2 Kings 23:19 – “Just as he had done at Bethel, Josiah removed all the shrines at the high places that the kings of Israel had built in the towns of Samaria and that had aroused the Lord’s anger.”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, King Josiah continues his widespread reforms by removing the high places and shrines built in the region of Samaria. Samaria was part of the northern kingdom of Israel, which had long been separated from Judah and had fallen into idolatry. These shrines and altars had been erected by the kings of Israel, leading the people away from the worship of the true God. By removing these places of false worship, Josiah demonstrates his commitment to eliminating all forms of idolatry, regardless of location. His actions in Samaria were consistent with what he had already done in Bethel, showing that his reforms extended beyond his immediate kingdom of Judah. Josiah’s work was aimed at restoring proper worship throughout the entire land that once belonged to Israel.
Historical Context
The high places mentioned in this verse were altars and shrines built by the kings of the northern kingdom of Israel, where idol worship became commonplace after the nation split into two kingdoms following Solomon’s reign. Jeroboam, the first king of Israel, established alternative worship centers at Bethel and Dan to prevent the people from traveling to Jerusalem to worship. Over time, these places became centers for idolatry, where the people worshiped foreign gods like Baal and Asherah. By Josiah’s time, the northern kingdom had already been conquered by the Assyrians, but the remnants of these shrines and the idolatrous practices associated with them persisted. Josiah’s reforms sought to eradicate these remnants, even in lands that were no longer under Judah’s direct control.
Theological Implications
Theologically, this verse underscores the importance of exclusive and pure worship of God. The high places that Josiah destroyed represented disobedience to God’s command for centralized worship in Jerusalem. By removing these places, Josiah was affirming that God alone is to be worshiped, and only in the manner that He has prescribed. This also highlights the fact that even though the northern kingdom had been taken into exile, God’s expectations for His people’s worship remained the same. Josiah’s actions illustrate the theological truth that God’s standards for holiness and worship do not change based on political or geographical boundaries.
Literary Analysis
The verse parallels Josiah’s actions in Bethel, creating a sense of consistency in his reforms. The phrase “just as he had done at Bethel” serves to connect these actions, showing that Josiah’s efforts were comprehensive and methodical. The mention of Samaria and the high places built by the kings of Israel adds a historical depth to the text, reminding the reader of Israel’s long history of rebellion against God. The reference to the Lord’s anger is significant, as it underscores the spiritual consequences of idolatry—God is not indifferent to the false worship that had taken place. The verse, while brief, emphasizes Josiah’s unwavering commitment to purifying the land of its idolatrous past.
Biblical Cross-References
One important cross-reference is 1 Kings 12:28-33, which describes how Jeroboam built the high places in Bethel and Dan, leading the people of Israel into idol worship. Another key passage is 2 Chronicles 34:6-7, which provides additional details about Josiah’s reforms, including his efforts to remove idols from the regions of Israel. Deuteronomy 12:2-5 is also relevant, as it records God’s command to the Israelites to destroy all places of idol worship and to seek Him in the place He would choose, which was ultimately Jerusalem. Josiah’s actions align with these commands, showing his dedication to restoring proper worship.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a powerful reminder of the need to be thorough in removing anything that takes our focus away from God. Just as Josiah left no place for idolatry in the land, we are called to examine our own lives and eliminate anything that competes with our devotion to God. This could include habits, distractions, or attitudes that pull us away from fully worshiping God. Josiah’s example challenges us to be proactive and intentional in seeking purity in our relationship with God. It also reminds us that our commitment to God should not be limited to certain areas of our lives but should extend to every part.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse shows God’s love through His desire to bring His people back to true worship. Although the northern kingdom had fallen into idolatry and was eventually exiled, God did not give up on His people. Josiah’s reforms were a part of God’s plan to restore proper worship and remove the influences that had led Israel and Judah astray. God’s love is evident in His patience and His willingness to provide leaders like Josiah to guide His people back to Him. The removal of the high places was not just about erasing the past but about making way for a future where God’s people could live in relationship with Him.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Josiah’s destruction of the high places in Samaria points forward to the cleansing work of Jesus Christ. While Josiah dealt with physical altars and shrines, Jesus came to cleanse our hearts from sin and idolatry. In John 4:23-24, Jesus speaks of a time when true worshipers will worship God in spirit and in truth, without the need for physical altars. Jesus fulfills the role of the ultimate reformer, not only removing sin but also providing the way for us to worship God rightly. His sacrifice on the cross deals with the root problem of sin, making it possible for us to approach God with clean hearts and pure worship (Hebrews 9:14).
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What “high places” in your life need to be removed so that you can fully focus on worshiping God?
- How does Josiah’s commitment to removing all forms of idolatry challenge you to examine areas of compromise in your own life?
- What does this passage teach us about the seriousness of idolatry and the importance of worshiping God as He commands?
- How does Jesus’ work in cleansing our hearts from sin help us to live lives of true worship, free from the distractions of idolatry?