2 Kings 23:14 – “Josiah smashed the sacred stones and cut down the Asherah poles and covered the sites with human bones.”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, King Josiah continues his vigorous campaign to rid Judah of all forms of idol worship. He destroys the sacred stones and Asherah poles, both of which were symbols of pagan worship practices. The sacred stones were likely standing stones erected as part of worship to false gods, while the Asherah poles were dedicated to the goddess Asherah, a fertility deity commonly worshipped in the region. By smashing these objects and scattering human bones over the sites, Josiah not only eliminated these places of worship but also desecrated them, making them unfit for future use. This was a symbolic act, ensuring that these idolatrous practices could not be revived.
Historical Context
During Josiah’s reign, Judah had been steeped in idol worship for generations, particularly under kings like Manasseh and Amon. These kings introduced and promoted the worship of foreign gods, leading the people away from the exclusive worship of the Lord. Asherah worship was particularly widespread, with poles and altars set up throughout the land, even near or within the temple precincts. Josiah’s reforms came after he rediscovered the Book of the Law and realized how far Judah had strayed from God’s commands. His actions were a direct fulfillment of the law, which commanded the destruction of idols and places of false worship (Deuteronomy 12:2-3). The covering of these sites with human bones was a deliberate way to make them ritually unclean and permanently unusable.
Theological Implications
This verse emphasizes the seriousness with which God views idolatry and the importance of pure, undivided worship. Josiah’s actions reflect the biblical truth that God will not tolerate the worship of other gods alongside Him. The destruction of the sacred stones and Asherah poles shows that there can be no compromise in our relationship with God—He demands exclusive worship. Josiah’s use of human bones to desecrate the sites underscores the need for decisive action when dealing with sin. In theological terms, this passage teaches that idolatry must be rooted out completely, as even a small remnant of it can lead people away from God.
Literary Analysis
The language in this verse is direct and action-oriented. The verbs “smashed,” “cut down,” and “covered” emphasize the thoroughness of Josiah’s reforms. The destruction of the sacred stones and Asherah poles symbolizes the dismantling of the spiritual corruption that had infected Judah for generations. The mention of human bones adds a strong visual element to the text, showing the finality of Josiah’s actions. The desecration of the sites with human remains would have made these places permanently defiled, a powerful symbol of God’s judgment on idolatry.
Biblical Cross-References
A key cross-reference is Deuteronomy 12:2-3, where God commands the Israelites to destroy all places where idols were worshipped and to tear down their altars, sacred stones, and Asherah poles. Another relevant passage is 2 Chronicles 34:4, which gives additional details about Josiah’s reforms, describing how he smashed the altars and reduced them to dust. Additionally, 1 Kings 13:2-3 includes a prophecy about Josiah that foretells how he would defile the altar at Bethel by scattering human bones on it, an act that is fulfilled in this verse.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse serves as a reminder to remove anything from our lives that might take the place of God. Just as Josiah destroyed the physical symbols of idolatry, we are called to examine our hearts for “idols” that compete with our devotion to God—whether it be materialism, pride, relationships, or other distractions. Josiah’s actions challenge us to be proactive in eliminating anything that hinders our worship of God, and to not leave room for compromise in our spiritual lives. This passage encourages us to deal decisively with sin and to seek lives that are fully dedicated to honoring God.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse demonstrates God’s love for His people by showing His desire to protect them from the spiritual dangers of idolatry. By guiding Josiah to remove these false gods and destroy their places of worship, God was drawing His people back to Himself. His love is evident in His desire for them to return to true worship, where they could experience His blessings and presence. God’s love is also seen in His patience—despite Judah’s long history of idolatry, He raised up a king like Josiah to lead them in repentance and restoration. This verse shows that God’s desire is always for His people to live in faithful relationship with Him.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Josiah’s destruction of the idols foreshadows the work of Jesus Christ in purifying our hearts and lives. While Josiah dealt with physical symbols of idolatry, Jesus came to cleanse our hearts from sin and idolatry on a deeper level. In John 2:13-16, Jesus cleanses the temple by driving out the money changers and those who were defiling it. Just as Josiah restored true worship by removing false gods, Jesus restores us to right relationship with God by removing the barriers of sin and idolatry. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus provides a way for us to live lives that are fully devoted to God, free from the distractions and idols that once held us captive.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Are there any “idols” in your life that compete with your devotion to God? How can you take steps to remove them?
- How does Josiah’s determination to rid Judah of idolatry challenge you to deal with areas of compromise in your own spiritual life?
- What does this passage teach us about the importance of purity in worship and the need to remove anything that hinders our relationship with God?
- How does Jesus’ work of cleansing our hearts from sin help us live lives of full devotion and worship to God today?