place which Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel sin, had made, both that altar and the high place he broke down; and he burned the high place and crushed it to powder, and burned the wooden image. <a href="/nasb_/2_kings/23.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Furthermore, the altar that was at Bethel and the high place which Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who misled Israel into sin, had made, even that altar and the high place he tore down. Then he burned the high place, ground the remains to dust, and burned the Asherah. <a href="/nasb/2_kings/23.htm">NASB 1995</a> Furthermore, the altar that was at Bethel and the high place which Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel sin, had made, even that altar and the high place he broke down. Then he demolished its stones, ground them to dust, and burned the Asherah. <a href="/nasb77/2_kings/23.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Furthermore, the altar that was at Bethel and the high place which Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel sin, had made, even that altar and the high place he broke down. Then he demolished its stones, ground them to dust, and burned the Asherah. <a href="/lsb/2_kings/23.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Furthermore, the altar that was at Bethel and the high place which Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel sin, had made, even that altar and the high place he tore down. Then he demolished its stones, ground them to dust, and burned the Asherah. <a href="/amp/2_kings/23.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Further, the altar that was at Bethel, the high place which Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel sin, had made, even that altar and the high place he tore down. Then he demolished its stones, ground them to dust, and burned the Asherah. <a href="/csb/2_kings/23.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> He even tore down the altar at Bethel and the high place that had been made by Jeroboam son of Nebat, who caused Israel to sin. He burned the high place, crushed it to dust, and burned the Asherah. <a href="/hcsb/2_kings/23.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> He even tore down the altar at Bethel and the high place that Jeroboam son of Nebat, who caused Israel to sin, had made. Then he burned the high place, crushed it to dust, and burned the Asherah. <a href="/asv/2_kings/23.htm">American Standard Version</a> Moreover the altar that was at Beth-el, and the high place which Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin, had made, even that altar and the high place he brake down; and he burned the high place and beat it to dust, and burned the Asherah. <a href="/cev/2_kings/23.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> But Josiah was not finished yet. At Bethel he destroyed the shrine and the altar that Jeroboam son of Nebat had built and that had caused the Israelites to sin. Josiah had the shrine and the Asherah pole burned and ground into dust. <a href="/erv/2_kings/23.htm">English Revised Version</a> Moreover the altar that was at Beth-el, and the high place which Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin, had made, even that altar and the high place he brake down; and he burned the high place and stamped it small to powder, and burned the Asherah. <a href="/gwt/2_kings/23.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> He also tore down the altar at Bethel-the place of worship made by Jeroboam (Nebat's son), who had made Israel sin. He tore down both the altar and the place of worship. They burned the worship site, crushing it to powder and burning the pole dedicated to Asherah. <a href="/gnt/2_kings/23.htm">Good News Translation</a> Josiah also tore down the place of worship in Bethel, which had been built by King Jeroboam son of Nebat, who led Israel into sin. Josiah pulled down the altar, broke its stones into pieces, and pounded them to dust; he also burned the image of Asherah. <a href="/isv/2_kings/23.htm">International Standard Version</a> Furthermore, he even broke down the altar that had been at Bethel as well as the high place constructed by Nebat's son Jeroboam, who had caused Israel to sin. He demolished its stones, pulverized them to dust, and burned the Asherah. <a href="/msb/2_kings/23.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> He even pulled down the altar at Bethel, the high place set up by Jeroboam son of Nebat, who had caused Israel to sin. Then he burned the high place, ground it to powder, and burned the Asherah pole. <a href="/net/2_kings/23.htm">NET Bible</a> He also tore down the altar in Bethel at the high place made by Jeroboam son of Nebat, who encouraged Israel to sin. He burned all the combustible items at that high place and crushed them to dust; including the Asherah pole. <a href="/nheb/2_kings/23.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Moreover the altar that was at Bethel, and the high place which Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin, had made, even that altar and the high place he broke down; and he burned the high place and beat it to dust, and burned the Asherah. <a href="/wbt/2_kings/23.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Moreover, the altar that was at Beth-el, and the high place which Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin, had made, both that altar and the high place he broke down, and burned the high place, and stamped it small to powder, and burned the grove. <a href="/web/2_kings/23.htm">World English Bible</a> Moreover the altar that was at Bethel and the high place which Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin, had made, even that altar and the high place he broke down; and he burned the high place and beat it to dust, and burned the Asherah. