Furthermore, Josiah removed the mediums and spiritists, the household gods and idols, and all the abominations that were seen in the land of Judah and in Jerusalem. He did this to carry out the words of the law written in the book that Hilkiah the priest had found in the house of the LORD. Furthermore, Josiah removedThe phrase begins with "Furthermore," indicating a continuation of Josiah's reform efforts. Josiah, the king of Judah, is noted for his zealous commitment to purifying the worship of Yahweh. The Hebrew root for "removed" is "sûr," which means to turn aside or take away. This action signifies a decisive and complete eradication of practices and objects that were contrary to the worship of the one true God. Josiah's reforms were not merely superficial but aimed at a deep cleansing of the nation's spiritual life. the mediums and spiritists
Mediums and spiritists were individuals who claimed to communicate with the dead or with spirits. The Hebrew words "ʾôb" (mediums) and "yiddeʿōnî" (spiritists) reflect practices that were strictly forbidden in the Mosaic Law (Leviticus 19:31, Deuteronomy 18:10-12). These practices were considered abominations because they sought guidance and power apart from God, leading the people into spiritual darkness and idolatry. the household gods and idols
Household gods, or "teraphim" in Hebrew, were small idols kept in homes for protection or divination. Idols, or "gillulim," were objects of worship that represented false gods. The presence of these items in Judah was a direct violation of the first and second commandments (Exodus 20:3-4). Josiah's removal of these objects was a return to monotheistic worship, emphasizing the exclusive worship of Yahweh. and all the abominations seen in the land of Judah and in Jerusalem
The term "abominations" (Hebrew "tôʿēbâ") refers to practices that are detestable and offensive to God. This includes various forms of idolatry and immoral practices that had infiltrated the land. By cleansing Judah and Jerusalem, Josiah was restoring the spiritual integrity of the nation, aligning it with God's standards as revealed in the Scriptures. in order to carry out the words of the law
Josiah's actions were motivated by a desire to fulfill the covenantal obligations outlined in the Torah. The "law" refers to the instructions and commandments given by God to Moses. Josiah's reforms were not based on personal preference but on a commitment to obey God's revealed will, demonstrating his reverence for divine authority. that were written in the book that Hilkiah the priest had found
The "book" refers to the Book of the Law, likely a portion of Deuteronomy, discovered during temple renovations. Hilkiah, the high priest, played a crucial role in bringing this discovery to Josiah's attention. This finding was pivotal, sparking a national revival and reform. It underscores the power of God's Word to convict, guide, and transform individuals and nations. in the house of the LORD
The "house of the LORD" is the temple in Jerusalem, the central place of worship for the Israelites. The temple's role as the dwelling place of God's presence made it the appropriate setting for the rediscovery of the Law. This highlights the importance of maintaining the sanctity and purpose of places dedicated to God's worship, serving as a reminder of His holiness and the need for His people to live in accordance with His commands. Persons / Places / Events 1. JosiahThe King of Judah who initiated religious reforms to restore the worship of Yahweh and eliminate idolatry from the land. 2. Mediums and SpiritistsIndividuals who practiced divination and sought to communicate with the dead, which was forbidden by the Law of Moses. 3. Household Gods and IdolsObjects of worship that represented false deities, contrary to the worship of the one true God. 4. Judah and JerusalemThe southern kingdom of Israel and its capital, where Josiah implemented his reforms. 5. Hilkiah the PriestThe high priest who discovered the Book of the Law in the temple, prompting Josiah's reforms. Teaching Points Commitment to God's WordJosiah's actions were driven by his desire to align with the Scriptures. We should prioritize the Bible as our guide for life and practice. Courage in LeadershipJosiah demonstrated boldness in confronting entrenched practices. As believers, we are called to stand firm in our convictions, even when it is unpopular. Purity in WorshipRemoving idols and abominations reflects a heart devoted to God. We must examine our lives for anything that competes with our devotion to Him. Repentance and ReformTrue repentance involves turning away from sin and making tangible changes. We should be willing to make difficult decisions to align our lives with God's will. Influence of Godly LeadershipJosiah's reforms had a significant impact on the nation. Our actions and decisions can influence others towards righteousness. Bible Study Questions 1. What specific actions did Josiah take to remove idolatry from Judah, and how can we apply similar principles in our lives today? 