2 Kings 23:16 – “Then Josiah looked around, and when he saw the tombs that were there on the hillside, he had the bones removed from them and burned on the altar to defile it, in accordance with the word of the Lord proclaimed by the man of God who foretold these things.”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, Josiah’s efforts to cleanse the land of idolatry reach their culmination in a prophetic fulfillment. While destroying the altar at Bethel, Josiah notices the nearby tombs and orders the bones to be taken out and burned on the altar. This act was meant to desecrate the altar permanently, making it unfit for any future use in worship. By burning human bones on the altar, Josiah was fulfilling a prophecy spoken many years earlier by a man of God, who had foretold that a king named Josiah would one day defile the altar at Bethel (1 Kings 13:2). This prophetic act symbolized not only the destruction of idolatry but also God’s judgment on the false worship that had persisted for generations.
Historical Context
The altar at Bethel was built by King Jeroboam when the northern kingdom of Israel separated from Judah after Solomon’s reign (1 Kings 12:28-30). Jeroboam set up golden calves at Bethel and Dan, leading Israel into idol worship and away from the true God. This idolatry continued for centuries, and the altar at Bethel became a symbol of Israel’s rebellion against God. The act of burning human bones on an altar was seen as the ultimate defilement, making the altar unclean and unusable for future sacrifices. Josiah’s actions fulfilled a prophecy made during Jeroboam’s time, demonstrating that God’s judgment on sin may be delayed, but it is certain.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights the seriousness of idolatry and the certainty of God’s judgment on sin. Josiah’s actions demonstrate that idolatry is not something God overlooks—He takes it seriously and eventually brings judgment. The burning of human bones on the altar signifies a final and irrevocable rejection of false worship. It also shows that God’s word, as spoken by the prophet in 1 Kings 13, is always fulfilled, even if it takes many years. Theologically, this passage emphasizes God’s holiness and the need for His people to worship Him in truth. It serves as a warning that persistent sin, especially the sin of idolatry, will be judged.
Literary Analysis
The verse is packed with action, starting with Josiah’s observation and ending with the fulfillment of a prophecy. The act of burning bones on the altar creates a vivid image of defilement and destruction. The inclusion of the phrase “in accordance with the word of the Lord” ties this specific action to the broader biblical theme of prophecy and fulfillment. By invoking the man of God who prophesied this event, the verse also reminds readers that God’s plans are set in motion long before they come to pass. This creates a narrative thread connecting Josiah’s reforms back to earlier events in Israel’s history.
Biblical Cross-References
One key cross-reference is 1 Kings 13:1-2, where a prophet from Judah confronts Jeroboam at the altar in Bethel and predicts that a king named Josiah would one day defile it by burning human bones on it. Another important passage is 2 Chronicles 34:5, which describes Josiah’s actions in similar terms, highlighting his zeal for destroying the remnants of idol worship. Additionally, Leviticus 21:11 forbids priests from coming into contact with the dead, emphasizing the defilement associated with human bones. This background makes Josiah’s act of burning bones on the altar even more significant, as it underscores the complete desecration of the site.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of keeping our worship pure and undivided. Just as Josiah took drastic measures to eliminate idolatry, we are called to root out anything in our lives that distracts us from fully worshiping God. This may involve confronting sin, breaking unhealthy habits, or removing influences that lead us away from God. Josiah’s actions also remind us that God’s word is always fulfilled, even if it takes time. We can trust that God’s promises are sure and that His judgments are righteous, which encourages us to live in obedience to Him.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reveals God’s love through His desire to purify His people and lead them back to true worship. Though God is patient, allowing time for repentance, He ultimately acts to remove the things that lead His people astray. Josiah’s reforms were a reflection of God’s love for Israel, as they helped bring the people back into a right relationship with Him. By destroying the symbols of idolatry, God was offering His people a fresh start, free from the influences that had led them into sin. This shows that God’s love is both compassionate and corrective, aiming to restore His people to a place of blessing and peace.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Josiah’s defilement of the altar at Bethel points forward to the ultimate cleansing and restoration brought by Jesus Christ. While Josiah destroyed physical symbols of idolatry, Jesus came to cleanse our hearts from the sin that separates us from God. In John 2:13-16, Jesus cleanses the temple by driving out those who were misusing it, showing His zeal for true worship. Jesus’ death and resurrection also fulfill the ultimate prophecy of restoration, as He took upon Himself the judgment for sin and made a way for us to be reconciled to God. Hebrews 9:14 reminds us that Jesus’ sacrifice cleanses our consciences, allowing us to serve the living God with purity and devotion.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Are there any “idols” in your life that you need to remove in order to restore true worship to God? What steps can you take to confront and eliminate them?
- How does Josiah’s boldness in fulfilling prophecy challenge you to live in obedience to God’s word, even when it’s difficult?
- What does this passage teach us about the certainty of God’s judgment and the fulfillment of His promises?
- How does Jesus’ work of cleansing and restoring us through His death and resurrection shape the way we approach worship and live out our faith?