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/2_kings/23.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and also the altar that [is] in Beth-El, the high place that Jeroboam son of Nebat made, by which he made Israel sin, both that altar and the high place he has broken down, and burns the high place—he has beat it small to dust, and has burned the Asherah. <a href="/ylt/2_kings/23.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and also the altar that is in Beth-El, the high place that Jeroboam son of Nebat made, by which he made Israel sin, both that altar and the high place he hath broken down, and doth burn the high place -- he hath beat it small to dust, and hath burnt the shrine. <a href="/slt/2_kings/23.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And also the altar which was in the house of God, the height which Jeroboam son of Nebat who caused Israel to sin, made, also that altar and height he broke down and he will burn the height, and he beat small to dust, and he burnt the image.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/2_kings/23.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Moreover the altar also that was at Bethel, and the high place, which Jeroboam the son of Nabat, who made Israel to sin, had made: both the altar, and the high place he broke down and burnt, and reduced to powder, and burnt the grove. <a href="/cpdv/2_kings/23.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Then too, the altar which was in Bethel, and the high place which Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, who caused Israel to sin, had made: both that altar and the high place he tore down, and burned, and reduced to dust. And then he also set fire to the sacred grove. <a href="/nabre/2_kings/23.htm">New American Bible</a> Likewise the altar which was at Bethel, the high place built by Jeroboam, son of Nebat, who caused Israel to sin—this same altar and high place he tore down and burned, grinding the high place to powder and burning the asherah. <a href="/nrsvce/2_kings/23.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Moreover, the altar at Bethel, the high place erected by Jeroboam son of Nebat, who caused Israel to sin—he pulled down that altar along with the high place. He burned the high place, crushing it to dust; he also burned the sacred pole.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/2_kings/23.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Moreover the altar that was at Beth-el and the high places which Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel sin, had made, both that altar and the high place he demolished, and burned the high place and ground it to dust and burned the idols. <a href="/hpbt/2_kings/23.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> Also the altar that is in Bayth Eil and the high places that Yorbaam, son of Nebat, made who caused Israel to sin, also he broke down the altar and the high place, and he burned the high place and he pulverized it like dust, and he burned the feared things.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/2_kings/23.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Moreover the altar that was at Beth-el, and the high place which Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin, had made, even that altar and the high place he broke down; and he burned the high place and stamped it small to powder, and burned the Asherah. <a href="/sep/2_kings/23.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> Also the high altar in Baethel, which Jeroboam the son of Nabat, who made Israel to sin, had made, even that high altar he tore down, and broke in pieces the stones of it, and reduced it to powder, and burnt the grove. <a href="/parallel/2_kings/23-15.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=8064" 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> …14He smashed the sacred pillars to pieces, cut down the Asherah poles, and covered the sites with human bones. 15<a href="/hebrew/1571.htm" title="1571: wə·ḡam (Conj) -- Also, moreover, yea. ">He even</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/5422.htm" title="5422: nā·ṯāṣ (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To pull down, break down. A primitive root; to tear down.">pulled down</a> <a href="/hebrew/4196.htm" title="4196: ham·miz·bê·aḥ (Art:: N-ms) -- An altar. From zabach; an altar.">the altar</a> <a href="/hebrew/1008.htm" title="1008: ’êl (Prep:: N-proper-fs) -- From bayith and 'el; house of God; Beth-El, a place in Palestine.">at Bethel,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1116.htm" title="1116: hab·bā·māh (Art:: N-fs) -- A high place. From an unused root; an elevation.">the high place</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."></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.">set up</a> <a href="/hebrew/1008.htm" title="1008: bə·ḇêṯ- (Prep) -- From bayith and 'el; house of God; Beth-El, a place in Palestine."