II Chronicles 31
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Commentaries
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Brake the images in pieces - This species of reformation was not only carried on through Judah, but they carried it into Israel; whether through a transport of religious zeal, or whether with the consent of Hoshea the Israelitish king, we cannot tell.
Open source ↗THE PEOPLE FORWARD IN DESTROYING IDOLATRY. (Ch2 31:1-10) all Israel . . . present went out to the cities of Judah--The solemnities of this paschal season left a deep and salutary impression on the minds of the assembled worshippers; attachment to the ancient institutions of their country was extensively revived; ardor in the service of God animated every bosom; and under the impulse of the devout feelings inspired by the occasion, they took measures at the close of the passover for extirpating idolatrous statues and altars out of every city, as at the beginning of the festival they had done in Jerusalem. Judah and Benjamin--denote the southern kingdom. Ephraim also and Manasseh--refer to the northern kingdom. This unsparing demolition of the monuments of idolatry would receive all encouragement from the king and public authorities of the former; and the force of the popular movement was sufficient to effect the same results among the tribes of Israel, whatever opposition the power of Hoshea or the invectives of some profane brethren might have made. Thus the reign of idolatry being completely overthrown and the pure worship of God re-established throughout the land, the people returned every one to his own home, in the confident expectation that, through the divine blessing, they would enjoy a happy future of national peace and prosperity.
Open source ↗Now when all this was finished,.... The temple cleansed, the priests and Levites sanctified, the passover and feast of unleavened bread observed, and other seven days of rejoicing kept: all Israel that were present went out to the cities of Judah, and brake the images in pieces, and cut down the groves, and threw down the high places and the altars out of all Judah and Benjamin; which had been erected by Ahaz, Ch2 28:2 at or about this time also the brasen serpent was broke to pieces, Kg2 18:4, in Ephraim also and Manasseh, until they had utterly destroyed them all; which must be understood of such cities in those tribes that had been taken in former times by the kings of Judah from the kings of Israel; or such as were now in the hands of the Assyrians, who might not concern themselves in matters of religion; or this might be done at the connivance of Hoshea king of Israel, who had no regard to any other idolatry than the worship of the calves; and besides, having met with trouble from the Assyrians, and fearing more, might be willing to have his kingdom cleared of idolatry, in hope the divine displeasure would be removed: then all the children of Israel returned every man to his possession into their own cities; and not till then, when all monuments of idolatry were removed.
Open source ↗We have here an account of what was done after the passover. What was wanting in the solemnities of preparation for it before was made up in that which is better, a due improvement of it after. When the religious exercises of a Lord's day or a communion are finished we must not think that then the work is done. No, then the hardest part of our work begins, which is to exemplify the impressions of the ordinance upon our minds in all the instances of a holy conversation. So it was here; when all this was finished there was more to be done. I. They applied themselves with vigour to destroy all the monuments of idolatry, Ch2 31:1. The king had done what he could of this kind (Kg2 18:4), but the people could discover those profane relics which escaped the eye of the king's officers, and therefore they went out to see what they could do, Ch2 31:1. This was done immediately after the passover. Note, The comfort of communion with God should kindle in us a holy zeal and indignation against sin, against every thing that is offensive to God. If our hearts have been made to burn within us at an ordinance, that spirit of burning will consume the dross of corruption. What have I now to do any more with idols? Their zeal here in destroying the images and groves, the high places and altars, appeared, 1. In that they did this, not only in the cities of Judah and Benjamin, but in those of Ephraim and Manasseh. Some think that those cities are meant which had come under the protection and the jurisdiction of the kings of Judah. Others think that, Hoshea king of Israel not forbidding it, their zeal carried them out to the destruction of idolatry even in many parts of his kingdom. At least those that came out of Ephraim and Manasseh to keep the passover (as many did, Ch2 30:18) destroyed al…
Open source ↗31:1 Following the purification and rededication of the Temple, the city of Jerusalem, and the people, Hezekiah initiated the third stage of his reform, purifying the entire land of pagan objects of worship, not only in Judah but also in the territories of the north.
