2 Kings 23:13 – “The king also desecrated the high places that were east of Jerusalem on the south of the Hill of Corruption—the ones Solomon king of Israel had built for Ashtoreth the vile goddess of the Sidonians, for Chemosh the vile god of Moab, and for Molek the detestable god of the people of Ammon.”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, King Josiah continues his campaign to purify the land of Judah by desecrating the high places, or altars, where idol worship took place. These high places were specifically built for the worship of foreign gods, including Ashtoreth, Chemosh, and Molek. Josiah’s actions are aimed at undoing the damage caused centuries earlier when King Solomon built these altars to please his foreign wives (1 Kings 11:7-8). These high places, located near Jerusalem, became centers of idol worship, contributing to Judah’s spiritual decline. Josiah’s removal of these altars shows his dedication to eradicating all forms of idolatry and restoring the nation’s commitment to the one true God.
Historical Context
During Solomon’s reign, despite his wisdom, he allowed his many foreign wives to influence him, leading him to build altars to their gods (1 Kings 11:1-8). These foreign gods were worshiped by the neighboring nations, and the introduction of their idols into Israel opened the door for generations of idolatry and spiritual decay. These altars were placed near Jerusalem, a city meant to be dedicated to the worship of God alone, making the idolatry even more grievous. By the time Josiah became king, these high places had stood for centuries, representing Judah’s long history of compromise and rebellion against God. Josiah’s reforms were part of a larger effort to turn the people back to the proper worship of the Lord.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights the dangers of compromise in worship and the long-term consequences of turning away from God’s commands. Solomon, a king who had been given great wisdom and blessing from God, allowed his heart to be led astray, and his actions had repercussions for generations. Josiah’s removal of these high places serves as a reminder that God takes idolatry seriously. Theologically, this passage teaches us that God desires exclusive worship and that even actions taken with seemingly good intentions—like Solomon’s desire to please his wives—can lead to spiritual disaster when they involve turning away from God’s commands.
Literary Analysis
The verse is structured to emphasize the longstanding nature of the idolatry Josiah was dealing with. By mentioning Solomon, one of Israel’s most renowned kings, the text highlights the tragic irony that the same king who built the temple for the Lord also introduced idolatry into the land. The gods mentioned—Ashtoreth, Chemosh, and Molek—are described with strong language (“vile,” “detestable”), emphasizing the moral and spiritual corruption associated with their worship. The location of the high places, near the “Hill of Corruption,” adds to the dramatic imagery, portraying a place that was once sacred but had become defiled by idolatry.
Biblical Cross-References
A key cross-reference is 1 Kings 11:7-8, where Solomon builds the high places for Ashtoreth, Chemosh, and Molek, marking the beginning of widespread idol worship in Israel. Another relevant passage is Deuteronomy 12:2-4, where God commands the Israelites to destroy all the high places where foreign gods are worshiped. Josiah’s actions align with this command. Additionally, in 1 Kings 14:23-24, the Bible condemns Israel for continuing to worship at these high places, highlighting the ongoing struggle between the worship of God and the temptation of idolatry.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For modern Christians, this verse serves as a warning about the dangers of allowing compromise in our spiritual lives. Just as Solomon’s actions had lasting negative effects on the nation, small compromises in our own lives can lead us away from God over time. Josiah’s boldness in tearing down these high places challenges us to be equally vigilant in removing anything from our lives that takes the place of God or leads us into spiritual compromise. It encourages us to examine our hearts for areas where we may be blending worldly values or influences with our faith and to take action to restore pure devotion to God.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse shows God’s deep love for His people by illustrating His desire to restore them to a right relationship with Him. The removal of the high places is not just about eliminating physical altars—it’s about purifying the people’s hearts and turning them back to God. God’s love is shown in His willingness to call His people away from practices that harm them spiritually and lead them into darkness. Through Josiah’s reforms, God demonstrates His care for the spiritual well-being of His people, reminding them that true life and blessing are found only in worshiping Him.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Josiah’s cleansing of the high places foreshadows the work of Jesus Christ in purifying our hearts and restoring true worship. While Josiah tore down physical altars to false gods, Jesus came to deal with the deeper issue of sin in our hearts. In John 2:13-16, Jesus cleanses the temple, driving out those who were defiling it with commercialism. Like Josiah, Jesus took decisive action to restore the purity of worship. Additionally, through His death and resurrection, Jesus provides the ultimate cleansing from sin, making it possible for us to worship God in spirit and truth (John 4:24). Jesus’ sacrifice removes the idols of our hearts and brings us into a restored relationship with God.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Are there any “high places” in your life—areas where you’ve allowed compromise or idolatry to take root? How can you remove them and restore pure worship to God?
- How does Josiah’s commitment to eliminating idolatry challenge you to confront areas of spiritual compromise in your own life?
- What does this passage teach us about the long-term effects of spiritual compromise, even when it seems small or insignificant?
- How does Jesus’ work of cleansing and restoration shape the way you approach worship and your relationship with God today?