2. How does Josiah's commitment to the Book of the Law challenge us to prioritize Scripture in our daily decisions? 3. In what ways can we demonstrate courage in confronting cultural practices that contradict biblical teachings? 4. How can we identify and remove "idols" in our own lives that may hinder our relationship with God? 5. What role does repentance play in our spiritual growth, and how can we ensure it leads to genuine transformation? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 18:10-12This passage forbids practices such as divination and consulting with the dead, which Josiah sought to eradicate. Exodus 20:3-4The Ten Commandments prohibit the worship of other gods and the making of idols, aligning with Josiah's actions. 2 Chronicles 34:3-7Provides a parallel account of Josiah's reforms, emphasizing his early commitment to seeking God. 1 Samuel 28:3-9Describes Saul's encounter with a medium, highlighting the dangers and disobedience associated with such practices. Acts 19:18-20Early Christians in Ephesus renounced their magical practices, similar to Josiah's removal of idolatry. People Ahaz, Ammonites, Ashtoreth, Ben, Chemosh, Eliakim, Hamutal, Hilkiah, Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jeremiah, Jeroboam, Joshua, Josiah, Manasseh, Melech, Milcom, Moabites, Molech, Nathan, Nathanmelech, Nebat, Pedaiah, Pharaoh, Pharaohnechoh, Sidonians, Sodomites, Solomon, Zebudah, ZidoniansPlaces Assyria, Beersheba, Bethel, Egypt, Euphrates River, Geba, Hamath, Jerusalem, Kidron, Libnah, Megiddo, Moab, Riblah, Rumah, Samaria, Topheth, Valley of HinnomTopics Abominations, Agreement, Book, Confirm, Control, Detestable, Discovered, Discovery, Disgusting, Divined, Effect, Establish, Familiar, Fulfill, Ghost, Gods, Got, Hilkiah, Hilki'ah, Hilkijah, Household, Idols, Images, Jerusalem, Josiah, Josi'ah, Judah, Law, Mediums, Moreover, Necromancers, Order, Perform, Priest, Recorded, Removed, Requirements, Rid, Soothsayers, Spied, Spirit, Spiritists, Spirits, Temple, Teraphim, Wizards, Wonder-workers, Workers, WrittenDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 23:24 4132 demons, malevolence
4175 mediums
4190 spiritism
4906 abolition
7384 household gods
8771 idolatry, objections 2 Kings 23:1-24 8466 reformation 2 Kings 23:1-25 5345 influence
7245 Judah, kingdom of 2 Kings 23:24-25 6628 conversion, God's demand Library Reformation Lessons
Eversley. 1861. 2 Kings xxiii. 3, 4, 25, 26. "And the king stood by a pillar, and made a covenant before the Lord, to "walk after the Lord, and to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his statutes with all their heart and all their soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people stood to the covenant. And the king commanded Hilkiah the high priest, and the priests of the second order, and the keepers of the door, to bring forth out …
Charles Kingsley—All Saints' Day and Other SermonsWhether the Old Law was Suitably Given at the Time of Moses?
Objection 1: It would seem that the Old Law was not suitably given at the time of Moses. Because the Old Law disposed man for the salvation which was to come through Christ, as stated above ([2068]AA[2],3). But man needed this salutary remedy immediately after he had sinned. Therefore the Law should have been given immediately after sin. Objection 2: Further, the Old Law was given for the sanctification of those from whom Christ was to be born. Now the promise concerning the "seed, which is Christ" …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether Christ Should have Been Born in Bethlehem?
Objection 1: It would seem that Christ should not have been born in Bethlehem. For it is written (Is. 2:3): "The law shall come forth from Sion, and the Word of the Lord from Jerusalem." But Christ is truly the Word of God. Therefore He should have come into the world at Jerusalem. Objection 2: Further, it is said (Mat. 2:23) that it is written of Christ that "He shall be called a Nazarene"; which is taken from Is. 11:1: "A flower shall rise up out of his root"; for "Nazareth" is interpreted "a flower." …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether Prophets Always Know the Things which they Prophesy?
Objection 1: It would seem that the prophets always know the things which they prophesy. For, as Augustine says (Gen. ad lit. xii, 9), "those to whom signs were shown in spirit by means of the likenesses of bodily things, had not the gift of prophecy, unless the mind was brought into action, so that those signs were also understood by them." Now what is understood cannot be unknown. Therefore the prophet is not ignorant of what he prophesies. Objection 2: Further, the light of prophecy surpasses …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether the Prophecy which is Accompanied by Intellective and Imaginative vision is More Excellent than that which is Accompanied by Intellective vision Alone?
