2 Kings 23:17 – “The king asked, ‘What is that tombstone I see?’ The people of the city said, ‘It marks the tomb of the man of God who came from Judah and pronounced against the altar of Bethel the very things you have done to it.'”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, King Josiah notices a tombstone while continuing his reforms in Bethel. When he asks about it, the people inform him that it marks the grave of a prophet, referred to as the “man of God,” who had come from Judah and prophesied about the destruction of the altar at Bethel. This prophet had predicted the very actions Josiah was now taking, which involved desecrating and destroying the idolatrous altar. Josiah’s reforms were fulfilling this ancient prophecy, making this moment a powerful affirmation of God’s word coming to pass. The presence of the tomb serves as a reminder of the long-standing warning that had been given against the idolatry at Bethel.
Historical Context
The “man of God” mentioned in this verse refers to a prophet who appears in 1 Kings 13. During the reign of King Jeroboam, this prophet came from Judah to Bethel and prophesied that a future king, named Josiah, would one day destroy the altar Jeroboam had built for idol worship (1 Kings 13:1-2). Jeroboam’s establishment of alternative worship sites at Bethel and Dan led the northern kingdom of Israel into idolatry, which persisted for generations. The prophet’s message was a direct warning about the spiritual consequences of Jeroboam’s actions, but the people of Israel largely ignored it. Now, many years later, Josiah’s reforms were bringing this prophecy to fulfillment as he tore down the altar and desecrated it by burning human bones on it.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights the reliability and certainty of God’s word. The prophecy given by the man of God was not immediately fulfilled, but it came to pass in God’s perfect timing through Josiah’s actions. This reminds us that God’s promises and warnings are always true, even if they take time to be fulfilled. Theologically, this passage underscores the concept of divine justice—God does not forget the sins of the past, but He also provides opportunities for repentance and restoration. Josiah’s reforms show that while judgment against idolatry was inevitable, God’s justice is balanced by His desire to bring His people back to Him.
Literary Analysis
The dialogue in this verse serves as a moment of realization for both Josiah and the reader. The tombstone acts as a historical marker, connecting the past prophecy with the present fulfillment. The phrase “the very things you have done to it” emphasizes the direct link between the prophecy and Josiah’s actions, making it clear that this was not a coincidence but a fulfillment of God’s word. The literary function of this verse is to bring closure to the prophecy made in 1 Kings 13, showing the continuity of God’s plan through the generations. It also adds a personal and reflective moment for Josiah, who is now aware that his reforms were part of a larger divine plan.
Biblical Cross-References
The key cross-reference for this verse is 1 Kings 13:1-2, where the man of God from Judah prophesies the destruction of the Bethel altar and specifically names Josiah as the king who would carry it out. Another relevant passage is Deuteronomy 18:21-22, which speaks about the test of a true prophet—if the prophet’s words come to pass, it proves that they were speaking from God. Josiah’s actions in 2 Kings 23:17 serve as proof that the prophecy was true. Additionally, 2 Kings 23:15-16, which describes the destruction of the altar and the burning of human bones, shows the immediate context of Josiah fulfilling this ancient prophecy.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For modern Christians, this verse serves as a reminder that God’s word is always reliable and will come to pass, even if it seems delayed. It challenges us to trust in God’s promises and warnings, knowing that His timing is perfect. The fulfillment of prophecy through Josiah also encourages us to be patient and faithful, even when we don’t see immediate results. Josiah’s commitment to reforming his nation by tearing down idols challenges us to take bold steps in our own lives to remove anything that competes with our devotion to God. This verse calls us to reflect on the importance of obedience and trust in God’s plan, even when it spans generations.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reveals God’s love in His faithfulness to fulfill His promises. Though God’s warning against idolatry was given many years before Josiah’s reign, He did not forget His people or His commitment to justice. The fact that God sent prophets like the man of God from Judah shows His love in giving the people multiple opportunities to turn away from sin and back to Him. Even in judgment, God’s desire is to bring His people back into a relationship with Him. Josiah’s reforms, guided by God’s word, were a step toward restoring that relationship, showing that God’s love is both patient and persistent.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Josiah’s fulfillment of prophecy points forward to the ultimate fulfillment of prophecy in Jesus Christ. Just as Josiah’s actions were predicted long before his time, Jesus’ coming was foretold by the prophets, and His life, death, and resurrection fulfilled countless Old Testament prophecies (Luke 24:44). Like Josiah, who acted to restore true worship and eliminate idolatry, Jesus came to cleanse our hearts and restore our relationship with God. In Matthew 5:17, Jesus declares that He came to fulfill the Law and the Prophets, completing the work that had been foretold about Him. Jesus’ fulfillment of prophecy assures us that God’s word is trustworthy and that His plan for salvation has been perfectly executed through Christ.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does the fulfillment of prophecy in this verse encourage you to trust in God’s word, even when it seems delayed?
- What “idols” or distractions in your life need to be removed, just as Josiah removed the altar at Bethel?
- How does this passage challenge you to take bold steps of obedience, even when you don’t see immediate results?
- How does the fulfillment of prophecy in Jesus Christ give you confidence in God’s plan for your life today?