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3379.htm" title="3379: yā·rā·ḇə·‘ām (N-proper-ms) -- From riyb and am; people will contend; Jarobam, the name of two Israelite kings.">by Jeroboam</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ben- (N-msc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">son</a> <a href="/hebrew/5028.htm" title="5028: nə·ḇāṭ (N-proper-ms) -- Father of Jeroboam. From nabat; regard; Nebat, the father of Jeroboam I.">of Nebat,</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.">who</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/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">had caused Israel</a> <a href="/hebrew/2398.htm" title="2398: he·ḥĕ·ṭî (V-Hifil-Perf-3ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to miss; hence to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, lead astray, condemn.">to sin.</a> <a href="/hebrew/1571.htm" title="1571: gam (Conj) -- Also, moreover, yea. "></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/4196.htm" title="4196: ham·miz·bê·aḥ (Art:: N-ms) -- An altar. From zabach; an altar."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: ha·hū (Art:: Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. "></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/8313.htm" title="8313: way·yiś·rōp̄ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To burn. A primitive root; to be on fire.">Then he burned</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/1116.htm" title="1116: hab·bā·māh (Art:: N-fs) -- A high place. From an unused root; an elevation.">the high place,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1854.htm" title="1854: hê·ḏaq (V-Hifil-Perf-3ms) -- To crush, pulverize, thresh. A primitive root; to crush crumble.">ground</a> <a href="/hebrew/1116.htm" title="1116: hab·bā·māh (Art:: N-fs) -- A high place. From an unused root; an elevation.">it</a> <a href="/hebrew/6083.htm" title="6083: lə·‘ā·p̄ār (Prep-l:: N-ms) -- Dry earth, dust. From aphar; dust; hence, clay, earth, mud.">to powder,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8313.htm" title="8313: wə·śā·rap̄ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To burn. A primitive root; to be on fire.">and burned</a> <a href="/hebrew/842.htm" title="842: ’ă·šê·rāh (N-fs) -- Or masheyrah; from 'ashar; happy; Asherah a Phoenician goddess; also an image of the same.">the Asherah pole.</a> 16And as Josiah turned, he saw the tombs there on the hillside, and he sent someone to take the bones out of the tombs, and he burned them on the altar to defile it, according to the word of the LORD proclaimed by the man of God who had foretold these things.…<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="/1_kings/13-2.htm">1 Kings 13:2</a> And he cried out against the altar by the word of the LORD, “O altar, O altar, this is what the LORD says: ‘A son named Josiah will be born to the house of David, and upon you he will sacrifice the priests of the high places who burn incense upon you, and human bones will be burned upon you.’” <a href="/1_kings/12-28.htm">1 Kings 12:28-30</a> After seeking advice, the king made two golden calves and said to the people, “Going up to Jerusalem is too much for you. Here, O Israel, are your gods, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.” / One calf he set up in Bethel, and the other in Dan. / And this thing became a sin; the people walked as far as Dan to worship before one of the calves. <a href="/2_chronicles/34-6.htm">2 Chronicles 34:6-7</a> Josiah did the same in the cities of Manasseh, Ephraim, and Simeon, as far as Naphtali, and in the ruins around them. / He tore down the altars and Asherah poles, crushed the idols to powder, and cut to pieces all the incense altars throughout the land of Israel. Then he returned to Jerusalem. <a href="/2_chronicles/34-4.htm">2 Chronicles 34:4-5</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. <a href="/2_chronicles/31-1.htm">2 Chronicles 31:1</a> When all this had ended, the Israelites in attendance went out to the cities of Judah and broke up the sacred pillars, chopped down the Asherah poles, and tore down the high places and altars throughout Judah and Benjamin, as well as in Ephraim and Manasseh, until they had utterly destroyed them all. Then all the Israelites returned to their cities, each to his own property. <a href="/2_kings/10-26.htm">2 Kings 10:26-28</a> They brought out the sacred pillar of the temple of Baal and burned it. / They also demolished the sacred pillar of Baal. Then they tore down the temple of Baal and made it into a latrine, which it is to this day. / Thus Jehu eradicated Baal from Israel, <a href="/2_kings/17-9.htm">2 Kings 17:9-12</a> The Israelites secretly did things against the LORD their God that were not right. From watchtower to fortified city, they built high places in all their cities. / They set up for themselves sacred pillars and Asherah poles on every high hill and under every green tree. / They burned incense on all the high places like the nations that the LORD had driven out before them. They did wicked things, provoking the LORD to anger. ... <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/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_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/23-19.htm">2 Kings 23:19-20</a> Just as Josiah had done at Bethel, so also in the cities of Samaria he removed all the shrines of the high places set up by the kings of Israel who had provoked the LORD to anger. / On the altars he slaughtered all the priests of the high places, and he burned human bones on them. Then he returned to Jerusalem. <a href="/jeremiah/48-13.htm">Jeremiah 48:13</a> Then Moab will be ashamed of Chemosh, just as the house of Israel was ashamed when they trusted in Bethel. <a href="/hosea/10-5.htm">Hosea 10:5-8</a> The people of Samaria will fear for the calf of Beth-aven. Indeed, its people will mourn over it with its idolatrous priests—those who rejoiced in its glory—for it has been taken from them into exile. / Yes, it will be carried to Assyria as tribute to the great king. Ephraim will be seized with shame; Israel will be ashamed of its wooden idols. / Samaria will be carried off with her king like a twig on the surface of the water. ... <a href="/amos/5-5.htm">Amos 5:5</a> Do not seek Bethel or go to Gilgal; do not journey to Beersheba, for Gilgal will surely go into exile, and Bethel will come to nothing. <a href="/john/4-20.htm">John 4:20-24</a> Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews say that the place where one must worship is in Jerusalem.” / “Believe Me, woman,” Jesus replied, “a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. / You worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. ...