2 Chronicles 34:4
2 Chronicles 34:4 in Multiple Translations
Then in his presence the altars of the Baals were torn down, and he cut to pieces the incense altars that were above them. He shattered the Asherah poles, the carved idols, and the cast images, crushed them to dust, and scattered them over the graves of those who had sacrificed to them.
And they brake down the altars of Baalim in his presence; and the images, that were on high above them, he cut down; and the groves, and the carved images, and the molten images, he brake in pieces, and made dust of them, and strowed it upon the graves of them that had sacrificed unto them.
And they brake down the altars of the Baalim in his presence; and the sun-images that were on high above them he hewed down; and the Asherim, and the graven images, and the molten images, he brake in pieces, and made dust of them, and strewed it upon the graves of them that had sacrificed unto them.
He had the altars of the Baals broken down, while he himself was present; and the sun-images which were placed on high over them he had cut down; and the pillars of wood and the metal images he had broken up and crushed to dust, dropping the dust over the resting-places of the dead who had made offerings to them.
He had the altars of Baal torn down in front of him, and the incense altars above them cut down. In addition, the Asherah poles, the carved idols, and the metal images were smashed to pieces and scattered over the graves of those who had been sacrificing to them.
And they brake downe in his sight the altars of Baalim, and hee caused to cut downe the images that were on hie vpon them: he brake also the groues, and the carued images, and the molten images, and stampt them to pouder, and strowed it vpon the graues of them that had sacrificed vnto them.
And they break down before him the altars of the Baalim, and the images that [are] on high above them he hath cut down, and the shrines, and the graven images, and the molten images, he hath broken and beaten small, and streweth on the surface of the graves of those sacrificing to them,
They broke down the altars of the Baals in his presence; and he cut down the incense altars that were on high above them. He broke the Asherah poles, the engraved images, and the molten images in pieces, made dust of them, and scattered it on the graves of those who had sacrificed to them.
And they broke down the altars of Baalim in his presence; and the images, that were on high above them, he cut down; and the groves, and the carved images, and the molten images, he broke in pieces, and made dust of them and strewed it upon the graves of them that had sacrificed to them.
And they broke down before him the altars of Baalim, and demolished the idols that had been set upon them: and be cut down the groves and the graven things, and broke them in pieces: and strewed the fragments upon the graves of them that had sacrificed to them.
While he directed them, his workers tore down the altars where people worshiped Baal. They smashed the altars that were near those altars, where people burned incense. They smashed the poles tohonor the goddess Asherah and the idols and statues. They smashed them to bits and scattered the bits over the graves of those who had offered sacrifices to them.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Chronicles 34:4
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
2 Chronicles 34:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְנַתְּצ֣וּ
לְ/פָנָ֗י/ו
אֵ֚ת
מִזְבְּח֣וֹת
הַ/בְּעָלִ֔ים
וְ/הַֽ/חַמָּנִ֛ים
אֲשֶׁר
לְ/מַ֥עְלָ/ה
מֵ/עֲלֵי/הֶ֖ם
גִּדֵּ֑עַ
וְ֠/הָ/אֲשֵׁרִים
וְ/הַ/פְּסִלִ֤ים
וְ/הַ/מַּסֵּכוֹת֙
שִׁבַּ֣ר
וְ/הֵדַ֔ק
וַ/יִּזְרֹק֙
עַל
פְּנֵ֣י
הַ/קְּבָרִ֔ים
הַ/זֹּבְחִ֖ים
לָ/הֶֽם
וַ/יְנַתְּצ֣וּ
nâthats
H5422
to tear
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp
לְ/פָנָ֗י/ו
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp | Suff
אֵ֚ת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
מִזְבְּח֣וֹת
mizbêach
H4196
altar
N-mp
הַ/בְּעָלִ֔ים
Baʻal
H1168
Baal
Art | N-proper
וְ/הַֽ/חַמָּנִ֛ים
chammân
H2553
pillar
Conj | Art | N-mp
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
לְ/מַ֥עְלָ/ה
maʻal
H4605
above
Prep | Adv | Suff
מֵ/עֲלֵי/הֶ֖ם
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Prep | Suff
גִּדֵּ֑עַ
gâdaʻ
H1438
to cut down/off
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
וְ֠/הָ/אֲשֵׁרִים
ʼăshêrâh
H842
Asherah
Conj | Art | N-proper
וְ/הַ/פְּסִלִ֤ים
pᵉçîyl
H6456
idol
Conj | Art | N-mp
וְ/הַ/מַּסֵּכוֹת֙
maççêkâh
H4541
liquid
Conj | Art | N-fp
שִׁבַּ֣ר
shâbar
H7665
to break
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
וְ/הֵדַ֔ק
dâqaq
H1854
to crush
Conj | V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
וַ/יִּזְרֹק֙
zâraq
H2236
to scatter
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
פְּנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp
הַ/קְּבָרִ֔ים
qeber
H6913
grave
Art | N-mp
הַ/זֹּבְחִ֖ים
zâbach
H2076
to sacrifice
Art | V-Qal
לָ/הֶֽם
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Chronicles 34:4
וַ/יְנַתְּצ֣וּ
nâthats
H5422
"to tear"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp
The act of tearing down or destroying something, like a wall or a city, is what this word describes, and it can also mean to overthrow or defeat someone.
