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2 Kings 23

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‹ Chapter 22 2 Kings — All Chapters Chapter 24 ›

1 Then the king summoned all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem. 2 And he went up to the house of the LORD with all the people of Judah and Jerusalem, as well as the priests and the prophets—all the people small and great—and in their hearing he read all the words of the Book of the Covenant that had been found in the house of the LORD. 3 So the king stood by the pillar and made a covenant before the LORD to follow the LORD and to keep His commandments, decrees, and statutes with all his heart and all his soul, and to carry out the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people entered into the covenant. 4 Then 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. 5 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. 6 He 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. 7 He also tore down the quarters of the male shrine prostitutes that were in the house of the LORD, where the women had woven tapestries for Asherah. 8 Then Josiah brought all the priests from the cities of Judah and desecrated the high places, from Geba to Beersheba, where the priests had burned incense. He tore down the high places of the gates at the entrance of the gate of Joshua the governor of the city, which was to the left of the city gate. 9 Although the priests of the high places did not come up to the altar of the LORD in Jerusalem, they ate unleavened bread with their fellow priests. 10 He also desecrated Topheth in the Valley of Ben-hinnom so that no one could sacrifice his son or daughter in the fire to Molech. 11 And he removed from the entrance to the house of the LORD the horses that the kings of Judah had dedicated to the sun. They were in the court near the chamber of an official named Nathan-melech. And Josiah burned up the chariots of the sun. 12 He pulled down the altars that the kings of Judah had set up on the roof near the upper chamber of Ahaz, and the altars that Manasseh had set up in the two courtyards of the house of the LORD. The king pulverized them there and threw their dust into the Kidron Valley. 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. 14 He smashed the sacred pillars to pieces, cut down the Asherah poles, and covered the sites with human bones. 15 He even pulled down the altar at Bethel, the high place set up by Jeroboam son of Nebat, who had caused Israel to sin. Then he burned the high place, ground it to powder, and burned the Asherah pole. 16 And as Josiah turned, he saw the tombs there on the hillside, and he sent someone to take the bones out of the tombs, and he burned them on the altar to defile it, according to the word of the LORD proclaimed by the man of God who had foretold these things. 17 Then the king asked, “What is this monument I see?” And the men of the city replied, “It is the tomb of the man of God who came from Judah and pronounced these things that you have done to the altar of Bethel." 18 “Let him rest,” said Josiah. “Do not let anyone disturb his bones.” So they left his bones undisturbed, along with those of the prophet who had come from Samaria. 19 Just as Josiah had done at Bethel, so also in the cities of Samaria he removed all the shrines of the high places set up by the kings of Israel who had provoked the LORD to anger. 20 On the altars he slaughtered all the priests of the high places, and he burned human bones on them. Then he returned to Jerusalem. 21 The king commanded all the people, “Keep the Passover of the LORD your God, as it is written in this Book of the Covenant." 22 No such Passover had been observed from the days of the judges who had governed Israel through all the days of the kings of Israel and Judah. 23 But in the eighteenth year of Josiah’s reign, this Passover was observed to the LORD in Jerusalem. 24 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. 25 Neither before nor after Josiah was there any king like him, who turned to the LORD with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his strength, according to all the Law of Moses. 26 Nevertheless, the LORD did not turn away from the fury of His burning anger, which was kindled against Judah because of all that Manasseh had done to provoke Him to anger. 27 For the LORD had said, “I will remove Judah from My sight, just as I removed Israel. I will reject this city Jerusalem, which I chose, and the temple of which I said, ‘My Name shall be there.’" 28 As for the rest of the acts of Josiah, along with all his accomplishments, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah? 29 At the end of Josiah’s reign, Pharaoh Neco king of Egypt marched up to help the king of Assyria at the Euphrates River. King Josiah went out to confront him, but Neco faced him and killed him at Megiddo. 30 From Megiddo his servants carried his body in a chariot, brought him to Jerusalem, and buried him in his own tomb. Then the people of the land took Jehoahaz son of Josiah, anointed him, and made him king in place of his father. 31 Jehoahaz was twenty-three years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem three months. His mother’s name was Hamutal daughter of Jeremiah; she was from Libnah. 32 And he did evil in the sight of the LORD, just as his fathers had done. 33 And Pharaoh Neco imprisoned Jehoahaz at Riblah in the land of Hamath so that he could not reign in Jerusalem, and he imposed on Judah a levy of a hundred talents of silver and a talent of gold. 34 Then Pharaoh Neco made Eliakim son of Josiah king in place of his father Josiah, and he changed Eliakim’s name to Jehoiakim. But Neco took Jehoahaz and carried him off to Egypt, where he died. 35 So Jehoiakim paid the silver and gold to Pharaoh Neco, but to meet Pharaoh’s demand he taxed the land and exacted the silver and the gold from the people, each according to his wealth. 36 Jehoiakim was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eleven years. His mother’s name was Zebidah daughter of Pedaiah; she was from Rumah. 37 And he did evil in the sight of the LORD, just as his fathers had done.

