2 Kings 18:4 – “He removed the high places, smashed the sacred stones and cut down the Asherah poles. He broke into pieces the bronze snake Moses had made, for up to that time the Israelites had been burning incense to it. (It was called Nehushtan.)”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, we see King Hezekiah taking bold actions to rid Judah of idolatry and false worship. He destroyed the “high places,” which were unauthorized altars where people worshiped false gods. The sacred stones and Asherah poles were also objects tied to pagan worship. Not only did Hezekiah remove these items, but he even destroyed the bronze snake that Moses had made in the wilderness (Numbers 21:8-9). This bronze snake, originally a symbol of God’s deliverance, had become an object of idolatrous worship over time. Hezekiah’s actions reflect a deep commitment to restoring the true worship of God and removing anything that distracted people from Him.

Historical Context

Hezekiah lived in a time when idol worship was rampant in both Judah and Israel. The “high places” had been used for centuries as places of worship, often mixed with the practices of surrounding pagan nations. While some of these places might have originally been used to worship God, they had become centers of false worship over time. The bronze snake that Moses had created served its purpose in the wilderness, but it had turned into a relic of idol worship by the time of Hezekiah. His reforms were radical and marked a significant departure from previous kings who tolerated or encouraged idol worship.

Theological Implications

Hezekiah’s actions show the importance of removing anything that becomes a stumbling block in our worship of God. Theologically, this verse underscores that even good things—like the bronze snake that was once used by God—can become idols if they replace the worship of God Himself. Hezekiah’s zeal for removing false worship points to the importance of spiritual purity and a heart focused on God. It’s a reminder that God desires true worship, not worship mixed with other beliefs or idols.

Literary Analysis

This verse is filled with vivid action words: “removed,” “smashed,” “cut down,” “broke into pieces.” These words emphasize Hezekiah’s decisive and forceful actions in ridding Judah of idolatry. The mention of the bronze snake and the name Nehushtan adds a historical element, showing how even something that had once been associated with God’s deliverance can be corrupted. The structure of the verse reflects a thorough cleansing of the nation, both spiritually and physically.

Biblical Cross-References

• Exodus 20:3-5: The first and second commandments forbid the worship of other gods and the making of idols, which Hezekiah was enforcing in his reforms.
• Numbers 21:8-9: This passage recounts the origin of the bronze snake, showing how it was initially a symbol of healing and deliverance.
• Deuteronomy 12:2-3: These verses command the destruction of high places, Asherah poles, and other objects of idol worship, which Hezekiah was faithfully carrying out.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For today’s Christian, this verse serves as a reminder that we must be diligent in removing anything in our lives that takes the place of God. Idolatry doesn’t just come in the form of statues or relics; it can be anything that we elevate above God, such as money, status, or even good things like traditions or religious practices. Hezekiah’s actions encourage believers to be serious about their devotion to God, eliminating anything that distracts from true worship.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

Hezekiah’s reforms demonstrate God’s desire for His people to worship Him in spirit and in truth. God, in His love, longs for a relationship with His people that is free from the corruption of false worship and idolatry. Hezekiah’s work to cleanse the nation shows that God is always ready to receive His people when they turn back to Him in sincerity and truth. God’s love is seen in His willingness to purify His people, removing the barriers that hinder their relationship with Him.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

The destruction of the bronze snake, which had become an idol, points us to the deeper reality that Jesus Himself fulfilled the true purpose of the bronze snake. In John 3:14-15, Jesus refers to the bronze snake as a foreshadowing of His own work on the cross, where He would be lifted up to bring healing and salvation. Just as the people in the wilderness were healed by looking at the bronze snake, we are saved by looking to Christ in faith. Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of what the bronze snake symbolized—a source of healing and life for all who believe.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Are there any “high places” or idols in your life that distract you from worshiping God fully?
2. How can Hezekiah’s bold actions in removing idols inspire you to make changes in your own spiritual life?
3. What does this verse teach us about the danger of allowing good things to become idols?
4. How does the bronze snake in this story point us to Jesus and the salvation He offers?