Definition: 1) to pull down, break down, cast down, throw down, beat down, destroy, overthrow, break out (teeth) 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pull down 1a2) to break down, break off 1b) (Niphal) to be pulled or broken down 1c) (Piel) to tear down 1d) (Pual) to be torn down 1e) (Hophal) to be broken, be broken down
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: beat down, break down (out), cast down, destroy, overthrow, pull down, throw down. See also: Exodus 34:13; 2 Chronicles 23:17; Psalms 52:7.
לְ/פָנָ֗י/ו
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
אֵ֚ת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
מִזְבְּח֣וֹת
mizbêach
H4196
"altar"
N-mp
An altar is a place of sacrifice, where offerings are made to God, as seen in the Bible's description of the tabernacle and temple. It was a central part of Israel's worship. The altar played a key role in the priestly rituals.
Definition: altar
Usage: Occurs in 338 OT verses. KJV: altar. See also: Genesis 8:20; Leviticus 7:2; 1 Kings 2:28.
הַ/בְּעָלִ֔ים
Baʻal
H1168
"Baal"
Art | N-proper
Refers to the Phoenician deity Baal, mentioned in the books of Numbers and Judges as a false god.
Definition: § Baal = "lord" esp. lord, specif. as divine name, Baal supreme male divinity of the Phoenicians or Canaanites
Usage: Occurs in 68 OT verses. KJV: Baal, (plural) Baalim. See also: Judges 2:11; 2 Kings 10:28; Jeremiah 2:8.
וְ/הַֽ/חַמָּנִ֛ים
chammân
H2553
"pillar"
Conj | Art | N-mp
In the Bible, this word refers to an idol or image used in worship, often associated with sun pillars. It appears in books like Ezekiel and Amos, condemning idolatrous practices. The prophets denounced such idols as false gods.
Definition: 1) incense altar, sun-pillar, idol, image 1a) used in idolatrous worship
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: idol, image. See also: Leviticus 26:30; Isaiah 17:8; Isaiah 27:9.
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
לְ/מַ֥עְלָ/ה
maʻal
H4605
"above"
Prep | Adv | Suff
Means above or higher, used to describe something's location or position. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Genesis 1:7, where God separates the waters above from the waters below. This word helps us understand God's creation.
Definition: subst 1) higher part, upper part adv 1a) above prep 1b) on the top of, above, on higher ground than with locative 1c) upwards, higher, above
Usage: Occurs in 134 OT verses. KJV: above, exceeding(-ly), forward, on ([idiom] very) high, over, up(-on, -ward), very. See also: Genesis 6:16; 1 Samuel 30:25; Psalms 74:5.
מֵ/עֲלֵי/הֶ֖ם
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
גִּדֵּ֑עַ
gâdaʻ
H1438
"to cut down/off"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to cut down or destroy something, like a tree. It is used in various forms throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to cut, hew, chop, cut down, hew down, hew off, cut off, cut in two, shave off 1a) (Qal) to hew, chop in two 1b) (Niphal) to be chopped off, be hewn off 1c) (Piel) to cut off or down in two, hew off or down in two 1d) (Pual) to chop down, hew down
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: cut (asunder, in sunder, down, off), hew down. See also: Deuteronomy 7:5; Isaiah 10:33; Psalms 75:11.