‹ Chapter 22 2 Kings — All Chapters Chapter 24 ›

Study Notes — 2 Kings 23

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Chapter Summary

2 Kings 23 records the extensive reforms implemented by King Josiah, who ruled Judah from 640 to 609 BC. The chapter begins with Josiah's call for the people to gather at the temple, where he reads the Book of the Covenant and leads them in a covenant renewal ceremony (2 Kings 23:1-3). He then oversees the destruction of idolatrous objects and practices, including the burning of the bones of the idolatrous priests (2 Kings 23:4-20). The chapter concludes with the celebration of the Passover, which had not been observed in such a manner since the days of the judges (2 Kings 23:21-25). Throughout the chapter, we see Josiah's commitment to following God's commands and his desire to lead his people in repentance and faithfulness.

Context for the Chapter

2 Kings 23 is situated within the larger narrative of the kingdoms of Israel and Judah, which were divided after the reign of King Solomon. The chapter follows the reign of King Manasseh, who had led Judah into extensive idolatry, and precedes the Babylonian exile, which would eventually occur due to Judah's continued disobedience. The chapter is also part of the broader biblical narrative, which emphasizes God's covenant with His people and the need for faithfulness and obedience.

Heart Application

As we reflect on 2 Kings 23, we are reminded of the importance of repentance, obedience, and faithfulness to God's commands. We are called to examine our own lives and to seek the Lord's guidance and empowerment to live in accordance with His will. Like Josiah, we are to seek to lead others in faithfulness and to promote spiritual renewal in our own communities.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

This chapter tells the story of King Josiah, who led the people of Judah in a time of spiritual renewal. He read the Book of the Covenant to the people and led them in a covenant renewal ceremony (2 Kings 23:1-3). The people then destroyed their idols and celebrated the Passover, which had not been done in a long time (2 Kings 23:21-25). The chapter shows us the importance of following God's commands and being faithful to Him.

Voices from the Church

“The reforming king, Josiah, is a noble example of what one man can do for the cause of God, and his zeal should stir up our own hearts to greater consecration and service.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The covenant which God made with His people is a sacred bond, and those who enter into it must do so with the utmost seriousness and devotion, as Josiah and his people did in this chapter.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

  1. The Covenant Renewal Ceremony (2 Kings 23:1-3) — The chapter begins with King Josiah's call for the people to gather at the temple, where he reads the Book of the Covenant and leads them in a covenant renewal ceremony.
  2. The Destruction of Idolatrous Objects (2 Kings 23:4-20) — Josiah then oversees the destruction of idolatrous objects and practices, including the burning of the bones of the idolatrous priests.
  3. The Celebration of the Passover (2 Kings 23:21-25) — The chapter concludes with the celebration of the Passover, which had not been observed in such a manner since the days of the judges.
  4. The Judgment of God (2 Kings 23:26-27) — Despite Josiah's efforts, the chapter ends with a note of judgment, as God declares that He will still bring disaster upon Judah due to the sins of Manasseh.
  5. The Death of Josiah (2 Kings 23:28-30) — The chapter concludes with the death of Josiah, who is mourned by the people of Judah.

Core Doctrines

Covenant Theology
This chapter teaches us about the importance of covenant faithfulness and the need for believers to enter into a sacred bond with God, as Josiah and his people did.
Repentance
The chapter emphasizes the need for individual and corporate repentance, as Josiah and his people acknowledge their sin and turn back to God.
Obedience
Obedience to God's commands is a key theme in the chapter, as Josiah seeks to follow God's statutes and testimonies with all his heart and soul.
Redemption
The celebration of the Passover in the chapter symbolizes the redemption and salvation that God provides for His people.