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
כָּלָה (kâlâh, H3615) — to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitived (to complete,… יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisrâʼêl, H3478) — Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also (typically) of his posterity מָצָא (mâtsâʼ, H4672) — properly, to come forth to, i.e. appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e. find or… יָצָא (yâtsâʼ, H3318) — to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and… עִיר (ʻîyr, H5892) — a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere… יְהוּדָה (Yᵉhûwdâh, H3063) — Jehudah (or Judah), the name of five Israelites; also of the tribe descended from the… שָׁבַר (shâbar, H7665) — to burst (literally or figuratively) מַצֵּבָה (matstsêbâh, H4676) — something stationed, i.e. a column or (memorial stone); by analogy, an idol גָּדַע (gâdaʻ, H1438) — to fell a tree; generally, to destroy anything אֲשֵׁרָה (ʼăshêrâh, H842) — Asherah (or Astarte) a Phoenician goddess; also an image of the same נָתַץ (nâthats, H5422) — to tear down בָּמָה (bâmâh, H1116) — an elevation מִזְבֵּחַ (mizbêach, H4196) — an altar בִּנְיָמִין (Binyâmîyn, H1144) — Binjamin, youngest son of Jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
Open source ↗יְחִזְקִיָּה (Yᵉchizqîyâh, H3169) — Jechizkijah, the name of five Israelites עָמַד (ʻâmad, H5975) — to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive) מַחֲלֹקֶת (machălôqeth, H4256) — a section (of Levites, people or soldiers) כֹּהֵן (kôhên, H3548) — literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a… לֵוִיִּי (Lêvîyîy, H3881) — a Levite or descendant of Levi אִישׁ (ʼîysh, H376) — a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term… פֶּה (peh, H6310) — the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech);… עֲבֹדָה (ʻăbôdâh, H5656) — work of any kind עֹלָה (ʻôlâh, H5930) — a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke) שֶׁלֶם (shelem, H8002) — properly, requital, i.e. a (voluntary) sacrifice in thanks שָׁרַת (shârath, H8334) — to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to יָדָה (yâdâh, H3034) — physically, to throw (a stone, an arrow) at or away; especially to revere or worship… הָלַל (hâlal, H1984) — to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make ashow, to… שַׁעַר (shaʻar, H8179) — an opening, i.e. door or gate
Open source ↗מֶלֶךְ (melek, H4428) — a king מְנָת (mᵉnâth, H4521) — an allotment (by courtesy, law or providence) רְכוּשׁ (rᵉkûwsh, H7399) — property (as gathered) עֹלָה (ʻôlâh, H5930) — a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke) בֹּקֶר (bôqer, H1242) — properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning עֶרֶב (ʻereb, H6153) — dusk שַׁבָּת (shabbâth, H7676) — intermission, i.e (specifically) the Sabbath חֹדֶשׁ (chôdesh, H2320) — the new moon; by implication, a month מוֹעֵד (môwʻêd, H4150) — properly, an appointment, i.e. a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival;… כָּתַב (kâthab, H3789) — to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe) תּוֹרָה (tôwrâh, H8451) — a precept or statute, especially the Decalogue or Pentateuch יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God
Open source ↗אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) עַם (ʻam, H5971) — a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of Israel); hence… יָשַׁב (yâshab, H3427) — properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to… יְרוּשָׁלַ͏ִם (Yᵉrûwshâlaim, H3389) — Jerushalaim or Jerushalem, the capital city of Palestine נָתַן (nâthan, H5414) — to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.) מְנָת (mᵉnâth, H4521) — an allotment (by courtesy, law or providence) כֹּהֵן (kôhên, H3548) — literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a… לֵוִיִּי (Lêvîyîy, H3881) — a Levite or descendant of Levi חָזַק (châzaq, H2388) — to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively… תּוֹרָה (tôwrâh, H8451) — a precept or statute, especially the Decalogue or Pentateuch יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God
Open source ↗דָּבָר (dâbâr, H1697) — a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause פָּרַץ (pârats, H6555) — to break out (in many applications, direct and indirect, literal and figurative) בֵּן (bên, H1121) — a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative… יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisrâʼêl, H3478) — Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also (typically) of his posterity בּוֹא (bôwʼ, H935) — to go or come (in a wide variety of applications) רָבָה (râbâh, H7235) — to increase (in whatever respect) רֵאשִׁית (rêʼshîyth, H7225) — the first, in place, time, order or rank (specifically, a firstfruit) דָּגָן (dâgân, H1715) — properly, increase, i.e. grain תִּירוֹשׁ (tîyrôwsh, H8492) — must or fresh grape-juice (as just squeezed out); by implication (rarely) fermented wine יִצְהָר (yitshâr, H3323) — oil (as producing light); figuratively, anointing דְּבַשׁ (dᵉbash, H1706) — honey (from its stickiness); by analogy, syrup תְּבוּאָה (tᵉbûwʼâh, H8393) — income, i.e. produce (literally or figuratively) שָׂדֶה (sâdeh, H7704) — a field (as flat) מַעֲשֵׂר (maʻăsêr, H4643) — a tenth; especially a tithe