וְ֠/הָ/אֲשֵׁרִים
ʼăshêrâh
H842
"Asherah"
Conj | Art | N-proper
Asherah was a goddess worshipped by the Canaanites and Phoenicians, often represented by a tree or pole near an altar. The Bible warns against worshipping her, as in Deuteronomy and Judges. She was considered a consort of Baal.
Definition: § Ashera(h) = "groves (for idol worship)" a Babylonian (Astarte)-Canaanite goddess (of fortune and happiness), the supposed consort of Baal, her images her images sacred trees or poles set up near an altar
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: grove. Compare H6253 (עַשְׁתֹּרֶת). See also: Exodus 34:13; 2 Kings 23:4; Isaiah 17:8.
וְ/הַ/פְּסִלִ֤ים
pᵉçîyl
H6456
"idol"
Conj | Art | N-mp
This Hebrew word refers to an idol or carved image, often used to describe false gods or objects of worship. It is sometimes translated as graven image or quarry, emphasizing the act of carving or shaping the idol. This concept is seen in the Bible as a form of rebellion against God.
Definition: image, idol, graven image Another spelling of pe.sel (פֶּ֫סֶל "idol" H6459)
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: carved (graven) image, quarry. See also: Deuteronomy 7:5; Psalms 78:58; Isaiah 10:10.
וְ/הַ/מַּסֵּכוֹת֙
maççêkâh
H4541
"liquid"
Conj | Art | N-fp
This term can mean a veil or covering, but also a cast metal image or a woven fabric, like a web or coverlet.
Definition: 1) a pouring, libation, molten metal, cast image, drink offering 1a) libation (with covenant sacrifice) 1b) molten metal, molten image, molten gods
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: covering, molten (image), vail. See also: Exodus 32:4; 2 Kings 17:16; Psalms 106:19.
שִׁבַּ֣ר
shâbar
H7665
"to break"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
This word means to break or shatter something, either physically or emotionally. It can also mean to burst or rupture, and is often used to describe intense violence or destruction. In the Bible, it's translated as break or crush.
Definition: 1) to break, break in pieces 1a) (Qal) 1a1) break, break in or down, rend violently, wreck, crush, quench 1a2) to break, rupture (fig) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be broken, be maimed, be crippled, be wrecked 1b2) to be broken, be crushed (fig) 1c) (Piel) to shatter, break 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to break out, bring to the birth 1e) (Hophal) to be broken, be shattered Aramaic equivalent: te.var (תְּבַר "to break" H8406)
Usage: Occurs in 143 OT verses. KJV: break (down, off, in pieces, up), broken (-hearted), bring to the birth, crush, destroy, hurt, quench, [idiom] quite, tear, view (by mistake for H7663 (שָׂבַר)). See also: Genesis 19:9; Isaiah 27:11; Psalms 3:8.
וְ/הֵדַ֔ק
dâqaq
H1854
"to crush"
Conj | V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
Means to crush or pulverize something into small pieces, like beating grain into dust or bruising something into tiny fragments.
Definition: 1) to crush, pulverise, thresh 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to crush 1a2) to be fine 1b) (Hiphil) to pulverise, make dust of 1c) (Hophal) to be crushed
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: beat in pieces (small), bruise, make dust, (into) [idiom] powder, (be, very) small, stamp (small). See also: Exodus 30:36; 2 Chronicles 15:16; Isaiah 28:28.
וַ/יִּזְרֹק֙
zâraq
H2236
"to scatter"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To scatter or sprinkle something, like in Leviticus 16:14 where the priest scatters blood on the altar. This act symbolizes purification and cleansing.
Definition: 1) to scatter, sprinkle, toss, throw, scatter abundantly, strew 1a) (Qal) to scatter, sprinkle, toss 1b) (Pual) to be sprinkled
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: be here and there, scatter, sprinkle, strew. See also: Exodus 9:8; Leviticus 9:18; Isaiah 28:25.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
פְּנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
הַ/קְּבָרִ֔ים
qeber
H6913
"grave"
Art | N-mp
A grave or sepulchre is a place where the dead are buried, often a tomb or burial site. This word is used in the Bible to describe the final resting place of individuals, and is translated as burying place or sepulchre in the KJV.
Definition: grave, sepulchre, tomb
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: burying place, grave, sepulchre. See also: Genesis 23:4; 2 Chronicles 32:33; Psalms 5:10.
