Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version He did away with the idolatrous priests appointed by the kings of Judah to burn incense on the high places of the towns of Judah and on those around Jerusalem—those who burned incense to Baal, to the sun and moon, to the constellations and to all the starry hosts. New Living Translation He did away with the idolatrous priests, who had been appointed by the previous kings of Judah, for they had offered sacrifices at the pagan shrines throughout Judah and even in the vicinity of Jerusalem. They had also offered sacrifices to Baal, and to the sun, the moon, the constellations, and to all the powers of the heavens. English Standard Version 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. Berean Standard Bible 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. Berean Literal Bible And he removed the idolatrous priests whom the kings of Judah had ordained (and they burned incense on the high places in the cities of Judah and in the places all around Jerusalem) and those who burned incense to the Baal, to the sun, and to the moon, and to the constellations, and to all the host of the heavens. King James Bible 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. New King James Version 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. New American Standard Bible 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. NASB 1995 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. NASB 1977 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. Legacy Standard Bible 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. Amplified Bible 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. Berean Annotated Bible Josiah also did away with the idolatrous priests ordained by the kings of Judah (praised) to burn incense on the high places of the cities of Judah and in the places all around Jerusalem (city of peace)—those who had burned incense to Baal (lord), to the sun and moon, to the constellations, and to all the host of heaven. Christian Standard Bible 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. Holman Christian Standard Bible 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. American Standard Version 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. Contemporary English Version 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. English Revised Version 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. GOD'S WORD® Translation 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. Good News Translation 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. International Standard Version 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. NET Bible 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.) New Heart English Bible 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. Webster's Bible Translation 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. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleJosiah 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. World English Bible 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. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd 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. Berean Literal Bible And he removed the idolatrous priests whom the kings of Judah had ordained (and they burned incense on the high places in the cities of Judah and in the places all around Jerusalem) and those who burned incense to the Baal, to the sun, and to the moon, and to the constellations, and to all the host of the heavens. Young's Literal Translation 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. Smith's Literal Translation 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. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd 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. Catholic Public Domain Version 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. New American Bible 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. New Revised Standard Version 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. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd 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. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated 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. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And 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. Brenton Septuagint Translation 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. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Josiah Destroys Idolatry4Then 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. 5Josiah 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. 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.… Cross References Josiah also did away with the idolatrous priests Zephaniah 1:4-5 “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, 2 Kings 17:32-33 So the new residents worshiped the LORD, but they also appointed for themselves priests of all sorts to serve in the shrines of the high places. / They worshiped the LORD, but they also served their own gods according to the customs of the nations from which they had been carried away. ordained by the kings of Judah 2 Kings 16:15 Then King Ahaz commanded Uriah the priest, “Offer on the great altar the morning burnt offering, the evening grain offering, and the king’s burnt offering and grain offering, as well as the burnt offerings, grain offerings, and drink offerings of all the people of the land. Splatter on the altar all the blood of the burnt offerings and sacrifices. But I will use the bronze altar to seek guidance.” 2 Kings 21:4-5 Manasseh also built altars in the house of the LORD, of which the LORD had said, “In Jerusalem I will put My Name.” / In both courtyards of the house of the LORD, he built altars to all the host of heaven. to burn incense on the high places of the cities of Judah 2 Kings 12:3 Nevertheless, the high places were not removed; the people continued sacrificing and burning incense there. 