Open source ↗בֵּן (bên, H1121) — a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative… יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisrâʼêl, H3478) — Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also (typically) of his posterity יְהוּדָה (Yᵉhûwdâh, H3063) — Jehudah (or Judah), the name of five Israelites; also of the tribe descended from the… יָשַׁב (yâshab, H3427) — properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to… עִיר (ʻîyr, H5892) — a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere… בּוֹא (bôwʼ, H935) — to go or come (in a wide variety of applications) מַעֲשֵׂר (maʻăsêr, H4643) — a tenth; especially a tithe בָּקָר (bâqâr, H1241) — beef cattle or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing);… צֹאן (tsôʼn, H6629) — a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men) קֹדֶשׁ (qôdesh, H6944) — a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity קָדַשׁ (qâdash, H6942) — to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally) יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God אֱלֹהִים (ʼĕlôhîym, H430) — gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with… נָתַן (nâthan, H5414) — to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
Open source ↗שְׁלִישִׁי (shᵉlîyshîy, H7992) — third; feminine athird (part); by extension, a third (day, year or time); specifically, a… חֹדֶשׁ (chôdesh, H2320) — the new moon; by implication, a month חָלַל (châlal, H2490) — properly, to bore, i.e. (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane… יָסַד (yâçad, H3245) — to set (literally or figuratively); intensively, to found; reflexively, to sit down… עָרֵם (ʻârêm, H6194) — a heap; specifically, a sheaf כָּלָה (kâlâh, H3615) — to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitived (to complete,… שְׁבִיעִי (shᵉbîyʻîy, H7637) — seventh
Open source ↗יְחִזְקִיָּה (Yᵉchizqîyâh, H3169) — Jechizkijah, the name of five Israelites שַׂר (sar, H8269) — a head person (of any rank or class) בּוֹא (bôwʼ, H935) — to go or come (in a wide variety of applications) רָאָה (râʼâh, H7200) — to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied,… עָרֵם (ʻârêm, H6194) — a heap; specifically, a sheaf בָרַךְ (bârak, H1288) — to kneel; by implication to bless God (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as… יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God עַם (ʻam, H5971) — a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of Israel); hence… יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisrâʼêl, H3478) — Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
Open source ↗יְחִזְקִיָּה (Yᵉchizqîyâh, H3169) — Jechizkijah, the name of five Israelites דָּרַשׁ (dârash, H1875) — properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by… כֹּהֵן (kôhên, H3548) — literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a… לֵוִיִּי (Lêvîyîy, H3881) — a Levite or descendant of Levi עָרֵם (ʻârêm, H6194) — a heap; specifically, a sheaf
Open source ↗עֲזַרְיָה (ʻĂzaryâh, H5838) — Azarjah, the name of nineteen Israelites רֹאשׁ (rôʼsh, H7218) — the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of… כֹּהֵן (kôhên, H3548) — literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a… בַּיִת (bayith, H1004) — a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.) צָדוֹק (Tsâdôwq, H6659) — Tsadok, the name of eight or nine Israelites אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) חָלַל (châlal, H2490) — properly, to bore, i.e. (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane… בּוֹא (bôwʼ, H935) — to go or come (in a wide variety of applications) תְּרוּמָה (tᵉrûwmâh, H8641) — a present (as offered up), especially in sacrifice or as tribute יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God שָׂבַע (sâbaʻ, H7646) — to sate, i.e. fill to satisfaction (literally or figuratively) אָכַל (ʼâkal, H398) — to eat (literally or figuratively) יָתַר (yâthar, H3498) — to jut over or exceed; by implication, to excel; (intransitively) to remain or be left;… רֹב (rôb, H7230) — abundance (in any respect)
