1 Kings 15:13

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

1 Kings 15:13 chronicles a significant act of religious reform undertaken by King Asa of Judah, emphasizing his commitment to pure worship over familial ties.

Context

This verse is part of the narrative detailing the reign of King Asa, who succeeded his father Abijam (also known as Abijah). Unlike many of his predecessors who tolerated or even promoted idolatry, Asa is largely depicted as a righteous king who sought to purify Judah from pagan practices. His reign marked a period of spiritual revival and military strength, as detailed in 1 Kings 15:9-15 and more extensively in 2 Chronicles 14-16. The "Maachah his mother" mentioned here is identified as the queen mother, a position of significant influence in the ancient Israelite court. Her removal was a drastic measure, indicating the severity of her offense and Asa's unwavering devotion to God.

Key Themes

  • Uncompromising Piety: Asa's decision to depose his own grandmother, Maachah, highlights his profound commitment to God's commands above personal relationships or political expediency. This demonstrates a rare courage in leadership, prioritizing spiritual purity for the nation.
  • Consequences of Idolatry: Maachah's making "an idol in a grove" directly led to her removal. This act of idolatry was a direct violation of the Second Commandment and a recurring problem in Israel's history, leading to national decline and divine judgment.
  • Spiritual Reform: Asa's destruction of the idol and burning it by the brook Kidron symbolizes a thorough cleansing and rejection of pagan worship. The Kidron Valley, located east of Jerusalem, was often associated with impurity and was a common place for disposing of defiled objects, reinforcing the act's symbolic significance.
  • Leadership Responsibility: The verse underscores the critical role of leaders in maintaining the spiritual health of a nation. Asa understood that his personal faith had to translate into national policy, even when it meant confronting powerful figures within his own family.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "idol in a grove" (KJV) or "abominable image for Asherah" (ESV, NIV) refers to an image or pillar dedicated to Asherah, a Canaanite goddess often associated with fertility. These idols were typically found in sacred groves or high places, sites of pagan worship that were repeatedly condemned by God. The Hebrew word for "grove" here, 'asherah' (אֲשֵׁרָה), directly refers to the goddess herself or her cultic pole, not just a patch of trees. This highlights the specific nature of Maachah's idolatry, involving a prominent pagan deity.

Practical Application

For believers today, King Asa's actions serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of spiritual integrity and the need to remove anything that compromises our devotion to God. This can apply to:

  • Personal Purity: Identifying and eliminating "idols" in our own lives—anything that takes precedence over God, whether it be possessions, relationships, ambitions, or habits.
  • Courageous Faith: Having the courage to stand for what is right, even when it means challenging cultural norms, popular opinions, or even difficult family situations.
  • Leadership Integrity: For those in positions of influence, whether in family, church, or community, this verse emphasizes the responsibility to lead by example in upholding righteous principles and fostering environments conducive to true worship.
Just as Asa cleansed Judah, believers are called to maintain a pure heart and a steadfast commitment to God, continually seeking to align their lives with His will, as encouraged in James 4:8.

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Cross-References

  • Exodus 32:20 (5 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • Deuteronomy 13:6 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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;