2 Kings 23 Josiah's Reforms

1 Josiah Renews the Covenant
Then the king called together all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem.

2 He went up to the temple of the Lord with the men of Judah, the people of Jerusalem, the priests and the prophets—all the people from the least to the greatest. He read in their hearing all the words of the Book of the Covenant, which had been found in the temple of the Lord.

3 The king stood by the pillar and renewed the covenant in the presence of the Lord—to follow the Lord and keep his commands, regulations and decrees with all his heart and all his soul, thus confirming the words of the covenant written in this book. Then all the people pledged themselves to the covenant.

4 The king ordered Hilkiah the high priest, the priests next in rank and the doorkeepers to remove from the temple of the Lord all the articles made for Baal and Asherah and all the starry hosts. He burned them outside Jerusalem in the fields of the Kidron Valley and took the ashes to Bethel.

5 He did away with the pagan priests appointed by the kings of Judah to burn incense on the high places of the towns of Judah and on those around Jerusalem—those who burned incense to Baal, to the sun and moon, to the constellations and to all the starry hosts.

6 He took the Asherah pole from the temple of the Lord to the Kidron Valley outside Jerusalem and burned it there. He ground it to powder and scattered the dust over the graves of the common people.

7 He also tore down the quarters of the male shrine prostitutes, which were in the temple of the Lord and where women did weaving for Asherah.

8 Josiah brought all the priests from the towns of Judah and desecrated the high places, from Geba to Beersheba, where the priests had burned incense. He broke down the shrines at the gates—at the entrance to the Gate of Joshua, the city governor, which is on the left of the city gate.

9 Although the priests of the high places did not serve at the altar of the Lord in Jerusalem, they ate unleavened bread with their fellow priests.

10 He desecrated Topheth, which was in the Valley of Ben Hinnom, so no one could use it to sacrifice his son or daughter in the fire to Molech.

11 He removed from the entrance to the temple of the Lord the horses that the kings of Judah had dedicated to the sun. They were in the court near the room of an official named Nathan-Melech. Josiah then burned the chariots dedicated to the sun.

12 He pulled down the altars the kings of Judah had erected on the roof near the upper room of Ahaz, and the altars Manasseh had built in the two courts of the temple of the Lord. He removed them from there, smashed them to pieces and threw the rubble into the Kidron Valley.

13 The king also desecrated the high places that were east of Jerusalem on the south of the Hill of Corruption—the ones Solomon king of Israel had built for Ashtoreth the vile goddess of the Sidonians, for Chemosh the vile god of Moab, and for Molech the detestable god of the people of Ammon.

14 Josiah smashed the sacred stones and cut down the Asherah poles and covered the sites with human bones.

15 Even the altar at Bethel, the high place made by Jeroboam son of Nebat, who had caused Israel to sin—even that altar and high place he demolished. He burned the high place and ground it to powder, and burned the Asherah pole also.

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.

17 The king asked, “What is that tombstone I see?”
The men 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.”

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.

19 Just as he had done at Bethel, Josiah removed and defiled all the shrines at the high places that the kings of Israel had built in the towns of Samaria that had provoked the Lord to anger.

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.

21 The king gave this order to all the people: “Celebrate the Passover to the Lord your God, as it is written in this Book of the Covenant.”

22 Not since the days of the judges who led Israel, nor throughout the days of the kings of Israel and the kings of Judah, had any such Passover been observed.

23 But in the eighteenth year of King Josiah, this Passover was celebrated to the Lord in Jerusalem.

24 Furthermore, Josiah got rid of the mediums and spiritists, the household gods, the idols and all the other detestable things seen in Judah and Jerusalem. This he did to fulfill the requirements of the law written in the book that Hilkiah the priest had discovered in the temple of the Lord.

25 Neither before nor after Josiah was there a king like him who turned to the Lord as he did—with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his strength, in accordance with all the Law of Moses.

26 Nevertheless, the Lord did not turn away from the heat of his fierce anger, which burned against Judah because of all that Manasseh had done to provoke him to anger.

