1 Kings 15:13

KJV

And also Maachah his mother, even her he removed from [being] queen, because she had made an idol in a grove; and Asa destroyed her idol, and burnt [it] by the brook Kidron.

KJV (with Strong's)

And also Maachah {H4601} his mother {H517}, even her he removed {H5493} from being queen {H1377}, because she had made {H6213} an idol {H4656} in a grove {H842}; and Asa {H609} destroyed {H3772} her idol {H4656}, and burnt {H8313} it by the brook {H5158} Kidron {H6939}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He also deposed Ma'akhah from her position as queen mother, because she had made a disgusting image as an asherah. Asa cut down this image of hers and burned it in Vadi Kidron.

Berean Standard Bible

He also removed his grandmother Maacah from her position as queen mother because she had made a detestable Asherah pole. Asa chopped down the pole and burned it in the Kidron Valley.

American Standard Version

And also Maacah his mother he removed from being queen, because she had made an abominable image for an Asherah; and Asa cut down her image, and burnt it at the brook Kidron.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 15:13 recounts King Asa of Judah's decisive act of religious reform, wherein he removed his grandmother, Maachah, from her influential position as queen mother due to her promotion of idolatry. This verse highlights Asa's unwavering commitment to Yahweh, demonstrating a profound willingness to prioritize the spiritual purity of the nation over familial ties and political expediency, culminating in the destruction of Maachah's Asherah idol by the Kidron Valley.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the Deuteronomistic history, specifically detailing the reign of King Asa of Judah, who ascended the throne after his father Abijam (also known as Abijah). The narrative in 1 Kings 15 contrasts Asa's generally righteous reign with the apostasy of many of his predecessors and contemporaries in both Judah and Israel. While Asa is commended for his devotion to the Lord and his efforts to cleanse Judah of idolatry, the broader context of [1 Kings 15:9-24](/1_kings/15-9 "1 Kings 15:9-24 - Reign of King Asa") also notes his later reliance on human alliances rather than God. This account is significantly expanded upon in [2 Chronicles 14-16](/2_chronicles/14 "2 Chronicles 14-16 - Asa's Reforms and Later Life"), which provides additional details about his extensive reforms, military victories, and ultimate spiritual decline. The removal of Maachah is presented as a pivotal act early in his reign, signaling his serious intent to restore pure worship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern monarchies, the "queen mother" (Hebrew: _gebirah_) held a position of considerable authority and influence, often surpassing that of the king's primary wife. Maachah, identified as Asa's grandmother (though sometimes referred to as "mother" in a broader sense, indicating her matriarchal status), would have wielded significant power, making Asa's decision to depose her a truly radical and courageous move. The "idol in a grove" refers to an image or cultic pole dedicated to Asherah, a prominent Canaanite fertility goddess whose worship frequently infiltrated Israelite religious practices, often in "high places" or sacred groves. This syncretism was a constant source of divine displeasure and a direct violation of the Mosaic Law, particularly the [Second Commandment](/exodus/20-4 "Exodus 20:4 - The Prohibition Against Idols"). The Kidron Valley, located to the east of Jerusalem, served as a natural boundary and, significantly, as a common place for the disposal of defiled objects and the ashes of pagan sacrifices, symbolizing a thorough and public rejection of impurity, as seen in later reforms by kings like Josiah in [2 Kings 23:6](/2_kings/23-6 "2 Kings 23:6 - Josiah's Reforms at Kidron").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes central to the book of Kings and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of uncompromising piety and radical obedience to God, even when it demands personal sacrifice and confrontation with powerful figures. Asa's willingness to challenge his own grandmother demonstrates a profound commitment to God's covenant commands above all else. Secondly, the verse highlights the pervasive danger and consequences of idolatry, portraying it as a direct affront to God that necessitates drastic measures for its eradication. Maachah's idolatry led to her downfall and the public destruction of her idol, serving as a stark warning. Thirdly, it emphasizes the theme of spiritual reform and national cleansing, as Asa actively purifies Judah from pagan practices, setting a standard for righteous leadership. Finally, the narrative showcases the critical responsibility of leadership in fostering and maintaining the spiritual health of a nation, demonstrating that a king's personal faith must translate into national policy and action.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **queen (Hebrew, _gᵉbîyrâh'_):** This term (H1377) refers to the queen mother, a position of immense power and influence in the Judahite court. Asa's removal of Maachah from this role was a radical act, demonstrating his prioritization of religious purity over political stability or familial loyalty. The _gᵉbîyrâh_ often wielded more authority than the king's primary wife, making Asa's decision particularly bold and significant.
* **idol (Hebrew, _miphletseth'_):** The Hebrew term (H4656) literally conveys "a horror" or "a frightful thing," emphasizing the utterly detestable and abominable nature of the object in God's eyes. This was not a mere statue but a representation of a pagan deity, specifically Asherah (implied by "in a grove"), making its presence and worship a grave offense against Yahweh and a source of defilement for the land.
* **destroyed (Hebrew, _kârath'_):** The primitive root (H3772) often implies a decisive, complete severance or cutting off. In the context of the idol, it signifies a thorough and definitive eradication, not merely a removal. This act of "cutting off" the idol reflects Asa's uncompromising commitment to severing Judah's ties with pagan worship and purifying the land from its spiritual corruption.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And also Maachah his mother, even her he removed from [being] queen":** This clause immediately establishes the radical nature of Asa's reform. The queen mother held immense power and prestige in the Judahite court, making her removal an unprecedented and highly controversial act. Asa's willingness to depose his own grandmother demonstrates his unwavering commitment to God's commands above personal loyalty or political expediency, setting a tone for his reign as a reformer.
* **"because she had made an idol in a grove":** This provides the explicit justification for Maachah's removal. Her offense was not merely passive tolerance of idolatry but active participation in its promotion through the creation of a specific "abominable image" dedicated to Asherah. This act directly violated the covenant stipulations against worshipping other gods and making graven images, underscoring the severity of her sin and the necessity of Asa's response.
* **"and Asa destroyed her idol, and burnt [it] by the brook Kidron":** This final clause details the decisive and symbolic action taken by Asa. The destruction of the idol signifies a complete rejection of pagan worship. Burning it by the brook Kidron, a valley east of Jerusalem often associated with impurity and used for disposing of defiled objects, emphasizes the thoroughness of the cleansing and the public declaration of Judah's return to Yahweh worship. It was an act of purification, removing the defilement from the holy city.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Contrast** is evident in the depiction of Asa's righteousness against the backdrop of Maachah's idolatry and the general apostasy of previous kings. This highlights Asa as a beacon of faithfulness. **Symbolism** is richly present: the "idol in a grove" symbolizes the pervasive spiritual corruption threatening Judah, while its destruction represents the purification and restoration of true worship. The **brook Kidron** itself is a powerful symbol, a place of defilement and disposal, making its use for burning the idol a vivid representation of cleansing and the definitive rejection of paganism. Furthermore, Asa's action can be seen as **foreshadowing** later, more extensive reforms, such as those undertaken by King Josiah, who also used the Kidron Valley for the disposal of idolatrous objects, reinforcing a pattern of righteous kings cleansing the land.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
King Asa's actions in 1 Kings 15:13 resonate deeply with foundational biblical theology, particularly the themes of exclusive worship and covenant faithfulness. God demands singular devotion from His people, as articulated in the [Shema](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4 - The Shema: Hear, O Israel") and the [first two commandments](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment"). Asa's radical obedience, even to the point of confronting a powerful family member, exemplifies the kind of uncompromising commitment God desires. His zeal for the purity of worship reflects the divine jealousy for His own glory and His abhorrence of anything that usurps His rightful place. This event serves as a powerful reminder that true faith often requires difficult choices, prioritizing God's will above all human relationships or personal comforts, and actively removing anything that hinders genuine devotion. It underscores the ongoing spiritual battle against idolatry, whether overt or subtle, in the lives of individuals and communities.

