2 Kings 23:18 – “Leave it alone,” he said. “Don’t let anyone disturb his bones.” So they spared his bones and those of the prophet who had come from Samaria.
Extended Explanation
In this verse, King Josiah comes across the tombs of two prophets during his campaign to remove idolatry from the land. After realizing that one of the tombs belongs to the prophet who had foretold the destruction of the altar at Bethel, Josiah orders that his bones, along with those of the prophet from Samaria, should not be disturbed. This act of respect for these men of God shows Josiah’s acknowledgment of their role in proclaiming God’s word and calling Israel back to true worship. The decision to spare their bones from the desecration that Josiah enacted on other altars and graves demonstrates a reverence for the prophetic word and its fulfillment.
Historical Context
The prophet mentioned in this verse is the same one from 1 Kings 13 who had come from Judah to Bethel during the reign of King Jeroboam to deliver a message of judgment. He had prophesied that a future king, named Josiah, would destroy the altar at Bethel. Over the centuries, the prophecy had been forgotten, but Josiah’s actions bring it to completion. The other prophet, mentioned here as the “prophet who had come from Samaria,” likely refers to another man of God who had also worked to turn the people away from idol worship. Josiah’s reforms were part of a long-standing effort to purify Israel and Judah from idolatry, fulfilling prophecies made long before his time.
Theological Implications
Theologically, this verse teaches us about the respect that God’s people should have for those who faithfully deliver His message. These prophets, though long dead, played a crucial role in calling the people back to obedience. Josiah’s decision to spare their bones indicates that the message of the prophets carries weight even beyond their lifetimes. It also emphasizes the idea that God’s word endures—what was spoken through the prophets generations ago was now being fulfilled through Josiah’s reforms. This passage reflects the consistency and reliability of God’s word and His ongoing plan for His people.
Literary Analysis
This verse serves as a moment of reflection in the broader narrative of Josiah’s reforms. After the destruction of the altar and the burning of human bones as a form of desecration, Josiah pauses when he realizes the significance of the prophets’ tombs. The contrast between the desecration of idol worship sites and the preservation of the prophets’ bones underscores the importance of God’s truth. The dialogue in this verse—“Leave it alone” and “Don’t let anyone disturb his bones”—is brief but direct, highlighting Josiah’s reverence for the prophetic word. This pause in the narrative allows the reader to recognize the fulfillment of prophecy and the respect due to those who speak for God.
Biblical Cross-References
One key cross-reference is 1 Kings 13:1-2, where the prophet from Judah foretells that Josiah would destroy the altar at Bethel. Another relevant passage is 2 Chronicles 34:5, which also mentions Josiah’s efforts to purify the land from idolatry and his respect for the tombs of the prophets. Additionally, Hebrews 11:32-38 speaks of the prophets who faithfully delivered God’s word, often at great personal cost. This verse fits within the larger biblical theme of honoring those who speak truth on behalf of God, even after their deaths.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a reminder of the importance of honoring God’s word and those who faithfully teach it. Just as Josiah respected the prophets who had spoken God’s truth in the past, we are called to hold in high regard the teachings of Scripture and the faithful witnesses who have come before us. This passage encourages us to reflect on the power of God’s word, which endures beyond generations, and to be diligent in preserving and living out the truths found in the Bible. It also serves as a call to honor those who have devoted their lives to proclaiming God’s message, recognizing the impact they have made on our faith.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse shows God’s love in the way He honors and remembers those who have faithfully served Him. Though the prophets mentioned here had died long ago, their role in God’s plan was not forgotten. By guiding Josiah to spare their bones, God shows that He values the faithful witness of His servants. God’s love is not limited to the present but extends throughout time, remembering the faithfulness of His people and honoring their contributions to His work. It also reveals that God’s love is expressed through His ongoing care for the truth, as He ensures that His word is fulfilled and respected, even after the prophets have passed.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse connects to Jesus Christ in the sense that, like the prophets, Jesus spoke the truth of God and called people back to a right relationship with Him. Just as the prophets’ words were fulfilled through Josiah, Jesus’ words and ministry fulfilled the prophecies of the Old Testament. Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of God’s plan for redemption, as He not only spoke God’s word but embodied it (John 1:14). Furthermore, just as Josiah honored the prophets for their faithfulness, we are called to honor Christ, who is the final and greatest prophet, priest, and king. Hebrews 1:1-2 reminds us that while God spoke through the prophets in the past, He has now spoken through His Son, Jesus, who brings the ultimate revelation of God’s truth and love.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does Josiah’s respect for the prophets challenge you to honor God’s word and those who faithfully teach it today?
- What does this passage teach us about the enduring nature of God’s word, and how can we trust in its fulfillment?
- How can we preserve and live out the truths of Scripture in a way that honors God’s past witnesses?
- How does Jesus, as the fulfillment of prophecy, deepen your understanding of God’s love and plan for salvation?