2 Kings 23:13

The king also desecrated the high places east of Jerusalem, to the south of the Mount of Corruption, which King Solomon of Israel had built for Ashtoreth the abomination of the Sidonians, for Chemosh the abomination of the Moabites, and for Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites.

Study Bible

The king also desecrated
This phrase refers to King Josiah, a reformer king of Judah, who took significant actions to purify the worship practices of his people. The Hebrew root for "desecrated" is "ṭāmē'," which means to defile or make unclean. Josiah's actions were a direct response to the idolatrous practices that had infiltrated Judah, emphasizing his commitment to restoring the worship of Yahweh alone. His reforms were not merely symbolic but involved the physical destruction of places and objects associated with idol worship.

the high places
"High places" were elevated sites often used for worship, both for Yahweh and for pagan deities. In the context of ancient Israel, these sites were frequently associated with idolatry and syncretism. The Hebrew term "bāmâ" refers to these locations, which were often on hills or raised platforms. Josiah's destruction of these sites was a significant step in centralizing worship in Jerusalem and eliminating unauthorized religious practices.

that were east of Jerusalem
This geographical detail highlights the proximity of these idolatrous sites to the holy city of Jerusalem. The east of Jerusalem was significant because it was the direction from which the sun rises, often associated with pagan sun worship. By targeting these locations, Josiah was making a statement about the exclusivity of worship that should be directed towards Yahweh in the temple.

on the south of the Mount of Corruption
The "Mount of Corruption" is traditionally identified with the Mount of Olives. The term "corruption" (Hebrew "mashchith") indicates the defilement brought about by idol worship. This area had become a center for pagan worship, and Josiah's actions were aimed at purifying it. The name itself suggests the extent to which idolatry had corrupted the land.

which Solomon king of Israel had built
This reference to Solomon is a sobering reminder of the long-standing nature of idolatry in Israel. Despite Solomon's wisdom and his role in building the temple, his later years were marked by compromises, including the construction of high places for his foreign wives' deities. This historical context underscores the persistent struggle against idolatry in Israel's history.

for Ashtoreth the abomination of the Sidonians
Ashtoreth, also known as Astarte, was a goddess worshiped by the Sidonians, associated with fertility and war. The term "abomination" (Hebrew "to‘ebah") indicates something detestable or loathsome, particularly in the eyes of Yahweh. The worship of Ashtoreth was a direct violation of the first commandment, highlighting the spiritual adultery of Israel.

for Chemosh the abomination of Moab
Chemosh was the national god of the Moabites, often associated with child sacrifice. The Moabites were frequent adversaries of Israel, and their religious practices were abhorrent to the Israelites. Josiah's destruction of these sites was a rejection of the influence of Moabite religion on Judah.

and for Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites
Milcom, also known as Molech, was the god of the Ammonites, another neighboring nation often in conflict with Israel. Worship of Milcom was particularly detestable due to its association with child sacrifice. By eradicating these high places, Josiah was not only purifying the land but also protecting the people from the moral and spiritual corruption associated with these practices.

Persons / Places / Events

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

2. High Places
Elevated sites where idolatrous worship was conducted, often involving altars and shrines.

3. Mount of Corruption
A location near Jerusalem associated with idolatrous practices, also known as the Mount of Olives.

4. King Solomon
The son of David, who initially built these high places for his foreign wives, leading Israel into idolatry.

5. Ashtoreth, Chemosh, Milcom
Pagan deities worshiped by the Sidonians, Moabites, and Ammonites, respectively, representing the abominations Josiah sought to eradicate.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Purity in Worship
Josiah's actions remind us that true worship requires the removal of anything that competes with or corrupts our devotion to God.

The Consequences of Compromise
Solomon's initial compromise in building high places for his wives' gods led to long-term spiritual decay, illustrating the dangers of allowing sin to take root.

Leadership and Reform
Josiah's leadership demonstrates the impact one person can have in leading others back to God, encouraging us to be agents of change in our communities.

The Legacy of Idolatry
The persistence of high places shows how sin can linger across generations, urging us to address and eliminate sin decisively.

God's Call to Obedience
Josiah's reforms align with God's commands in the Law, highlighting the importance of aligning our lives with Scripture.

Bible Study Questions

1. What steps can we take to identify and remove "high places" or idols in our own lives today?

2. How does the account of Josiah challenge us to confront areas of compromise in our personal or communal worship?

3. In what ways can we, like Josiah, influence our families or communities to return to faithful worship of God?

4. How does understanding the historical context of Solomon's actions enhance our appreciation of Josiah's reforms?

5. What lessons can we learn from Josiah's example about the importance of obedience to God's Word in our daily lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 11:7-8
Describes Solomon's construction of high places for foreign gods, setting the stage for the idolatry Josiah later confronted.

Deuteronomy 12:2-3
Commands the Israelites to destroy all high places and idols, aligning with Josiah's actions.

2 Chronicles 34:3-7
Provides a parallel account of Josiah's reforms, emphasizing his commitment to purifying worship in Judah.