27 So the Lord said, “I will remove Judah also from my presence as I removed Israel, and I will reject Jerusalem, the city I chose, and this temple, about which I said, ‘There shall my Name be.’”

28 As for the other events of Josiah’s reign, and all he did, are they not written in the book of the annals of the kings of Judah?

29 While Josiah was king, Pharaoh Neco king of Egypt went up to the Euphrates River to help the king of Assyria. King Josiah marched out to meet him in battle, but Neco faced him and killed him at Megiddo.

30 Josiah’s servants brought his body in a chariot from Megiddo to Jerusalem and buried him in his own tomb. And the people of the land took Jehoahaz son of Josiah and anointed him and made him king in place of his father.

31 Jehoahaz King of Judah
Jehoahaz was twenty-three years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem three months. His mother’s name was Hamutal daughter of Jeremiah; she was from Libnah.

32 He did evil in the eyes of the Lord, just as his fathers had done.

33 Pharaoh Neco put him in chains at Riblah in the land of Hamath so that he might not reign in Jerusalem, and he imposed on Judah a levy of a hundred talents of silver and a talent of gold.

34 Pharaoh Neco made Eliakim son of Josiah king in place of his father Josiah and changed Eliakim’s name to Jehoiakim. But he took Jehoahaz and carried him off to Egypt, and there he died.

35 Jehoiakim paid Pharaoh Neco the silver and gold he demanded. In order to do so, he taxed the land and exacted the silver and gold from the people of the land according to their assessments.

36 Jehoiakim King of Judah
Jehoiakim was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eleven years. His mother’s name was Zebidah daughter of Pedaiah; she was from Rumah.

37 And he did evil in the eyes of the Lord, just as his fathers had done.

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Analysis of 2 Kings Chapter 23

2 Kings Chapter 23 is a critical chapter in the narrative of the Hebrew Bible as it underscores King Josiah’s religious reforms and his passionate dedication to restoring the worship of Yahweh according to the covenant. This chapter is an illuminating glimpse into the spiritual reformation that Josiah implemented, aiming to eradicate idolatry and return Judah to the exclusive worship of Yahweh. Let us delve into a thorough analysis of this chapter, exploring its historical, theological, and ethical dimensions.

Verses 1-3: Renewal of the Covenant

The chapter opens with King Josiah gathering all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem. This assembly signifies the gravity of the moment as it brings together religious leaders, political authorities, and the general populace:

“Then the king called together all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem. He went up to the temple of the Lord with the people of Judah, the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the priests and the prophets—all the people from the least to the greatest. He read in their hearing all the words of the Book of the Covenant, which had been found in the temple of the Lord.” (2 Kings 23:1-2, NIV)

King Josiah himself reads the words of the Book of the Covenant aloud, demonstrating his personal commitment to the religious reforms. This act of public reading is reminiscent of the covenant renewal ceremonies in Israel’s history (e.g., Joshua 8:34-35). It establishes the authoritative basis for his reforms and calls the nation back to the foundational tenets of their faith.

In verse 3, King Josiah “stood by the pillar and renewed the covenant in the presence of the Lord,” pledging to follow Yahweh with all his heart and soul. This vow underscores a total commitment to aligning both personal and national conduct with divine laws, symbolizing a thorough transformation both from the top-down and within the community:

“The king stood by the pillar and renewed the covenant in the presence of the Lord—to follow the Lord and keep his commands, statutes and decrees with all his heart and all his soul, thus confirming the words of the covenant written in this book. Then all the people pledged themselves to the covenant.” (2 Kings 23:3, NIV)

This communal pledge reinforces the idea that national identity and obedience to Yahweh are intertwined.