</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Moreover the altar that was at Bethel, and the high place which Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin, had made, both that altar and the high place he broke down, and burned the high place, and stamped it small to powder, and burned the grove.the altar.<a href="/2_kings/10-31.htm">2 Kings 10:31</a> But Jehu took no heed to walk in the law of the LORD God of Israel with all his heart: for he departed not from the sins of Jeroboam, which made Israel to sin.<a href="/1_kings/12-28.htm">1 Kings 12:28-33</a> Whereupon the king took counsel, and made two calves of gold, and said unto them, It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem: behold thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt… <a href="/1_kings/14-16.htm">1 Kings 14:16</a> And he shall give Israel up because of the sins of Jeroboam, who did sin, and who made Israel to sin.stamped.<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/23-9.htm">Altar</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-14.htm">Asherah</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-12.htm">Beat</a> <a href="/2_kings/17-28.htm">Bethel</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-14.htm">Brake</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-14.htm">Broke</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-11.htm">Burned</a> <a href="/2_kings/10-27.htm">Demolished</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-12.htm">Dust</a> <a href="/2_kings/18-25.htm">Furthermore</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-7.htm">Grove</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-13.htm">High</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-13.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/2_kings/17-22.htm">Jeroboam</a> <a href="/2_kings/22-10.htm">Moreover</a> <a href="/2_kings/17-21.htm">Nebat</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-6.htm">Powder</a> <a href="/2_kings/21-17.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-6.htm">Small</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-6.htm">Stamped</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_kings/23-16.htm">Altar</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/14-3.htm">Asherah</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/34-7.htm">Beat</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-17.htm">Bethel</a> <a href="/2_kings/25-10.htm">Brake</a> <a href="/2_kings/25-10.htm">Broke</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-16.htm">Burned</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/33-3.htm">Demolished</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/1-9.htm">Dust</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/17-10.htm">Furthermore</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/15-16.htm">Grove</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-19.htm">High</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-19.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/5-17.htm">Jeroboam</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-24.htm">Moreover</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/9-29.htm">Nebat</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/34-7.htm">Powder</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/9-1.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/2_kings/25-26.htm">Small</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/15-16.htm">Stamped</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>He even pulled down the altar at Bethel This action signifies a significant religious reform. Bethel was a major center of idolatry in the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The altar at Bethel was established by Jeroboam I as a rival worship site to Jerusalem (<a href="/1_kings/12-28.htm">1 Kings 12:28-29</a>). This act of pulling down the altar demonstrates a return to the worship of Yahweh and a rejection of syncretism and idolatry.the high place set up by Jeroboam son of Nebat Jeroboam son of Nebat was the first king of the Northern Kingdom after the division of Israel. He established high places at Bethel and Dan to prevent his subjects from going to Jerusalem to worship (<a href="/1_kings/12-26.htm">1 Kings 12:26-30</a>). These high places were centers of idol worship and were condemned by the prophets (<a href="/1_kings/13.htm">1 Kings 13:1-3</a>).who had caused Israel to sin Jeroboam's establishment of these high places led Israel into sin by promoting idolatry. This phrase highlights the spiritual decline initiated by Jeroboam, which had long-lasting effects on the nation. The sin of Jeroboam became a recurring theme in the evaluation of subsequent kings of Israel (<a href="/1_kings/15-34.htm">1 Kings 15:34</a>).Then he burned the high place Burning the high place was a symbolic act of purification and destruction of idolatry. It