Lessons from 2 Kings 23

  1. The Importance of Repentance — The chapter teaches us that repentance is essential for spiritual renewal and that it must be accompanied by a commitment to follow God's commands.
  2. The Power of Leadership — King Josiah's example shows us the significant impact that leaders can have in promoting faithfulness and spiritual renewal in their communities.
  3. The Significance of Covenant — The chapter emphasizes the importance of entering into a sacred bond with God and of being faithful to the terms of that covenant.
  4. The Need for Obedience — The chapter teaches us that obedience to God's commands is essential for living a life that is pleasing to Him.
  5. The Provision of Redemption — The celebration of the Passover in the chapter symbolizes the redemption and salvation that God provides for His people, and it points to the greater redemption that is available through Jesus Christ.

Themes from 2 Kings 23

  1. Repentance and Renewal — The chapter emphasizes the need for individual and corporate repentance, as Josiah and his people acknowledge their sin and turn back to God.
  2. Covenant Faithfulness — The concept of covenant is central to the chapter, as Josiah leads his people in a covenant renewal ceremony and commits to following God's commands.
  3. Obedience to God's Commands — Obedience to God's commands is a key theme in the chapter, as Josiah seeks to follow God's statutes and testimonies with all his heart and soul.
  4. Redemption and Salvation — The celebration of the Passover in the chapter symbolizes the redemption and salvation that God provides for His people, and it points to the greater redemption that is available through Jesus Christ.
  5. Judgment and Accountability — The chapter ends with a note of judgment, as God declares that He will still bring disaster upon Judah due to the sins of Manasseh, emphasizing the importance of accountability before God.

Questions for Meditation

  1. What can we learn from King Josiah's example about the importance of leadership in promoting spiritual renewal?
  2. How does the concept of covenant relate to our own relationship with God, and what are the implications of entering into a sacred bond with Him?
  3. What role does repentance play in the chapter, and how can we apply this principle to our own lives?
  4. How does the celebration of the Passover in the chapter point to the greater redemption and salvation that God provides for His people?
  5. What can we learn from the judgment of God at the end of the chapter, and how can we apply this to our own lives and communities?

Detailed Chapter Outline

1. The Covenant Renewal Ceremony (2 Kings 23:1-3)

23:1 The chapter begins with King Josiah's call for the people to gather at the temple, where he reads the Book of the Covenant and leads them in a covenant renewal ceremony.
23:2 Josiah stands by the pillar and makes a covenant before the Lord, committing to follow God's commands and to keep His testimonies and statutes with all his heart and soul.

2. The Destruction of Idolatrous Objects (2 Kings 23:4-20)

23:4 Josiah orders the removal of the idolatrous objects from the temple and the destruction of the high places where the people had been worshiping idols.
23:5 The idolatrous priests are put to death, and their bones are burned on the altars where they had offered sacrifices to idols.

3. The Celebration of the Passover (2 Kings 23:21-25)

23:21 The chapter concludes with the celebration of the Passover, which had not been observed in such a manner since the days of the judges.
23:22 The Passover is celebrated with great joy and feasting, as the people remember the redemption and salvation that God provided for them in the past.

4. The Judgment of God (2 Kings 23:26-27)

23:26 Despite Josiah's efforts, the chapter ends with a note of judgment, as God declares that He will still bring disaster upon Judah due to the sins of Manasseh.
23:27 God's judgment is a reminder of the importance of accountability before Him and the need for ongoing repentance and faithfulness.

5. The Death of Josiah (2 Kings 23:28-30)

23:28 The chapter concludes with the death of Josiah, who is mourned by the people of Judah.
23:29 Josiah's death is a reminder of the fleeting nature of human life and the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the covenant renewal ceremony in 2 Kings 23?

The covenant renewal ceremony is significant because it represents the people's commitment to follow God's commands and to be faithful to the terms of the covenant. This ceremony is a reminder of the importance of covenant faithfulness and the need for believers to enter into a sacred bond with God (2 Kings 23:3).

How does the celebration of the Passover in 2 Kings 23 relate to the greater redemption and salvation that God provides for His people?

The celebration of the Passover in 2 Kings 23 symbolizes the redemption and salvation that God provides for His people, and it points to the greater redemption that is available through Jesus Christ. The Passover is a reminder of God's power and provision, and it looks forward to the ultimate redemption that is available through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ (2 Kings 23:21-25).

What can we learn from King Josiah's example about the importance of leadership in promoting spiritual renewal?

King Josiah's example teaches us that leaders have a significant impact on the spiritual renewal of their communities. Josiah's commitment to following God's commands and his desire to lead his people in repentance and faithfulness are an inspiration to leaders today, and they remind us of the importance of promoting spiritual renewal and faithfulness in our own communities (2 Kings 23:1-3).

