2 Kings 18:4

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.

Study Bible

He removed the high places
The "high places" were sites of worship often located on elevated ground. In Hebrew, "high places" is "bāmôt," which were originally intended for the worship of Yahweh but had become centers for idolatrous practices. Hezekiah's removal of these sites signifies a return to centralized worship in Jerusalem, aligning with Deuteronomy's call for a single place of worship. This act demonstrates Hezekiah's commitment to purifying the worship of Israel and eliminating syncretism.

shattered the sacred pillars
The "sacred pillars" or "maṣṣēbôt" in Hebrew were stone monuments often associated with Canaanite religious practices. These pillars were likely used in the worship of Baal and other deities. By shattering them, Hezekiah was actively dismantling the physical symbols of idolatry, showing his zeal for the Lord and his desire to lead the nation back to covenant faithfulness.

and cut down the Asherah poles
Asherah poles, or "Asherim," were wooden symbols representing the goddess Asherah, often placed near altars. The cutting down of these poles was a direct attack on the fertility cults that had infiltrated Israelite worship. This action reflects Hezekiah's dedication to eradicating pagan influences and restoring the worship of Yahweh alone.

He also broke into pieces the bronze serpent that Moses had made
The bronze serpent, originally crafted by Moses (Numbers 21:8-9), had become an object of idolatry. The Hebrew word for "broke" is "kāṭaṭ," indicating a complete destruction. This act underscores the danger of venerating religious artifacts beyond their intended purpose. Hezekiah's destruction of the serpent highlights the need to focus on God rather than objects, no matter their historical or religious significance.

for up to that time the Israelites had burned incense to it
Burning incense was an act of worship, and the Israelites had misguidedly offered it to the bronze serpent. This practice reveals how easily the people could fall into idolatry, even with objects that had once been instruments of God's deliverance. Hezekiah's reform was necessary to correct this deviation and redirect worship solely to God.

It was called Nehushtan
The term "Nehushtan" is derived from the Hebrew word "neḥošet," meaning bronze or copper. By naming it Nehushtan, the text demystifies the object, reducing it to mere material. This demystification serves as a reminder that the power and glory belong to God alone, not to any created thing. Hezekiah's actions and the naming of the serpent emphasize the importance of worshiping the Creator rather than the creation.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Hezekiah
The king of Judah who initiated religious reforms to restore true worship of Yahweh by removing idolatrous practices.

2. High Places
Elevated sites where unauthorized worship and sacrifices were made, often associated with idolatry.

3. Sacred Pillars and Asherah Poles
Objects used in the worship of Canaanite deities, representing idolatrous practices that Hezekiah sought to eliminate.

4. Bronze Serpent (Nehushtan)
Originally created by Moses as a means of divine healing (Numbers 21:8-9), it had become an object of idolatrous worship.

5. Moses
The prophet and leader who made the bronze serpent at God's command during the Israelites' wilderness journey.

Teaching Points

The Dangers of Idolatry
Idolatry can arise even from objects or traditions initially intended for good. We must guard against allowing anything to take the place of God in our lives.

The Importance of Reform
Like Hezekiah, we should be willing to make difficult changes to align our lives with God's will, even if it means breaking with tradition.

Symbolism and Substance
The bronze serpent's transformation from a symbol of God's power to an idol warns us to focus on the substance of our faith rather than mere symbols.

Leadership and Courage
Hezekiah's actions demonstrate the courage required to lead others in spiritual renewal, a call for leaders today to stand firm in truth.

Historical Context and Modern Application
Understanding the historical context of biblical events helps us apply their lessons to contemporary issues of faith and practice.

Bible Study Questions

1. What are some modern "high places" or idols that can distract us from true worship of God, and how can we remove them from our lives?

2. How does the account of the bronze serpent illustrate the potential for good things to become idols, and what steps can we take to prevent this in our own spiritual practices?

3. In what ways can we demonstrate the same courage and commitment to reform as Hezekiah did in our personal and communal faith journeys?

4. How does the account of Hezekiah's reforms challenge us to evaluate the traditions and practices within our own churches or communities?

5. How can the transition from the bronze serpent to the cross of Christ (as referenced in John 3:14-15) deepen our understanding of salvation and the role of faith in our lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Numbers 21:8-9
Provides the background of the bronze serpent, highlighting its original purpose as a tool for God's deliverance.

Exodus 20:3-5
The Ten Commandments, which prohibit idolatry, underscore the importance of Hezekiah's reforms.

2 Chronicles 31:1
Describes Hezekiah's broader efforts to purify worship in Judah, complementing the account in 2 Kings.

John 3:14-15
Jesus references the bronze serpent as a foreshadowing of His crucifixion, illustrating the transition from physical to spiritual salvation.