was a common practice to destroy objects associated with false worship to prevent their reuse (<a href="/deuteronomy/12-2.htm">Deuteronomy 12:2-3</a>). This act signifies a complete eradication of the idolatrous practices that had taken root in Israel.ground it to powder Grinding the high place to powder indicates a thorough and irreversible destruction. This mirrors Moses' destruction of the golden calf (<a href="/exodus/32-20.htm">Exodus 32:20</a>) and signifies the total rejection of idolatry. It emphasizes the seriousness of the reform and the commitment to eradicate sin.and burned the Asherah pole The Asherah pole was a wooden symbol associated with the Canaanite goddess Asherah, often placed near altars of Baal. Burning the Asherah pole was a direct attack on the Canaanite religious practices that had infiltrated Israelite worship. This act aligns with the Deuteronomic law that commanded the destruction of pagan symbols (<a href="/deuteronomy/7-5.htm">Deuteronomy 7:5</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 from the land. 2. <a href="/topical/b/bethel.htm">Bethel</a> A significant location in the Northern Kingdom of Israel, known for its association with idolatrous worship practices established by Jeroboam. 3. <a href="/topical/j/jeroboam_son_of_nebat.htm">Jeroboam son of Nebat</a> The first king of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, who set up golden calves at Bethel and Dan, leading Israel into sin. 4. <a href="/topical/h/high_place.htm">High Place</a> A site of worship, often on elevated ground, where sacrifices and offerings were made, frequently associated with idolatry. 5. <a href="/topical/a/asherah_pole.htm">Asherah Pole</a> A wooden symbol representing the Canaanite goddess Asherah, often placed near altars for idol worship.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_righteous_leadership.htm">The Importance of Righteous Leadership</a> Josiah's actions demonstrate the impact a godly leader can have in guiding a nation back to righteousness. Leaders today are called to uphold and promote godly values. <a href="/topical/t/the_dangers_of_idolatry.htm">The Dangers of Idolatry</a> The passage highlights the destructive nature of idolatry, which leads people away from God. Believers must be vigilant in identifying and removing modern-day idols from their lives. <a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_repentance_and_reform.htm">The Power of Repentance and Reform</a> Josiah's reforms show that genuine repentance involves not only turning away from sin but also actively destroying its influence. Christians are encouraged to take decisive action against sin in their lives. <a href="/topical/t/the_legacy_of_sin.htm">The Legacy of Sin</a> Jeroboam's sin had long-lasting effects on Israel. This serves as a reminder of how sin can impact future generations, urging believers to break cycles of sin in their families and communities. <a href="/topical/c/commitment_to_god's_word.htm">Commitment to God's Word</a> Josiah's reforms were rooted in a return to the Scriptures. This emphasizes the need for believers to ground their lives and decisions in the Word of 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/what_does_the_bible_say_on_damascus.htm">What is the significance of Kidron Valley?</a> <a href="/q/why_little_evidence_of_josiah's_destruction.htm">If Josiah destroyed so many idolatrous sites (2 Kings 23:4–20), why is there little archaeological evidence of such widespread destruction? </a> <a href="/q/evidence_for_jeroboam's_golden_calves.htm">What archaeological evidence supports or questions the existence of Jeroboam’s golden calves in 1 Kings 12:28? </a> <a href="/q/evidence_of_josiah's_pagan_site_destruction.htm">(2 Chronicles 34:3) Is there historical or archeological evidence to confirm Josiah’s widespread destruction of pagan sites? </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>(15) The altar . . . and the high place.--The and is wanting in the Hebrew, LXX., and Targum.It is supplied in the Syriac, Vulgate, and Arabic, correctly as regards the sense; see below. Grammatically, "the high place" may be in apposition to "the altar," and may include it, as being a more general term.Which Jeroboam the son of Nebat . . .--See <a href="/1_kings/12-28.htm" title="Whereupon the king took counsel, and made two calves of gold, and said to them, It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem: behold your gods, O Israel, which brought you up out of the land of Egypt.">1Kings 12:28</a> seq.Burned the high place.--Was it, then, a wooden structure, as Thenius supposes? Perhaps it resembled a dolmen (many hundred such have been found in Palestine); and fire may have been kindled under it, by way of cracking the huge slabs of stone of which it was built. The fragments might then be more easily crushed.Burned the grove.--The present text is, burned an ash?rah. Perhaps the article has fallen out; especially as this is not the only indication that the text has suffered in this place. Thenius understands the word in the general sense of an idol-image, comparing <a href="/2_kings/17-29.htm" title="However, every nation made gods of their own, and put them in the houses of the high places which the Samaritans had made, every nation in their cities wherein they dwelled.">2Kings 17:29</a> seq. But it is doubtful whether the word Ash?rah is so used. It is noteworthy that the present passage indirectly agrees with <a href="/hosea/10-6.htm" title="It shall be also carried to Assyria for a present to king Jareb: Ephraim shall receive shame, and Israel shall be ashamed of his own counsel.">Hosea 10:6</a>, for no mention is made of what used to be the chief object of worship at Beth-el; viz., the golden bullock. It had been carried away to Assyria, as the prophet foretold.