2 Kings 23:20 – “Josiah slaughtered all the priests of those high places on the altars and burned human bones on them. Then he went back to Jerusalem.”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, King Josiah takes a decisive and final step in his religious reforms by executing the priests of the high places—those who had led Israel and Judah into idolatry. These priests had been serving at altars dedicated to false gods, which were spread across the land, particularly in the northern kingdom. By slaughtering these priests and burning human bones on their altars, Josiah was not only eliminating the leadership of idol worship but also defiling the altars so they could never be used again for religious purposes. This act was symbolic of God’s judgment on idolatry, bringing an end to the false worship that had plagued Israel for generations.
Historical Context
The high places had been a source of idolatry for both Israel and Judah for many generations. After the kingdom split following Solomon’s reign, King Jeroboam established altars in Bethel and Dan to prevent the people of Israel from going to Jerusalem to worship God. These altars, dedicated to golden calves, were soon followed by more high places where foreign gods like Baal and Asherah were worshiped. This idolatry became deeply ingrained in the religious life of Israel and continued for centuries. Josiah’s reforms, however, marked a decisive effort to eradicate idol worship once and for all. His actions fulfilled prophecies about the destruction of these altars and served as a clear message that idolatry would no longer be tolerated.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights the seriousness with which God views idolatry. The slaughter of the priests of the high places symbolizes divine judgment against those who lead others astray from worshiping the true God. In biblical theology, leaders bear significant responsibility for the spiritual well-being of the people, and these priests had led Israel and Judah into sin. Josiah’s actions demonstrate that idolatry is not just a minor offense but a grave sin that brings about severe consequences. Additionally, the burning of human bones on the altars reflects the complete and total rejection of these idolatrous practices, emphasizing that no trace of this false worship could remain.
Literary Analysis
The language of this verse is direct and forceful, reflecting the intensity of Josiah’s reforms. The verbs “slaughtered” and “burned” highlight the finality of Josiah’s actions—there is no room for compromise. The detail that the priests were slaughtered “on the altars” they served adds a layer of poetic justice, as these same altars had been used for idol worship. By burning human bones on these altars, Josiah not only desecrated the physical structures but also rendered them permanently unclean, ensuring that they could never again be used for any form of worship. The verse concludes with Josiah returning to Jerusalem, signaling the completion of his mission to cleanse the land.
Biblical Cross-References
One key cross-reference is 1 Kings 13:1-2, where a prophet from Judah foretells that a king named Josiah would one day defile the altar at Bethel by burning human bones on it. This prophecy is fulfilled in 2 Kings 23:16-20. Another relevant passage is Leviticus 21:11, which forbids contact with the dead for priests, showing that burning bones on altars would have been a significant act of defilement. Also, Deuteronomy 12:2-3 commands the destruction of high places and altars dedicated to false gods, which aligns with Josiah’s actions in this passage. His reforms reflect obedience to these earlier commands.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse serves as a reminder of the seriousness of idolatry and the need for spiritual purity. Just as Josiah removed the priests and altars that had led the people into sin, we are called to examine our own lives for anything that competes with our devotion to God. This might not be physical altars, but it could be habits, relationships, or distractions that pull us away from a wholehearted relationship with God. Josiah’s radical actions challenge us to be equally radical in removing anything that hinders our worship of God. This verse also reminds us that leaders have a special responsibility to guide others in true worship, and there are consequences when they lead people astray.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is shown in His desire to bring His people back to true worship. Although the consequences for the idolatrous priests were severe, Josiah’s reforms were ultimately an act of restoration. By purging the land of false worship, Josiah was helping the people return to a relationship with God that had been broken by sin. God’s love is also evident in His patience—while judgment eventually came, God had given the people many chances to repent and return to Him. The removal of the high places was not just about destruction; it was about making room for a renewed, healthy relationship between God and His people.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Josiah’s actions in cleansing the land of idolatry foreshadow the cleansing work of Jesus Christ. While Josiah removed physical altars and priests who led people into false worship, Jesus came to cleanse our hearts and restore us to a right relationship with God. In Matthew 21:12-13, Jesus cleanses the temple, driving out the money changers who were defiling God’s house, just as Josiah had cleansed the land of idolatry. Additionally, through His death and resurrection, Jesus provides the ultimate solution to sin and idolatry by offering us forgiveness and the power to live lives devoted to God (Hebrews 9:14). Just as Josiah made a way for the people to return to true worship, Jesus opens the way for us to worship God in spirit and in truth.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Are there any “high places” or distractions in your life that need to be removed so you can focus more fully on your relationship with God?
- How does Josiah’s commitment to eliminating idolatry challenge you to examine areas of compromise in your own spiritual life?
- What responsibilities do leaders have in guiding others toward true worship, and how can we hold ourselves accountable to that standard?
- How does Jesus’ work in cleansing our hearts from sin help us live lives devoted to God, free from the distractions of idolatry?