2 Chronicles 34:5

Then he burned the bones of the priests on their altars. So he cleansed Judah and Jerusalem.

Study Bible

Then he burned the bones of the priests
This phrase refers to King Josiah's actions during his religious reforms. The Hebrew word for "burned" is "שָׂרַף" (saraph), which implies a complete destruction by fire. This act was a symbolic gesture of purging idolatry from the land. The "priests" mentioned here were not Levitical priests but those who served at the high places, which were unauthorized sites of worship. Historically, this act was a fulfillment of the prophecy given in 1 Kings 13:2, where a man of God predicted that a king named Josiah would defile the altar at Bethel. By burning the bones, Josiah was making a public statement against the idolatrous practices that had infiltrated Judah and Israel.

on their altars
The "altars" refer to the places where sacrifices were made to false gods. The Hebrew word "מִזְבֵּחַ" (mizbeach) is used for altars, which were central to worship practices. Archaeological findings have uncovered various altars throughout ancient Israel, often associated with Canaanite deities. By desecrating these altars, Josiah was not only fulfilling prophecy but also demonstrating a return to the worship of Yahweh alone. This act was a direct challenge to the syncretism that had plagued the nation, emphasizing the need for purity in worship.

So he cleansed
The Hebrew root for "cleansed" is "טָהֵר" (taher), which means to purify or make clean. This cleansing was both physical and spiritual, as Josiah sought to remove the defilement of idolatry from the land. In a broader biblical context, cleansing is often associated with repentance and a return to covenant faithfulness. Josiah's reforms were a call to the people of Judah to renew their commitment to the Lord, aligning with the Deuteronomic emphasis on covenant renewal and obedience.

Judah and Jerusalem
"Judah" and "Jerusalem" represent the southern kingdom and its capital, the heart of the Jewish nation. Jerusalem, in particular, held significant religious importance as the location of the Temple, the center of Yahweh worship. By cleansing both Judah and Jerusalem, Josiah was ensuring that the entire kingdom was rid of idolatrous practices. Historically, this was a time of national revival, as Josiah's reforms led to a renewed focus on the Law of Moses and the proper worship of God. This cleansing was a pivotal moment in the history of Judah, setting the stage for the spiritual renewal that would follow.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Josiah
The king of Judah who initiated religious reforms to restore the worship of Yahweh and cleanse the land of idolatry.

2. Judah and Jerusalem
The southern kingdom and its capital, where Josiah focused his reform efforts.

3. Idolatrous Priests
The priests who served at the high places and altars dedicated to false gods, whose bones were burned by Josiah.

4. Altars
The places of worship for idols, which Josiah desecrated by burning the bones of the idolatrous priests upon them.

5. Religious Reforms
The actions taken by Josiah to purify the worship practices in Judah and Jerusalem, including the destruction of idolatrous sites.

Teaching Points

Zeal for Purity
Josiah's actions demonstrate a fervent commitment to purifying worship and eradicating idolatry. Believers are called to examine their own lives for any form of idolatry and remove it.

Fulfillment of Prophecy
Josiah's actions fulfilled specific prophecies, showing God's sovereignty and the importance of obedience to His word. Christians are encouraged to trust in God's promises and align their actions with His will.

Leadership in Reform
Josiah's leadership was crucial in leading the nation back to God. This highlights the role of godly leadership in spiritual renewal and the impact one person can have on a community.

Consequences of Idolatry
The burning of the priests' bones serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of idolatry. Believers are reminded of the seriousness of sin and the need for repentance.

Holistic Cleansing
Josiah's reforms were comprehensive, addressing both physical and spiritual aspects of worship. Christians are encouraged to pursue holistic spiritual growth, addressing both external actions and internal attitudes.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Josiah's zeal for purifying worship challenge your own approach to personal and communal worship today?

2. In what ways can you identify and remove "idols" in your life that may hinder your relationship with God?

3. How does the fulfillment of prophecy in Josiah's actions encourage you to trust in God's promises?

4. What qualities of Josiah's leadership can you apply in your own context, whether in your family, church, or community?

5. How can you ensure that your spiritual growth addresses both external behaviors and internal attitudes, following Josiah's example of holistic reform?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 23
This chapter provides a parallel account of Josiah's reforms, offering additional details about his actions against idolatry.

Deuteronomy 12
This passage outlines God's command to destroy places of idol worship, which Josiah fulfills in his reforms.

1 Kings 13
The prophecy concerning the desecration of the altar at Bethel, which Josiah fulfills by burning bones on it.

Jeremiah 3
This chapter discusses the spiritual adultery of Judah, which Josiah sought to address through his reforms.