Verses 4-14: Purging Idolatry

Josiah’s next steps are concrete actions to purge idolatry from Judah, particularly from the temple. Verses 4-14 elaborate on the extent and thoroughness of these actions, as he orders the removal and destruction of all articles made for Baal, Asherah, and the starry hosts:

“He ordered Hilkiah the high priest, the priests next in rank and the doorkeepers to remove from the temple of the Lord all the articles made for Baal and Asherah and all the starry hosts. He burned them outside Jerusalem in the fields of the Kidron Valley and took the ashes to Bethel.” (2 Kings 23:4, NIV)

This action is notable for its comprehensiveness, as it targets multiple deities and demonstrates a clear rejection of syncretism—the blending of Yahweh worship with other religious practices.

In addition, Josiah does not limit his reforms to the temple in Jerusalem. He extends these actions to other significant locations associated with idolatry, such as the high places and the altar at Bethel built by Jeroboam son of Nebat, which had led Israel into sin (2 Kings 23:5-10). He even defiles the high places built by Solomon for Ashtoreth, Chemosh, and Milcom, demonstrating his determination to rid the land of any idolatrous legacy (2 Kings 23:13-14):

“The king also desecrated the high places that were east of Jerusalem on the south of the Hill of Corruption—the ones Solomon king of Israel had built for Ashtoreth the vile goddess of the Sidonians, for Chemosh the vile god of Moab, and for Molek the detestable god of the people of Ammon. He broke the sacred stones and cut down the Asherah poles and covered the sites with human bones.” (2 Kings 23:13-14, NIV)

Josiah’s actions here are rooted in Deuteronomy 12, which commands the destruction of all places where the Canaanite gods were worshiped. This reflects his adherence to the law and his understanding of the nature of true worship.

Verses 15-20: Destruction of the Altar at Bethel

The narrative underscores the significance of Josiah’s reforms by highlighting the destruction of the altar at Bethel (verses 15-20). This spot was symbolic of the Northern Kingdom’s rebellion against God under Jeroboam. Josiah’s actions thus not only purged Judah of idolatry but also spiritually reintegrated the northern territory by eradicating this emblem of apostasy:

“Even the altar at Bethel, the high place made by Jeroboam son of Nebat, who had caused Israel to sin—even that altar and high place he demolished. He burned the high place and ground it to powder, and burned the Asherah pole also.” (2 Kings 23:15, NIV)

This comprehensive destruction serves as an assertion of Yahweh’s exclusive sovereignty, uniting religious and national identity under Yahwistic worship.

Other priests associated with the high places were also put to death (verse 20), signifying a severe but definitive cut from idolatrous practices:

“Josiah slaughtered all the priests of those high places on the altars and burned human bones on them. Then he went back to Jerusalem.” (2 Kings 23:20, NIV)

These measures, while harsh, were intended to root out the deep-seated pagan influences that had pervaded the nation and to sanctify the land for exclusive Yahweh worship.

Verses 21-23: Celebration of the Passover

In conjunction with these purges, Josiah also reinstituted the celebration of the Passover, as commanded in the Book of the Covenant (Deuteronomy 16:1-8). This celebration was deeply significant in re-establishing national identity and remembrance of God’s deliverance:

“The king gave this order to all the people: ‘Celebrate the Passover to the Lord your God, as it is written in this Book of the Covenant.’ Neither in the days of the judges who led Israel nor in the days of the kings of Israel and the kings of Judah had any such Passover been observed.” (2 Kings 23:21-22, NIV)

This return to the foundational practice of Passover symbolized a renewed national commitment to the covenant and a collective remembrance of God’s redemptive acts. The celebration was unprecedented in its scope and adherence to the written law, further underscoring Josiah’s profound reformative impact.

Verses 24-25: Removal of Mediums and Spiritists

Reflecting the comprehensive nature of his reforms, Josiah also removes mediums, spiritists, household gods, and idols from the land (verse 24). These actions align with the prohibitions found in Deuteronomy 18:9-14, which condemned such practices as detestable before the Lord:

“Furthermore, Josiah got rid of the mediums and spiritists, the household gods, the idols and all the other detestable things seen in Judah and Jerusalem. This he did to fulfill the requirements of the law written in the book that Hilkiah the priest had discovered in the temple of the Lord.” (2 Kings 23:24, NIV)

Josiah’s reform extends not only to public worship but also to private practices, reflecting his understanding that true devotion to Yahweh required a holistic purification of both communal and individual conduct.