2 Kings 14:4 Nevertheless, the high places were not taken away, and the people continued sacrificing and burning incense on the high places. and in the places all around Jerusalem— 1 Kings 11:7-8 At that time on a hill east of Jerusalem, Solomon built a high place for Chemosh the abomination of Moab and for Molech the abomination of the Ammonites. / He did the same for all his foreign wives, who burned incense and sacrificed to their gods. 2 Chronicles 28:24-25 Then Ahaz gathered up the articles of the house of God, cut them into pieces, shut the doors of the house of the LORD, and set up altars of his own on every street corner in Jerusalem. / In every city of Judah he built high places to offer incense to other gods, and so he provoked the LORD, the God of his fathers. those who had burned incense to Baal, Jeremiah 11:13 Your gods are indeed as numerous as your cities, O Judah; the altars of shame you have set up—the altars to burn incense to Baal—are as many as the streets of Jerusalem.’ 2 Kings 10:25-28 When he had finished making the burnt offering, Jehu said to the guards and officers, “Go in and kill them. Do not let anyone out.” So the guards and officers put them to the sword, threw the bodies out, and went into the inner room of the temple of Baal. / 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. … to the sun and moon, Deuteronomy 4:19 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. Ezekiel 8:16 So He brought me to the inner court of the house of the LORD, and there at the entrance to the temple of the LORD, between the portico and the altar, were about twenty-five men with their backs to the temple of the LORD and their faces toward the east; and they were bowing to the east in worship of the sun. to the constellations, and to all the host of heaven. Job 38:31-33 Can you bind the chains of the Pleiades or loosen the belt of Orion? / Can you bring forth the constellations in their seasons or lead out the Bear and her cubs? / Do you know the laws of the heavens? Can you set their dominion over the earth? Deuteronomy 17:3 and going to worship other gods, bowing down to them or to the sun or moon or any of the host of heaven—which I have forbidden— Jeremiah 8:2 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. 2 Chronicles 34:4-7 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. … Treasury of Scripture 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. Hosea 10:5 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. Zephaniah 1:4 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. 2 Kings 21:3,4 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… Jeremiah 8:1,2 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: … Jeremiah 44:17-19 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… Jump to Previous Army Baal Burn Burned Cities High Host Idolatrous Incense Jerusalem Judah Kings Moon Offer Ordained Places Priests Round Sky SunJump to Next Army Baal Burn Burned Cities High Host Idolatrous Incense Jerusalem Judah Kings Moon Offer Ordained Places Priests Round Sky Sun2 Kings 23 1. Josiah causes the book to be read in a solemn assembly.3. He renews the covenant of the Lord. 4. He destroys idolatry. 15. He burns dead men's bones upon the altar of Bethel, as was prophesied. 21. He keeps a most solemn Passover. 24. He puts away witches and all abomination. 26. God's final wrath against Judah. 29. Josiah, provoking Pharaoh Neco, is slain at Megiddo. 31. Jehoahaz, succeeding him, 33. is imprisoned by Pharaoh Neco, who makes Jehoiakim king. 36. Jehoiakim's wicked reign. 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 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 Persons / Places / Events 1. JosiahThe king of Judah who initiated religious reforms to restore the worship of Yahweh and eliminate idolatry. 2. Idolatrous Priests These were priests appointed by previous kings of Judah to conduct worship and sacrifices to false gods. 3. High Places Elevated sites where unauthorized worship and sacrifices to idols were conducted. 4. Baal A Canaanite deity often associated with fertility and weather, worshiped by many in ancient Israel and Judah. 5. Heavenly Bodies The sun, moon, and constellations, which were objects of worship contrary to the worship of Yahweh. Teaching Points Commitment to Purity in WorshipJosiah's actions remind us of the importance of maintaining purity in our worship practices, ensuring they align with biblical teachings. Courage in Leadership Josiah demonstrated courage by going against the established norms and practices of his predecessors, a reminder for us to stand firm in our convictions. The Danger of Syncretism 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. The Role of Scripture in Reform Josiah's reforms were driven by the rediscovery of the Book of the Law, highlighting the transformative power of Scripture in guiding our lives. God's Call to Holiness 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. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Kings 23:5?2. How does 2 Kings 23:5 demonstrate the importance of removing idolatry from our lives? 3. What can we learn about God's expectations from Josiah's actions in 2 Kings 23:5? 4. How does 2 Kings 23:5 connect to the first commandment in Exodus 20:3? 5. In what ways can we identify and eliminate modern idols in our lives? 6. How can Josiah's reforms in 2 Kings 23:5 inspire personal spiritual renewal today? 7. What does 2 Kings 23:5 reveal about ancient Israel's religious practices? 8. How does 2 Kings 23:5 reflect King Josiah's religious reforms? 9. Why were idolatrous priests significant in 2 Kings 23:5? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Kings 23? 11. Who were the Chemarim in the Bible? 12. Why do 2 Chronicles 35 and 2 Kings 23 differ in their accounts of Josiah's death, raising questions about the actual historical events? 13. What defines the practice of sun worship? 