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_kings/23.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 15. - Moreover the altar that was at Bethel, and the high place; rather, the altar that was at Bethel, the high place, without any "and." הַבָמָה is in apposition with הַמִּזְבֵּחַ. By setting up an altar at Bethel, Jeroboam constituted Bethel a "high place." Which Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin, had made (comp. <a href="/1_kings/12-33.htm">1 Kings 12:33</a>; <a href="/1_kings/13-2.htm">1 Kings 13:2</a>), both that altar end the high place he brake down. "The high place" is here equivalent to the "house of high places" in <a href="/1_kings/12-31.htm">1 Kings 12:31</a>, and designates "the buildings of this sanctuary" (Keil). At such a national center as Bethel a temple would, of course, accompany the altar. Whether the temple and altar were in use or not at the time when Josiah destroyed them, is uncertain. The mixed race which had superseded the Israelites in the country (<a href="/2_kings/17-24.htm">2 Kings 17:24-41</a>) may have continued the worship, or may have set it aside. And burned the high place, and stamped it small to powder. It is not clear that this latter clause applies to the high place. Perhaps we should translate - And stamped small to powder, and burned, the grove. It is for the most part only comparatively small objects that are "stamped small to powder" (see vers. 6, 12, and comp. 2 Chronicles 15:21). <a href="/commentaries/2_kings/23-15.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>He even וְגַ֨ם (wə·ḡam) Conjunctive waw | Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1571.htm">Strong's 1571: </a> Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and pulled down נָתָ֑ץ (nā·ṯāṣ) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5422.htm">Strong's 5422: </a> To pull down, break down the altar הַמִּזְבֵּ֜חַ (ham·miz·bê·aḥ) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4196.htm">Strong's 4196: </a> An altar at Bethel, אֵ֗ל (’êl) Preposition | Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1008.htm">Strong's 1008: </a> Bethel -- 'house of God', a city in Ephraim, also a place in southern Judah the high place הַבָּמָה֙ (hab·bā·māh) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1116.htm">Strong's 1116: </a> An elevation set up עָשָׂ֜ה (‘ā·śāh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make by Jeroboam יָרָבְעָ֤ם (yā·rā·ḇə·‘ām) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3379.htm">Strong's 3379: </a> Jeroboam -- 'the people increase', the name of two Israelites kings son בֶּן־ (ben-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son of Nebat, נְבָט֙ (nə·ḇāṭ) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5028.htm">Strong's 5028: </a> Nebat -- father of Jeroboam who אֲשֶׁ֨ר (’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 had caused Israel יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc to sin. הֶחֱטִ֣יא (he·ḥĕ·ṭî) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2398.htm">Strong's 2398: </a> To miss, to sin, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, lead astray, condemn Then he burned וַיִּשְׂרֹ֧ף (way·yiś·rōp̄) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8313.htm">Strong's 8313: </a> To be, on fire the high place, הַבָּמָ֖ה (hab·bā·māh) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1116.htm">Strong's 1116: </a> An elevation ground [it] הֵדַ֥ק (hê·ḏaq) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1854.htm">Strong's 1854: </a> To crush, pulverize, thresh to powder, לְעָפָ֖ר (lə·‘ā·p̄ār) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6083.htm">Strong's 6083: </a> Dust, clay, earth, mud and burned וְשָׂרַ֥ף (wə·śā·rap̄) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8313.htm">Strong's 8313: </a> To be, on fire the Asherah pole. אֲשֵׁרָֽה׃ (’ă·šê·rāh) Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_842.htm">Strong's 842: </a> A Phoenician goddess, also an image of the same <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_kings/23-15.htm">2 Kings 23:15 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/2_kings/23-15.htm">2 Kings 23:15 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/2_kings/23-15.htm">2 Kings 23:15 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/2_kings/23-15.htm">2 Kings 23:15 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/2_kings/23-15.htm">2 Kings 23:15 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/2_kings/23-15.htm">2 Kings 23:15 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_kings/23-15.htm">2 Kings 23:15 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_kings/23-15.htm">2 Kings 23:15 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/2_kings/23-15.htm">2 Kings 23:15 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/2_kings/23-15.htm">2 Kings 23:15 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-15.htm">OT History: 2 Kings 23:15 Moreover the altar that was at Bethel (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_kings/23-14.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Kings 23:14"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Kings 23:14" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_kings/23-16.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Kings 23:16"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Kings 23:16" /></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>