His actions are summarized in verse 25 with high praise, highlighting his unparalleled devotion compared to previous kings:

“Neither before nor after Josiah was there a king like him who turned to the Lord as he did—with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his strength, in accordance with all the Law of Moses.” (2 Kings 23:25, NIV)

This verse emphasizes not only Josiah’s exceptional piety but also his inspiration from the Deuteronomic law, framing his reforms within the larger covenantal context.

Verses 26-27: Divine Judgment Despite Reforms

Despite Josiah’s extensive reforms, the narrative soberly reminds readers that the judgment pronounced against Judah due to the sins of Manasseh remained irrevocable:

“Nevertheless, the Lord did not turn away from the heat of his fierce anger, which burned against Judah because of all that Manasseh had done to arouse his anger. So the Lord said, ‘I will remove Judah also from my presence as I removed Israel, and I will reject Jerusalem, the city I chose, and this temple, about which I said, “There shall my name be.”‘” (2 Kings 23:26-27, NIV)

This indicates that while individual righteousness and reform are crucial, the consequences of national sin and continual disobedience bear lasting repercussions in redemptive history.

Verses 28-30: Josiah’s Death

The narrative then transitions to the account of Josiah’s death. He is killed in battle at Megiddo by Pharaoh Necho of Egypt. This event is marked by profound mourning among Judah, emphasizing Josiah’s esteemed status as a righteous king:

“While Josiah was king, Pharaoh Necho king of Egypt went up to the Euphrates River to help the king of Assyria. King Josiah marched out to meet him in battle, but Necho faced him and killed him at Megiddo.” (2 Kings 23:29, NIV)

Josiah’s death signifies a tragic end to his reformative efforts and the beginning of a descent back into instability and eventual exile for Judah.

Verses 31-37: Reign of Jehoahaz and Jehoiakim

The chapter concludes with a brief account of the reigns of Josiah’s successors, Jehoahaz and Jehoiakim. Unlike Josiah, Jehoahaz did evil in the sight of the Lord, and Pharaoh Necho deposes him, setting Jehoiakim on the throne. This period marks a decline in adherence to Josiah’s reforms and a return to practices that angered Yahweh:

“He did evil in the eyes of the Lord, just as his predecessors had done.” (2 Kings 23:37, NIV)

The cycle of disobedience and divine retribution thus resumes, highlighting the persistent struggle between covenant faithfulness and national apostasy.

Concluding Thoughts

2 Kings Chapter 23 provides a poignant narrative of King Josiah’s transformational leadership and fervent dedication to restoring covenantal worship in Judah. His reforms, deeply rooted in Deuteronomic law, offer a compelling model of righteous leadership. They underscore the significance of genuine repentance, communal renewal, and the eradication of idolatry as foundational for a covenant relationship with Yahweh.

Josiah’s story, while marked by profound piety and comprehensive reform, also serves as a sobering reminder of the enduring consequences of persistent national sin. Despite one king’s best efforts, the accumulated disobedience of previous generations results in eventual judgment, teaching us the imperative of continuous fidelity to divine commandments across generations.

Ultimately, this chapter underscores the transformative power of dedicated leadership and the enduring importance of covenant faithfulness in maintaining a society aligned with divine will.

Understanding the Key Messages in 2 Kings 23: Insights and Explanation

In this chapter, Josiah, a righteous king, leads a great revival in Judah. He actively seeks to restore true worship and removes all forms of idolatry. Josiah discovers the Book of the Law, leading to a renewed commitment to follow God's decrees. He celebrates a Passover unlike any since the days of the judges. Despite Josiah's godly reign, the Lord's anger remains due to past sins.

Notes

This chapter highlights Josiah's zeal for God's commands and emphasizes the significance of the Passover in the worship of the Lord. It also serves as a warning that the consequences of past disobedience can still impact even the most righteous leaders.