* [Deuteronomy 7:5](/deuteronomy/7-5 "Deuteronomy 7:5 - Destroying Idols")
* [2 Chronicles 15:8](/2_chronicles/15-8 "2 Chronicles 15:8 - Asa's Further Reforms")
* [Psalm 101:3](/psalms/101-3 "Psalm 101:3 - A King's Commitment to Purity")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
King Asa's courageous act in 1 Kings 15:13 offers profound lessons for believers today. In a world saturated with distractions and competing loyalties, Asa's uncompromising devotion challenges us to examine our own hearts for "idols"—anything that takes precedence over God in our affections, time, or resources. These modern idols might not be physical statues, but could manifest as career ambition, financial security, relationships, social media, or even self-image. Asa's willingness to sever a powerful familial tie for the sake of spiritual purity calls us to a similar radical obedience, reminding us that true discipleship often demands difficult choices and a willingness to stand against prevailing norms, even within our own families or communities, if they compromise our devotion to Christ. For those in leadership, whether in the home, church, or workplace, Asa's example underscores the solemn responsibility to foster environments conducive to pure worship and righteous living, even when it requires confronting difficult truths or making unpopular decisions. Just as Asa cleansed Judah, we are called to continually cleanse our own lives and spheres of influence, striving for a heart fully devoted to God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "idols" (anything that competes with God for ultimate devotion) might be present in my own life, and what steps can I take to remove them?**
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to compromise my faith for the sake of comfort, acceptance, or personal relationships?**
* **How does Asa's courage in confronting his grandmother inspire me to exercise spiritual integrity in difficult situations?**
* **If I am in a position of influence, how can I emulate Asa's commitment to fostering an environment of pure worship and righteousness?**

