2 Kings 23:6
2 Kings 23:6 in Multiple Translations
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.
And he brought out the grove from the house of the LORD, without Jerusalem, unto the brook Kidron, and burned it at the brook Kidron, and stamped it small to powder, and cast the powder thereof upon the graves of the children of the people.
And he brought out the Asherah from the house of Jehovah, without Jerusalem, unto the brook Kidron, and burned it at the brook Kidron, and beat it to dust, and cast the dust thereof upon the graves of the common people.
And he took the Asherah from the house of the Lord, outside Jerusalem to the stream Kidron, burning it by the stream and crushing it to dust, and he put the dust on the place where the bodies of the common people were put to rest.
He removed the Asherah pole from the Lord's Temple and took it to the Kidron Valley outside Jerusalem. He burned it there, ground it into dust, and threw its dust over the graves of the ordinary people.
And he brought out the groue from the Temple of the Lord without Ierusalem vnto the valley of Kedron, and burnt it in the valley Kedron, and stampt it to pouder, and cast the dust thereof vpon the graues of the children of the people.
And he bringeth out the shrine from the house of Jehovah to the outside of Jerusalem, unto the brook Kidron, and burneth it at the brook Kidron, and beateth it small to dust, and casteth its dust on the grave of the sons of the people.
He brought out the Asherah from the LORD’s house, outside of Jerusalem, to the brook Kidron, and burned it at the brook Kidron, and beat it to dust, and cast its dust on the graves of the common people.
And he brought out the grove from the house of the LORD, without Jerusalem, to the brook Kidron, and burned it at the brook Kidron, and stamped it small to powder, and cast the powder of it upon the graves of the children of the people.
And he caused the grove to be carried out from the house of the Lord without Jerusalem to the valley of Cedron, and he burnt it there, and reduced it to dust, and cast the dust upon the graves of the common people.
He commanded that the statue of the goddess Asherah be taken out of the temple. Then they took it outside Jerusalem, down to the Kidron Brook, and burned it. Then they pounded the ashes to powder and scattered that over the graves in the public cemetery.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 23:6
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 Kings 23:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּצֵ֣א
אֶת
הָ/אֲשֵׁרָה֩
מִ/בֵּ֨ית
יְהוָ֜ה
מִ/ח֤וּץ
לִ/ירוּשָׁלִַ֨ם֙
אֶל
נַ֣חַל
קִדְר֔וֹן
וַ/יִּשְׂרֹ֥ף
אֹתָ֛/הּ
בְּ/נַ֥חַל
קִדְר֖וֹן
וַ/יָּ֣דֶק
לְ/עָפָ֑ר
וַ/יַּשְׁלֵךְ֙
אֶת
עֲפָרָ֔/הּ
עַל
קֶ֖בֶר
בְּנֵ֥י
הָ/עָֽם
וַ/יֹּצֵ֣א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הָ/אֲשֵׁרָה֩
ʼăshêrâh
H842
Asherah
Art | N-proper
מִ/בֵּ֨ית
bayith
H1004
place
Prep | N-ms
יְהוָ֜ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
מִ/ח֤וּץ
chûwts
H2351
outside
Prep | N-ms
לִ/ירוּשָׁלִַ֨ם֙
Yᵉrûwshâlaim
H3389
Jerusalem
Prep | N-proper
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
נַ֣חַל
nachal
H5158
Brook
N-ms
קִדְר֔וֹן
Qidrôwn
H6939
Kidron
N-proper
וַ/יִּשְׂרֹ֥ף
sâraph
H8313
to burn
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֹתָ֛/הּ
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
בְּ/נַ֥חַל
nachal
H5158
Brook
Prep | N-ms
קִדְר֖וֹן
Qidrôwn
H6939
Kidron
N-proper
וַ/יָּ֣דֶק
dâqaq
H1854
to crush
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
לְ/עָפָ֑ר
ʻâphâr
H6083
dust
Prep | N-ms
וַ/יַּשְׁלֵךְ֙
shâlak
H7993
to throw
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
עֲפָרָ֔/הּ
ʻâphâr
H6083
dust
N-ms | Suff
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
קֶ֖בֶר
qeber
H6913
grave
N-ms
בְּנֵ֥י
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
הָ/עָֽם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 23:6
וַ/יֹּצֵ֣א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
אֶת
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.