הַ/זֹּבְחִ֖ים
zâbach
H2076
"to sacrifice"
Art | V-Qal
To sacrifice means to slaughter an animal, usually for a religious offering, as seen in the Bible's instructions for worship. This term is used in many contexts, including sacrifices for eating or in divine judgment. It's often translated as 'kill' or 'offer' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to slaughter, kill, sacrifice, slaughter for sacrifice 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to slaughter for sacrifice 1a2) to slaughter for eating 1a3) to slaughter in divine judgment 1b) (Piel) to sacrifice, offer sacrifice Aramaic equivalent: de.vach (דְּבַח "to sacrifice" H1684)
Usage: Occurs in 127 OT verses. KJV: kill, offer, (do) sacrifice, slay. See also: Genesis 31:54; 1 Kings 8:62; Psalms 4:6.
לָ/הֶֽם
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — 2 Chronicles 34:4
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- Sermons on 2 Chronicles 34:4
Context — Josiah Destroys Idolatry
2And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD and walked in the ways of his father David; he did not turn aside to the right or to the left.
3In the eighth year of his reign, while he was still young, Josiah began to seek the God of his father David, and in the twelfth year he began to cleanse Judah and Jerusalem of the high places, the Asherah poles, the carved idols, and the cast images.
4Then in his presence the altars of the Baals were torn down, and he cut to pieces the incense altars that were above them. He shattered the Asherah poles, the carved idols, and the cast images, crushed them to dust, and scattered them over the graves of those who had sacrificed to them.
5Then he burned the bones of the priests on their altars. So he cleansed Judah and Jerusalem. 6Josiah did the same in the cities of Manasseh, Ephraim, and Simeon, as far as Naphtali, and in the ruins around them.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 32:20 | Then he took the calf they had made, burned it in the fire, ground it to powder, and scattered the powder over the face of the water. Then he forced the Israelites to drink it. |
| 2 | Leviticus 26:30 | I will destroy your high places, cut down your incense altars, and heap your lifeless bodies on the lifeless remains of your idols; and My soul will despise you. |
| 3 | 2 Kings 23:4–6 | 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. 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. 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. |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 7:5 | Instead, this is what you are to do to them: tear down their altars, smash their sacred pillars, cut down their Asherah poles, and burn their idols in the fire. |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 7:25 | You must burn up the images of their gods; do not covet the silver and gold that is on them or take it for yourselves, or you will be ensnared by it; for it is detestable to the LORD your God. |
| 6 | 2 Chronicles 34:7 | He tore down the altars and Asherah poles, crushed the idols to powder, and cut to pieces all the incense altars throughout the land of Israel. Then he returned to Jerusalem. |
| 7 | 2 Chronicles 33:3 | For he rebuilt the high places that his father Hezekiah had torn down, and he raised up altars for the Baals and made Asherah poles. And he worshiped and served all the host of heaven. |
| 8 | Psalms 18:42 | I ground them as dust in the face of the wind; I trampled them like mud in the streets. |
| 9 | Deuteronomy 9:21 | And I took that sinful thing, the calf you had made, and burned it in the fire. Then I crushed it and ground it to powder as fine as dust, and I cast it into the stream that came down from the mountain. |
| 10 | 2 Chronicles 14:5 | He also removed the high places and incense altars from all the cities of Judah, and under him the kingdom was at peace. |
2 Chronicles 34:4 Summary
[This verse shows King Josiah taking bold action to remove the idols and false worship from the land, demonstrating his commitment to following God and obeying His commands, as seen in Exodus 20:3-5. He tore down the altars of the Baals and scattered the dust of the idols over the graves of those who had sacrificed to them, symbolizing the complete rejection of these false gods. This act of obedience and surrender is an example to us all, encouraging us to examine our own lives and hearts for any form of idolatry or false worship, and to take action to remove them, as seen in 1 John 5:21. By doing so, we can deepen our love and devotion to God, and live lives that are pleasing to Him, as seen in Romans 12:1-2.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the altars of the Baals and why were they torn down?
The altars of the Baals were places of worship for false gods, and they were torn down because they were idols that led the people away from the one true God, as seen in Deuteronomy 12:3 and 2 Kings 12:3.
What is the significance of scattering the dust of the idols over the graves of those who sacrificed to them?
This act symbolized the complete rejection of the idols and the false worship they represented, and it served as a warning to those who had participated in such practices, as seen in Deuteronomy 13:6-10.
How does this verse relate to the concept of repentance and turning back to God?