Top Cross References

ReferenceConnection
1 2 Kings 23:3 → Deuteronomy 17:18-20 The covenant renewal ceremony in 2 Kings 23:3 is reminiscent of the instructions given to the king in Deuteronomy 17:18-20, which emphasize the importance of the king's faithfulness to God's commands and the need for him to write a copy of the law for himself.
2 2 Kings 23:21-25 → Exodus 12:1-28 The celebration of the Passover in 2 Kings 23:21-25 is rooted in the instructions given in Exodus 12:1-28, which provide the original context for the Passover and its significance as a symbol of God's redemption and salvation.
3 2 Kings 23:26-27 → Leviticus 26:14-39 The judgment of God in 2 Kings 23:26-27 is consistent with the warnings given in Leviticus 26:14-39, which emphasize the importance of faithfulness to God's commands and the consequences of disobedience.
4 2 Kings 23:1-3 → Matthew 5:17 The covenant renewal ceremony in 2 Kings 23:1-3 looks forward to the teaching of Jesus in Matthew 5:17, which emphasizes the importance of fulfilling the law and the prophets and of living a life that is pleasing to God.
5 2 Kings 23:21-25 → 1 Corinthians 5:7-8 The celebration of the Passover in 2 Kings 23:21-25 is echoed in the teaching of Paul in 1 Corinthians 5:7-8, which emphasizes the importance of removing the old leaven of sin and of living a life that is pleasing to God.
6 2 Kings 23:3 → Romans 3:31 The covenant renewal ceremony in 2 Kings 23:3 is consistent with the teaching of Paul in Romans 3:31, which emphasizes the importance of upholding the law and of living a life that is pleasing to God.
7 2 Kings 23:26-27 → Hebrews 10:26-31 The judgment of God in 2 Kings 23:26-27 is consistent with the warning given in Hebrews 10:26-31, which emphasizes the importance of faithfulness to God's commands and the consequences of deliberate sin.
8 2 Kings 23:1-3 → Revelation 21:1-4 The covenant renewal ceremony in 2 Kings 23:1-3 looks forward to the ultimate redemption and salvation that is described in Revelation 21:1-4, which emphasizes the importance of faithfulness to God's commands and the ultimate triumph of God over sin and evil.

Sermons on 2 Kings 23

SermonDescription
Chuck Smith Reforms of the Covenant by Chuck Smith In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the importance of worshiping and serving God as a nation. He emphasizes that when a nation turns away from God and begins to worship fa
Shane Idleman Restoring True Worship by Shane Idleman Shane Idleman emphasizes the urgent need for restoring true worship in the church and nation, highlighting the importance of humility, repentance, and a return to God's Word. He dr
F.B. Meyer Like Unto Josiah Was There by F.B. Meyer F.B. Meyer emphasizes the transformative reign of King Josiah, who undertook a thorough cleansing of idolatry and sin from the land, leading to a Passover celebration unlike any se
Robert Wurtz II Ten Keys to Total Victory (Key #1 Lay Aside Your Weights!) by Robert Wurtz II Robert Wurtz II preaches on the first key to total victory, emphasizing the importance of laying aside weights and sins that easily beset us, drawing from Hebrews 12:1. He delves i
Horatius Bonar False Religion and Its Doom. by Horatius Bonar Horatius Bonar warns against the dangers of false religion, emphasizing that God demands truth and sincerity in worship. He explains that false religion, regardless of its zeal, is

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 2 Kings 23

In his commentary on 2 Kings 23, Matthew Henry emphasizes the importance of covenant faithfulness and the need for believers to enter into a sacred bond with God. He notes that the covenant renewal ceremony in this chapter is a powerful example of the significance of repentance and the need for leaders to model faithfulness to God's commands. Henry also highlights the celebration of the Passover as a symbol of God's redemption and salvation, and he looks forward to the ultimate redemption that is available through Jesus Christ. Throughout the commentary, Henry emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands and the consequences of disobedience, and he encourages readers to seek the Lord's guidance and empowerment to live a life that is pleasing to Him. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?

The Importance of Leadership

We notice the significant impact that King Josiah's leadership had on the spiritual renewal of Judah, highlighting the importance of leaders in promoting faithfulness to God.

The Need for Repentance

The chapter emphasizes the need for individual and corporate repentance, as Josiah and his people acknowledge their sin and turn back to God.

The Significance of Covenant

The concept of covenant is central to the chapter, as Josiah leads his people in a covenant renewal ceremony and commits to following God's commands.

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