הָ/אֲשֵׁרָה֩
ʼăshêrâh
H842
"Asherah"
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.
מִ/בֵּ֨ית
bayith
H1004
"place"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
יְהוָ֜ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
מִ/ח֤וּץ
chûwts
H2351
"outside"
Prep | N-ms
This word means outside or outdoors, referring to something beyond a wall or boundary. It can also mean a street or highway, as seen in various KJV translations, including abroad, field, and without.
Definition: outside, outward, street, the outside
Usage: Occurs in 158 OT verses. KJV: abroad, field, forth, highway, more, out(-side, -ward), street, without. See also: Genesis 6:14; 2 Chronicles 24:8; Psalms 18:43.
לִ/ירוּשָׁלִַ֨ם֙
Yᵉrûwshâlaim
H3389
"Jerusalem"
Prep | N-proper
Jerusalem is the capital city of Palestine, also known as the city of peace. It was the chief city of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split.
Definition: § Jerusalem = "teaching of peace" the chief city of Palestine and capital of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split
Usage: Occurs in 600 OT verses. KJV: Jerusalem. See also: Joshua 10:1; 2 Kings 22:14; 2 Chronicles 24:6.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
נַ֣חַל
nachal
H5158
"Brook"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for a brook or stream, often referring to a small river or valley, is used in the Bible to describe natural landscapes, such as the Brook Kidron in 2 Samuel 15:23. It can also refer to a narrow valley or a shaft of a mine, emphasizing the idea of a flowing body of water.
Definition: palm-tree Another name of shi.chor (שִׁיחוֹר "Shihor" H7883G)
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: brook, flood, river, stream, valley. See also: Genesis 26:17; 1 Kings 18:5; Psalms 18:5.
קִדְר֔וֹן
Qidrôwn
H6939
"Kidron"
N-proper
The Kidron is a brook near Jerusalem, and its name means dark. It's mentioned in the Bible as a significant location near the city of Jerusalem.
Definition: § Kidron = "dark" a stream east of Jerusalem
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: Kidron. See also: 2 Samuel 15:23; 2 Kings 23:12; Jeremiah 31:40.
וַ/יִּשְׂרֹ֥ף
sâraph
H8313
"to burn"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to set something on fire, and is used in the Bible to describe burning or kindling flames, like in Psalm 83:14. It can also mean to utterly destroy something. The word is related to fire and burning, and is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to burn 1a) (Qal) to burn 1b) (Niphal) to be burned 1c) (Piel) burner, burning (participle) 1d) (Pual) to be burnt up, be burned Also means: sa.raph (סָרַף "to burn" H5635)
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: (cause to, make a) burn((-ing), up) kindle, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 11:3; 1 Kings 13:2; Psalms 46:10.
אֹתָ֛/הּ
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
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.
בְּ/נַ֥חַל
nachal
H5158
"Brook"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for a brook or stream, often referring to a small river or valley, is used in the Bible to describe natural landscapes, such as the Brook Kidron in 2 Samuel 15:23. It can also refer to a narrow valley or a shaft of a mine, emphasizing the idea of a flowing body of water.
Definition: palm-tree Another name of shi.chor (שִׁיחוֹר "Shihor" H7883G)
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: brook, flood, river, stream, valley. See also: Genesis 26:17; 1 Kings 18:5; Psalms 18:5.
קִדְר֖וֹן
Qidrôwn
H6939
"Kidron"
N-proper
The Kidron is a brook near Jerusalem, and its name means dark. It's mentioned in the Bible as a significant location near the city of Jerusalem.
Definition: § Kidron = "dark" a stream east of Jerusalem
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: Kidron. See also: 2 Samuel 15:23; 2 Kings 23:12; Jeremiah 31:40.
וַ/יָּ֣דֶק
dâqaq
H1854
"to crush"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-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.
לְ/עָפָ֑ר
ʻâphâr
H6083
"dust"
Prep | N-ms
Aphar means dust or dry earth, and is also used to describe clay, earth, or mortar. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) dry earth, dust, powder, ashes, earth, ground, mortar, rubbish 1a) dry or loose earth 1b) debris 1c) mortar 1d) ore
Usage: Occurs in 103 OT verses. KJV: ashes, dust, earth, ground, morter, powder, rubbish. See also: Genesis 2:7; Job 28:6; Psalms 7:6.