### FAQ
**Who was Maachah and why was her removal from being queen significant?**

Answer: Maachah was the queen mother, identified in the biblical text as Asa's grandmother (though sometimes referred to as "mother" in a broader sense, indicating her matriarchal status and influence). She was the daughter of Abishalom (Absalom) and the mother of Abijam (Asa's father). In ancient Judah, the queen mother held a position of immense power, prestige, and influence, often serving as a regent or advisor. Her removal was profoundly significant because it was an act of extreme courage and conviction on Asa's part. It demonstrated his unwavering commitment to God's commands above all personal and political considerations, including familial loyalty and the potential for courtly upheaval. By deposing such a powerful figure, Asa publicly declared his absolute dedication to purifying the nation from idolatry, setting a clear standard for his reign.

**What was an "idol in a grove" and why was its destruction by the brook Kidron important?**

Answer: The phrase "idol in a grove" refers to an abominable image or cultic pole dedicated to Asherah, a prominent Canaanite fertility goddess. The Hebrew term used, _mipheletseth la'asherah_, emphasizes its detestable nature and direct association with this pagan deity. These idols were often erected in "groves" or "high places," which were sites of Canaanite worship that had infiltrated Israelite religious practices. Their presence was a direct violation of God's covenant and the [Second Commandment](/exodus/20-4 "Exodus 20:4 - The Prohibition Against Idols"). The destruction of this idol by burning it in the brook Kidron was highly symbolic and practical. The Kidron Valley, located east of Jerusalem, was historically a place associated with impurity and was often used for the disposal of defiled objects, including the ashes of pagan sacrifices. Burning the idol there signified a thorough, public, and definitive cleansing of the land from its spiritual defilement, reinforcing Asa's commitment to restoring pure worship to Yahweh. This act of purification was later emulated by other reforming kings, such as Josiah, as noted in [2 Kings 23:6](/2_kings/23-6 "2 Kings 23:6 - Josiah's Reforms at the Brook Kidron").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
King Asa's zealous act of cleansing Judah from idolatry, even at great personal cost, serves as a powerful Old Testament shadow pointing to the ultimate and perfect cleansing accomplished by Jesus Christ. Asa, as a righteous king, removed an external idol and its associated defilement from the land, but Christ, the true and eternal King, came to remove the idolatry from the human heart itself. While Asa deposed a queen mother who promoted false worship, Jesus, as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offered Himself as the ultimate sacrifice to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, making us new creations. His blood cleanses our consciences from dead works to serve the living God ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Cleansing of Conscience")). Asa's willingness to prioritize God above familial ties foreshadows Christ's call to radical discipleship, where love for Him must supersede even the closest earthly relationships, as He declared in [Matthew 10:37](/matthew/10-37 "Matthew 10:37 - Loving Christ Above Family"). Ultimately, Asa's reform was temporary and incomplete, but Christ's work establishes a spiritual kingdom of priests, a holy nation, truly purified and set apart for God ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")). Through Christ, believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to put to death the "earthly members" which include idolatry, covetousness, and impurity ([Colossians 3:5](/colossians/3-5 "Colossians 3:5 - Putting to Death Earthly Things")), living lives of true worship and devotion to the One true God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 32:20

And he took the calf which they had made, and burnt [it] in the fire, and ground [it] to powder, and strawed [it] upon the water, and made the children of Israel drink [of it].

Deuteronomy 9:21

And I took your sin, the calf which ye had made, and burnt it with fire, and stamped it, [and] ground [it] very small, [even] until it was as small as dust: and I cast the dust thereof into the brook that descended out of the mount.

2 Samuel 15:23

And all the country wept with a loud voice, and all the people passed over: the king also himself passed over the brook Kidron, and all the people passed over, toward the way of the wilderness.

2 Kings 23:6

And he brought out the grove from the house of the LORD, without Jerusalem, unto the brook Kidron, and burned it at the brook Kidron, and stamped [it] small to powder, and cast the powder thereof upon the graves of the children of the people.

2 Chronicles 15:15

And all Judah rejoiced at the oath: for they had sworn with all their heart, and sought him with their whole desire; and he was found of them: and the LORD gave them rest round about.

2 Chronicles 15:19

And there was no [more] war unto the five and thirtieth year of the reign of Asa.

Deuteronomy 13:6

¶ If thy brother, the son of thy mother, or thy son, or thy daughter, or the wife of thy bosom, or thy friend, which [is] as thine own soul, entice thee secretly, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which thou hast not known, thou, nor thy fathers;