14. If the Lord is described as “a sun” in Psalm 84:11, how does this symbolism align with the biblical prohibition against sun worship? What Does 2 Kings 23:5 Mean Josiah also did awayBy the time Josiah comes to the throne, Judah is weighed down with generations of compromise (2 Kings 22:11–13; 2 Chron 34:3–7). The phrase highlights decisive action: he “did away,” not merely re-organized or delayed. Josiah treats idolatry the way God told Israel to treat it from the start—eradicate it (Deuteronomy 13:12-17). His zeal fulfills earlier prophecy that a king from David’s line would break down pagan altars (1 Kings 13:2). with the idolatrous priests These “chemārîm” were not Levites faithfully serving in the temple; they were self-styled clergy leading the people astray (Zephaniah 1:4; Hosea 10:5). By dismissing them, Josiah obeys God’s command that only Aaron’s descendants serve at the altar (Numbers 16:40). Removal protects both worship and nation: false priests always produce false living (Jeremiah 23:13-15). ordained by the kings of Judah Past kings—especially Manasseh—had sanctioned this priesthood (2 Kings 21:3-5; 2 Chronicles 33:5). Royal endorsement gave sin official status. Josiah reverses that precedent, illustrating that earthly authority must submit to heavenly authority (Acts 5:29). His reform reminds leaders today that policy never overrules Scripture. to burn incense on the high places of the cities of Judah Incense symbolized prayer and worship (Psalm 141:2; Revelation 8:3-4). Offering it on “high places”—unsanctioned hilltop shrines—was a direct violation of God’s command to bring sacrifices only to the chosen place (Deuteronomy 12:5-13). What looked “spiritual” was actually rebellion dressed in tradition (1 Kings 3:2). Josiah abolishes the practice rather than adapting it. and in the places all around Jerusalem Idolatry had crept to the very doorstep of the temple (Jeremiah 19:4-5; Ezekiel 8:16). Josiah’s purge is comprehensive; he refuses a geographical double standard—no “safe zones” for sin. Holiness must reach the suburbs as well as the sanctuary. those who had burned incense to Baal Baal worship blended sexual immorality, child sacrifice, and claims of fertility (Jeremiah 7:9; 19:5). Elijah had exposed it a century earlier (1 Kings 18:21), yet it resurged. Josiah’s action shows God’s patience has limits; repeated warnings unanswered lead to judgment (2 Kings 17:13-18). to the sun and moon Astral worship captivated many ancient peoples (Deuteronomy 17:3; Job 31:26-28). Bowing to created lights denies the Creator’s glory (Genesis 1:16). Josiah dismantles these practices, declaring that the God who made the heavenly bodies alone deserves worship. to the constellations The Hebrew points to zodiac-style divination. Isaiah mocked those who “divide the heavens” for guidance (Isaiah 47:13), and Amos urged Israel to seek “Him who made the Pleiades and Orion” (Amos 5:8). Josiah’s cleanse rejects superstition and affirms trust in God’s revelation, not cosmic signs. and to all the host of heaven This catch-all phrase sweeps in every form of celestial idolatry (Deuteronomy 4:19; 2 Kings 21:3). Josiah leaves no loophole. Anything that diverts awe from the Lord is expunged. His example calls modern believers to similar thoroughness: smash every rival throne in the heart (1 John 5:21). summary 2 Kings 23:5 records a key stroke in Josiah’s larger reformation: he eliminates the state-sponsored, idolatry-peddling priesthood and the entire spectrum of pagan worship—Baal, sun, moon, zodiac, every celestial “host.” By doing so he obeys God’s Word literally, restores pure worship to Judah, and models the uncompromising holiness God still requires of His people today. (5) He put down.--Syriac and Arabic, he slew.The idolatrous priests.--The k?m?rim, or black-robed priests (Hosea 10:5, of the priests of the calf-worship at Beth-el). Only occurring besides in Zephaniah 1:4. 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. 2Kings 17:17; 2Kings 21:6.) It is a regular word for priest in Syriac (ch-mra; Psalm 110:4; and the Ep. to the Heb., passim.) . . . Verse 5. - And he put down the idolatrous priests; literally, the chemarim. The same word is used of idolatrous priests in Hosea 10:5 and Zephaniah 1:4. 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 (2 Kings 21:3, 21), they should have followed the custom of the Israelite monarchs at Dan and Bethel (1 Kings 12:28-32), 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 2 Kings 21:3; 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. Job 38:32, 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).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew [Josiah] also did away withוְהִשְׁבִּ֣ית (wə·hiš·bîṯ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7673: To repose, desist from exertion the idolatrous priests הַכְּמָרִ֗ים (hak·kə·mā·rîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 3649: An ascetic, an idolatrous priest ordained נָֽתְנוּ֙ (nā·ṯə·nū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 5414: To give, put, set by the kings מַלְכֵ֣י (mal·ḵê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 4428: A king of Judah יְהוּדָ֔ה (yə·hū·ḏāh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3063: 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 Strong's 6999: To smoke, turn into fragrance by fire on the high places בַּבָּמוֹת֙ (bab·bā·mō·wṯ) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine plural Strong's 1116: An elevation of the cities בְּעָרֵ֣י (bə·‘ā·rê) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine plural construct Strong's 5892: Excitement of Judah יְהוּדָ֔ה (yə·hū·ḏāh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3063: 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 Strong's 4524: That which surrounds or is round Jerusalem— יְרוּשָׁלִָ֑ם (yə·rū·šā·lim) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 3389: 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 Strong's 6999: To smoke, turn into fragrance by fire to Baal, לַבַּ֗עַל (lab·ba·‘al) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1168: Baal -- a heathen god to the sun לַשֶּׁ֤מֶשׁ (laš·še·meš) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - common singular Strong's 8121: 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 Strong's 3394: The moon to the constellations, וְלַמַּזָּל֔וֹת (wə·lam·maz·zā·lō·wṯ) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 4208: Constellations, perhaps signs of the zodiac and to all וּלְכֹ֖ל (ū·lə·ḵōl) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every the host צְבָ֥א (ṣə·ḇā) Noun - common singular construct Strong's 6635: A mass of persons, reg, organized for, war, a campaign of heaven. הַשָּׁמָֽיִם׃ (haš·šā·mā·yim) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 8064: Heaven, sky Links 2 Kings 23:5 NIV2 Kings 23:5 NLT 2 Kings 23:5 ESV 2 Kings 23:5 NASB 2 Kings 23:5 KJV 2 Kings 23:5 BibleApps.com 2 Kings 23:5 Biblia Paralela 2 Kings 23:5 Chinese Bible 2 Kings 23:5 French Bible 2 Kings 23:5 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Kings 23:5 He put down the idolatrous priests whom (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg) |
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