This verse shows King Josiah's commitment to repentance and turning back to God, as he actively sought to remove the idols and false worship from the land, demonstrating a heart of obedience and surrender, as seen in 1 Kings 8:47-48 and Acts 3:19.
What can we learn from King Josiah's example in this verse about our own lives and worship?
We can learn the importance of examining our own hearts and lives for any form of idolatry or false worship, and taking action to remove them, just as King Josiah did, as encouraged in Psalm 139:23-24 and Matthew 5:29-30.
Reflection Questions
- What are the 'idols' in my own life that I need to tear down and remove, and what steps can I take to do so?
- How can I, like King Josiah, demonstrate a heart of obedience and surrender to God in my own life and worship?
- What are some ways that I can actively seek to remove false worship and idols from my own heart and life, and replace them with a deeper love and devotion to God?
- How can I use my own influence and position to help others remove idols and false worship from their lives, just as King Josiah did for his people?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Chronicles 34:4
And they broke down the altars of Baalim in his presence,.... He not only ordered them to be broke down, but he went in person, and saw it done; these were the altars Manasseh had reared up to the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Chronicles 34:4
And they brake down the altars of Baalim in his presence; and the images, that were on high above them, he cut down; and the groves, and the carved images, and the molten images, he brake in pieces,
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 34:4
2 Chronicles 34:4 And they brake down the altars of Baalim in his presence; and the images, that [were] on high above them, he cut down; and the groves, and the carved images, and the molten images, he brake in pieces, and made dust [of them], and strowed [it] upon the graves of them that had sacrificed unto them.Ver. 4. In his presence.] He would see it done; that so it might be thoroughly done. He cut down … he brake in pieces, &c.] Notanda est congeries verborum, saith Lavater. Five or six several words are here used, to show how he mauled them, and made mortar of them, as we say; such was his holy indignation, zeal, and revenge.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 34:4
(4) Of Baalim.—Of the Baals. 2 Kings 23:4-5, “the Baal.” In his presence.—Comp. 2 Kings 23:16, from which it appears that Josiah personally superintended the work of demolition. The images.—Sun statues (2 Chronicles 14:4). That were on high above them, he cut down.—Or, that were above, from off them he hewed.The molten images.—Rather, the maççebuth, or sacred pillars. (See 2 Kings 23:14.) Made dust of them.—2 Kings 23:6 (of an Asherah). And showed . . . unto them.—Literally, and sprinkled upon the face of the graves that used to sacrifice unto them, as if the graves were guilty. 2 Kings 23:6 relates this of the temple Asherah only.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 34:4
Verse 4. The altars of Baalim] How often have these been broken down, and how soon set up again! We see that the religion of a land is as the religion of its king. If the king were idolatrous, up went the altars, on them were placed the statues, and the smoke of incense ascended in ceaseless clouds to the honour of that which is vanity, and nothing to the world; on the other hand, when the king was truly religious, down went the idolatrous altars, broken in pieces were the images, and the sacrificial smoke ascended only to the true God: in all these cases the people were as one man with the king.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Chronicles 34:4
4. Baalim] R.V. the Baalim; cp. 2 Chronicles 33:3 (note). the images] R.V. the sun-images (so 2 Chronicles 34:7 for “the idols”). See 2 Kings 23:11. he cut down; and the groves, and the carved images] R.V. he hewed down; and the Asherim, and the graven images.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Chronicles 34:4
The images - Margin, sun-images. See Leviticus 26:30 note.
Sermons on 2 Chronicles 34:4
| Sermon | Description | |
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God's Normal Order - Called to Be Priests by Devern Fromke | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a good product that doesn't require excessive promotion. He reflects on the past advertising strategies used in yout |
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Where You Going to Stand? by Zeb McDaris | In this sermon, the preacher begins by explaining that he initially didn't plan to use a microphone but decided to do so. He then provides a brief history of the text from Exodus, |
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(Through the Bible) Leviticus 16-20 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the moral decay and corruption in society, particularly in relation to the portrayal of sinful acts in movies. He emphasizes that God's peopl |
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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 |
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Acts 17_pt2 by Bill Gallatin | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the unity and harmony that will be experienced in the kingdom age. He highlights that God has a special plan and purpose for each individual |
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What Time I Am Afraid, I Will Trust in Thee by A.B. Simpson | The preacher delves into the meaning of stumbling (ptaio) in the New Testament, emphasizing its figurative use to denote error, sin, and failure to keep God's law. Through the stud |