Objection 1: It would seem that the prophecy which has intellective and imaginative vision is more excellent than that which is accompanied by intellective vision alone. For Augustine says (Gen. ad lit. xii, 9): "He is less a prophet, who sees in spirit nothing but the signs representative of things, by means of the images of things corporeal: he is more a prophet, who is merely endowed with the understanding of these signs; but most of all is he a prophet, who excels in both ways," and this refers …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica The Fall of Solomon
'For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father. 5. For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. 6. And Solomon did evil in the sight of the Lord, and went not fully after the Lord, as did David his father. 7. Then did Solomon build an high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, in the …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Rediscovered Law and Its Effects
'And Hilkiah the high priest said unto Shaphan the scribe, I have found the book of the law in the house of the Lord: and Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, and he read it. 9. And Shaphan the scribe came to the king, and brought the king word again, and said, Thy servants have gathered the money that was found in the house, and have delivered it into the hand of them that do the work, that have the oversight of the house of the Lord. 10. And Shaphan the scribe shewed the king, saying, Hilkiah the …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Entering the Covenant: with all the Heart
"And they entered into the covenant to seek the Lord God of their fathers with all their heart, and all their soul."--2 CHRON. xv. 12 (see xxxiv. 31, and 2 Kings xxiii. 3). "The Lord thy God will circumcise thine heart, to love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul."--DEUT. xxx. 6. "And I will give them an heart to know Me, that I am the Lord; and they shall be My people, and I will be their God: for they shall turn to Me with their whole heart."--JER. xxiv. 7 (see xxix. 13). …
Andrew Murray—The Two Covenants How Shall one Make Use of Christ as the Life, when Wrestling with an Angry God Because of Sin?
That we may give some satisfaction to this question, we shall, 1. Shew what are the ingredients in this case, or what useth to concur in this distemper. 2. Shew some reasons why the Lord is pleased to dispense thus with his people. 3. Shew how Christ is life to the soul in this case. 4. Shew the believer's duty for a recovery; and, 5. Add a word or two of caution. As to the first, There may be those parts of, or ingredients in this distemper: 1. God presenting their sins unto their view, so as …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life The Sins of Communities Noted and Punished.
"Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation." This is predicated of the judgments of God on those who had shed the blood of his saints. The Savior declares that all the righteous blood which had been shed on the earth from that of Abel down to the gospel day, should come on that generation! But is not this unreasonable and contrary to the Scriptures? "Far be wickedness from God and iniquity from the Almighty. For the work of man shall be render unto him, and cause every …
Andrew Lee et al—Sermons on Various Important Subjects The Whole Heart
LET me give the principal passages in which the words "the whole heart," "all the heart," are used. A careful study of them will show how wholehearted love and service is what God has always asked, because He can, in the very nature of things, ask nothing less. The prayerful and believing acceptance of the words will waken the assurance that such wholehearted love and service is exactly the blessing the New Covenant was meant to make possible. That assurance will prepare us for turning to the Omnipotence …
Andrew Murray—The Two Covenants The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
THE FALL OF NINEVEH AND THE RISE OF THE CHALDAEAN AND MEDIAN EMPIRES--THE XXVIth EGYPTIAN DYNASTY: CYAXARES, ALYATTES, AND NEBUCHADREZZAR. The legendary history of the kings of Media and the first contact of the Medes with the Assyrians: the alleged Iranian migrations of the Avesta--Media-proper, its fauna and flora; Phraortes and the beginning of the Median empire--Persia proper and the Persians; conquest of Persia by the Medes--The last monuments of Assur-bani-pal: the library of Kouyunjik--Phraortes …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 8 Josiah, a Pattern for the Ignorant.
"Because thine heart was tender, and thou hast humbled thyself before the Lord, when thou heardest what I spake against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and hast rent thy clothes, and wept before Me; I also have heard thee, saith the Lord. Behold therefore, I will gather thee unto thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered into thy grave in peace; and thine eyes shall not see all the evil which I will bring upon this place."--2 Kings …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 2 Kings 23:24 NIV2 Kings 23:24 NLT2 Kings 23:24 ESV2 Kings 23:24 NASB2 Kings 23:24 KJV
2 Kings 23:24 Commentaries
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