וַ/יַּשְׁלֵךְ֙
shâlak
H7993
"to throw"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
To throw or cast away is the meaning of this Hebrew verb. It is used in various contexts, including throwing lots or casting out something unwanted. The word appears in stories like Jonah being thrown into the sea.
Definition: 1) to throw, cast, hurl, fling 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to throw, cast, throw away, cast off, shed, cast down 1a2) to cast (lots) (fig) 1b) (Hophal) 1b1) to be thrown, be cast 1b2) to be cast forth or out 1b3) to be cast down 1b4) to be cast (metaph)
Usage: Occurs in 121 OT verses. KJV: adventure, cast (away, down, forth, off, out), hurl, pluck, throw. See also: Genesis 21:15; Nehemiah 9:11; Psalms 2:3.
אֶת
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.
עֲפָרָ֔/הּ
ʻâphâr
H6083
"dust"
N-ms | Suff
Aphar means dust or dry earth, and is also used to describe clay, earth, or mortar. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) dry earth, dust, powder, ashes, earth, ground, mortar, rubbish 1a) dry or loose earth 1b) debris 1c) mortar 1d) ore
Usage: Occurs in 103 OT verses. KJV: ashes, dust, earth, ground, morter, powder, rubbish. See also: Genesis 2:7; Job 28:6; Psalms 7:6.
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.
קֶ֖בֶר
qeber
H6913
"grave"
N-ms
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.
בְּנֵ֥י
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
הָ/עָֽם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
Study Notes — 2 Kings 23:6
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Context — Josiah Destroys Idolatry
4Then 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.
5Josiah 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.
6He 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.
7He 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. 8Then 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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Chronicles 34:4 | 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. |
| 2 | 2 Kings 23:15 | 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. |
| 3 | 1 Kings 14:23 | They also built for themselves high places, sacred pillars, and Asherah poles on every high hill and under every green tree. |
| 4 | 1 Kings 16:33 | Then he set up an Asherah pole. Thus Ahab did more to provoke the LORD, the God of Israel, to anger than all the kings of Israel before him. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 17:2 | Even their children remember their altars and Asherah poles by the green trees and on the high hills. |
| 6 | 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. |
| 7 | 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. |
| 8 | Judges 3:7 | So the Israelites did evil in the sight of the LORD; they forgot the LORD their God and served the Baals and the Asherahs. |
| 9 | 2 Kings 10:27 | They also demolished the sacred pillar of Baal. Then they tore down the temple of Baal and made it into a latrine, which it is to this day. |
| 10 | 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. |
2 Kings 23:6 Summary
[This verse shows how King Josiah took a strong stand against idolatry by removing the Asherah pole from the temple and destroying it, just like God commanded in Deuteronomy 7:5. He wanted to purify the temple and restore worship to the one true God, as seen in 2 Kings 22:2. By doing so, Josiah demonstrated his faithfulness to God's laws and his desire to follow Him wholeheartedly, as encouraged in Psalm 119:30. This serves as a powerful reminder for us to examine our own lives and remove any idols or distractions that may be hindering our relationship with God.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the Asherah pole in the Bible?
The Asherah pole was a symbol of idolatry and paganism, often associated with the worship of false gods and goddesses, as seen in Deuteronomy 16:21 and Judges 3:7.
Why did Josiah burn the Asherah pole and throw its dust on the graves of the common people?
Josiah's actions were a deliberate attempt to desecrate and destroy the symbols of idolatry, as commanded in Deuteronomy 7:5, and to demonstrate his commitment to following God's laws, as seen in 2 Kings 23:3.
What does the Kidron Valley represent in the Bible?
The Kidron Valley, located outside Jerusalem, was a place of uncleanness and impurity, making it a fitting location for the destruction of the Asherah pole, as seen in 2 Kings 23:6 and 2 Chronicles 29:16.
How does this verse relate to the overall theme of 2 Kings 23?
This verse is part of Josiah's broader efforts to reform Judah and eliminate idolatry, as described in 2 Kings 23:1-25, and is a testament to his faithfulness to God's commands, as seen in 2 Kings 22:2.
Reflection Questions
- What are some modern-day 'Asherah poles' that we may be tempted to worship, and how can we remove them from our lives?
- How can we, like Josiah, demonstrate our commitment to following God's laws and destroying the symbols of idolatry in our own lives?
- What role does repentance and desecration of sinful practices play in our own spiritual journeys, as seen in 2 Kings 23:6 and Psalm 51:10?