Open source ↗יְחִזְקִיָּה (Yᵉchizqîyâh, H3169) — Jechizkijah, the name of five Israelites אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) כּוּן (kûwn, H3559) — properly, to be erect (i.e. stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a… לִשְׁכָּה (lishkâh, H3957) — a room in a building (whether for storage, eating, or lodging) בַּיִת (bayith, H1004) — a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.) יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God
Open source ↗בּוֹא (bôwʼ, H935) — to go or come (in a wide variety of applications) תְּרוּמָה (tᵉrûwmâh, H8641) — a present (as offered up), especially in sacrifice or as tribute מַעֲשֵׂר (maʻăsêr, H4643) — a tenth; especially a tithe קֹדֶשׁ (qôdesh, H6944) — a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity אֱמוּנָה (ʼĕmûwnâh, H530) — literally firmness; figuratively security; morally fidelity כּוֹנַנְיָהוּ (Kôwnanyâhûw, H3562) — Conanjah, the name of two Israelites לֵוִיִּי (Lêvîyîy, H3881) — a Levite or descendant of Levi נָגִיד (nâgîyd, H5057) — a commander (as occupying the front), civil, military or religious; generally… שִׁמְעִי (Shimʻîy, H8096) — Shimi, the name of twenty Israelites אָח (ʼâch, H251) — a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or… מִשְׁנֶה (mishneh, H4932) — properly, a repetition, i.e. a duplicate (copy of a document), or a double (in amount);…
Open source ↗יְחִיאֵל (Yᵉchîyʼêl, H3171) — Jechiel (or Jechavel), the name of eight Israelites עֲזַזְיָהוּ (ʻĂzazyâhûw, H5812) — Azazjah, the name of three Israelites נַחַת (Nachath, H5184) — Nachath, the name of an Edomite and of two Israelites עֲשָׂהאֵל (ʻĂsâhʼêl, H6214) — Asahel, the name of four Israelites יְרִימוֹת (Yᵉrîymôwth, H3406) — Jerimoth or Jeremoth, the name of twelve Israelites יוֹזָבָד (Yôwzâbâd, H3107) — Jozabad, the name of ten Israelites אֱלִיאֵל (ʼĔlîyʼêl, H447) — Eliel, the name of nine Israelites יִסְמַכְיָהוּ (Yiçmakyâhûw, H3253) — Jismakjah, an Israelite מַחַת (Machath, H4287) — Machath, the name of two Israelites בְּנָיָה (Bᵉnâyâh, H1141) — Benajah, the name of twelve Israelites פָּקִיד (pâqîyd, H6496) — a superintendent (civil, military or religious) יָד (yâd, H3027) — a hand (the open one (indicating power, means, direction, etc.), כּוֹנַנְיָהוּ (Kôwnanyâhûw, H3562) — Conanjah, the name of two Israelites שִׁמְעִי (Shimʻîy, H8096) — Shimi, the name of twenty Israelites
Open source ↗קוֹרֵא (Qôwrêʼ, H6981) — Kore, the name of two Israelites בֵּן (bên, H1121) — a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative… יִמְנָה (Yimnâh, H3232) — Jimnah, the name of two Israelites; also (with the article) of the posterity of one of… לֵוִיִּי (Lêvîyîy, H3881) — a Levite or descendant of Levi שׁוֹעֵר (shôwʻêr, H7778) — a janitor מִזְרָח (mizrâch, H4217) — sunrise, i.e. the east נְדָבָה (nᵉdâbâh, H5071) — properly (abstractly) spontaneity, or (adjectively) spontaneous; also (concretely) a… אֱלֹהִים (ʼĕlôhîym, H430) — gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with… נָתַן (nâthan, H5414) — to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.) תְּרוּמָה (tᵉrûwmâh, H8641) — a present (as offered up), especially in sacrifice or as tribute יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God קֹדֶשׁ (qôdesh, H6944) — a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
Open source ↗Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
He removed the high places, shattered the sacred pillars, and cut down the Asherah poles. He also demolished the bronze snake called Nehushtan that Moses had made, for up to that time the Israelites had burned incense to it.
Did not Hezekiah himself remove His high places and His altars and say to Judah and Jerusalem, ‘You must worship before one altar, and on it you shall burn sacrifices’?
He removed the foreign altars and high places, shattered the sacred pillars, and chopped down the Asherah poles.
So all the people went to the temple of Baal and tore it down. They smashed the altars and idols to pieces and killed Mattan the priest of Baal in front of the altars.
And he did evil in the sight of the LORD, but not like the kings of Israel who preceded him.
Instead, this is what you are to do to them: tear down their altars, smash their sacred pillars, cut down their Asherah poles, and burn their idols in the fire.
At daybreak the angels hurried Lot along, saying, “Get up! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, or you will be swept away in the punishment of the city.”
You must not bow down to their gods or serve them or follow their practices. Instead, you are to demolish them and smash their sacred stones to pieces.
“Go and assemble all the Jews who can be found in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day, and I and my maidens will fast as you do. After that, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish!”