- In what ways can we, as believers, work to restore the purity and holiness of God's house, as Josiah did in 2 Kings 23:1-25?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 23:6
And he brought out the grove from the house of the Lord,.... Not a real grove of trees, but a carved one, as some think; or rather the image of the grove, 2 Kings 21:7 that is, the idol Ashtoreth, or
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 23:6
And he brought out the grove from the house of the LORD, without Jerusalem, unto the brook Kidron, and burned it at the brook Kidron, and stamped it small to powder, and cast the powder thereof upon
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 23:6
The grove: See Poole "". Of the children of the people, i.e. of the common people, whose graves were made together in some common place, which was generally accounted very impure and contemptible, and therefore a fit place for this filth to be thrown into. Or, of bastards, who are oft called the children of the people; who as they had this brand of infamy laid upon them, that they might not enter into the congregation of the Lord, ; so possibly they were exposed to this further ignominy, to be buried in a peculiar, and in the most infamous place. Or rather, as it is in the Hebrew, of that people, i.e. those idolatrous people, as it is explained, , and here sufficiently implied in this and the foregoing verse.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 23:6
2 Kings 23:6 And he brought out the grove from the house of the LORD, without Jerusalem, unto the brook Kidron, and burned it at the brook Kidron, and stamped [it] small to powder, and cast the powder thereof upon the graves of the children of the people.Ver. 6. And he brought out the grove.] See on 2 Kings 21:7. Upon the graves of the children of the people.] The vulgar sort, the rascality, who are usually most irrational, and so most idolatrous. "Thou knowest the people, that they are set on mischief," said Aaron of those that said unto him, "Make us gods," &c.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 23:6
(6) And he brought out the grove . . .—The Asherah set up by Manasseh (2 Kings 21:3; 2 Kings 21:7), and removed by him on his repentance (2 Chronicles 33:15), but restored (probably) by Amon (2 Kings 21:21). Unto the brook . . . at the brook.—Unto the ravine . . . in the ravine, or wady. The graves of the children (sons) of the people—i.e., the common graves (Jeremiah 26:23); a mark of utter contempt: 2 Chronicles 34:4 paraphrases, “the graves of them that sacrificed unto them.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 23:6
Verse 6. He brought out the grove] He brought out the idol Asherah. 2Kg 21:26. Upon the graves of the children of the people.] I believe this; means the burial-place of the common people.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 23:6
6. without Jerusalem, unto the brook Kidron] So that nothing of the polluting idol might remain, even in its destruction, within the holy city. On the brook Kidron, and its connexion with the destruction of other idols, see note on 1 Kings 15:13. upon the graves of the children of the people] R.V. of the common people. The A.V. renders the same words thus in Jeremiah 26:23. Those who could not afford to have graves cut out of the rocks and made secure by a stone at the entrance, were laid in the ground at some distance from the city. The reason for desiring a grave in the rock was lest the prowling wild beasts, which were not uncommon in the land, might disturb the dead bodies. The Chronicler (2 Chronicles 34:4) says the dust was strewn ‘on the graves of them that had sacrificed’ unto the idols. This would imply that a special burying-place had been made for those who had adopted the idolatries that had been introduced; a thing which is very improbable.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 23:6
6. Brought out the grove — Rather, the Asherah image, mentioned in 2 Kings 21:7. Kidron — See on 2 Kings 23:4. Graves of the children of the people — That is, of the common people. See Jeremiah 26:23.
Sermons on 2 Kings 23:6
| Sermon | Description | |
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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 |
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The Little Servant-Maid by Raymond Golsworthy | Raymond Golsworthy preaches on the remarkable story of the little maid in 2 Kings 5:2, who despite being a stranger in a strange land, among the 'are-nots' of the world, and coming |
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Elijah’s Dramatic Appearance by A.W. Pink | A.W. Pink discusses the dramatic appearance of Elijah during a dark period in Israel's history, marked by rampant idolatry and wicked kings. He highlights the spiritual decline ini |
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Ahab Did More to Provoke the Lord by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the profound wickedness of King Ahab, who, influenced by his wife Jezebel, led Israel into the depths of idolatry and immorality, provoking the Lord more than |
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The Source of Elijah's Strength by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes that Elijah's strength came not from his surroundings or inherent qualities, but from his unwavering faith in Jehovah, who he recognized as the living God. De |
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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, |