2 Chronicles 24:7

KJV

For the sons of Athaliah, that wicked woman, had broken up the house of God; and also all the dedicated things of the house of the LORD did they bestow upon Baalim.

KJV (with Strong's)

For the sons {H1121} of Athaliah {H6271}, that wicked {H4849} woman, had broken up {H6555} the house {H1004} of God {H430}; and also all the dedicated things {H6944} of the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068} did they bestow {H6213} upon Baalim {H1168}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For the sons of that wicked 'Atalyahu had broken up the house of God, and they had given all the consecrated things belonging to the house of ADONAI to the ba'alim.

Berean Standard Bible

For the sons of that wicked woman Athaliah had broken into the house of God and had even used the sacred objects of the house of the LORD for the Baals.

American Standard Version

For the sons of Athaliah, that wicked woman, had broken up the house of God; and also all the dedicated things of the house of Jehovah did they bestow upon the Baalim.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 24:7 offers a stark portrayal of the profound spiritual and physical decay that afflicted the Temple in Jerusalem during the six-year reign of Queen Athaliah. This verse vividly recounts how Athaliah's sons, under her wicked influence, not only damaged the sacred edifice but also brazenly plundered its consecrated vessels and treasures, repurposing these holy items for the idolatrous worship of Baal. This act of extreme desecration underscores the depths of apostasy into which Judah had fallen, setting a critical backdrop for the subsequent narrative of King Joash's divinely inspired efforts to restore the house of the LORD.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the broader narrative of 2 Chronicles 24, which details the reign of King Joash. It immediately follows the account of Joash's miraculous preservation from Athaliah's purge of the royal seed and his subsequent enthronement at the age of seven. The preceding verses [2 Chronicles 24:1-3](/2_chronicles/24-1 "2 Chronicles 24:1-3 - Joash's Righteous Reign Begins") establish Joash's initial righteous reign under the guidance of Jehoiada the priest, who had hidden him from Athaliah. Verse 7 serves as a crucial explanation for why Joash, later in the chapter, would feel compelled to initiate a comprehensive repair and restoration project for the Temple [2 Chronicles 24:4-14](/2_chronicles/24-4 "2 Chronicles 24:4-14 - Joash Repairs the Temple"). It highlights the dire state of disrepair and spiritual corruption that necessitated such an undertaking, emphasizing the severity of Athaliah's destructive legacy.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Queen Athaliah, the daughter of the infamous King Ahab and Jezebel of Israel, brought the deeply entrenched idolatry of the Northern Kingdom into Judah through her marriage to King Jehoram. After her son King Ahaziah was killed, she seized power by brutally executing all potential heirs to the throne, as recounted in [2 Kings 11:1](/2_kings/11-1 "2 Kings 11:1 - Athaliah's Usurpation of the Throne"). Her six-year reign (c. 841-835 BC) was characterized by a systematic promotion of Baal worship, which was the dominant pagan cult of the Canaanites, often associated with fertility and storms. The "house of God" refers to Solomon's magnificent Temple in Jerusalem, the central sanctuary for the worship of Yahweh. The act of "breaking up" the Temple implies not merely neglect, but active vandalism, plundering, and structural damage. The "dedicated things" were sacred vessels, treasures, and offerings consecrated for divine service, set apart for the exclusive use of the LORD. To "bestow upon Baalim" meant these holy items were literally transferred from the Temple of Yahweh and used in the rituals and shrines dedicated to Baal, a profound act of sacrilege and a blatant display of spiritual apostasy that mocked God's holiness and covenant.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes woven throughout 2 Chronicles and the broader historical books. Firstly, it underscores the **desecration of sacred space**, demonstrating the extreme lengths to which ungodly leadership would go in dishonoring God’s dwelling place, transforming it from a site of worship into one of destruction and pagan rites. Secondly, it serves as a stark illustration of the **consequences of wicked leadership**, showing how Athaliah's tyrannical and idolatrous rule directly led to the spiritual and physical decay of the nation's most vital religious institution. Her actions directly undermined the worship of the true God and fostered widespread apostasy. Thirdly, the transfer of dedicated items to Baalim vividly illustrates **idolatry's corrupting and destructive nature**, revealing how false worship seeks to replace God and pervert true devotion. Finally, by detailing the extent of the damage, the verse provides the essential **foundation for restoration**, setting the stage for King Joash's subsequent efforts, under the guidance of Jehoiada the priest, to repair and cleanse the Temple, initiating a period of spiritual revival for Judah as described in [2 Chronicles 24:4](/2_chronicles/24-4 "2 Chronicles 24:4 - Joash's Initiative to Repair the Temple").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Athaliah (Hebrew, _'Ătalyāh'_):** This name, meaning "Yahweh is exalted" or "Yahweh has restrained," ironically belongs to one of Judah's most wicked queens. She was the daughter of King Ahab and Jezebel of Israel, notorious for their promotion of Baal worship. Her characterization as "that wicked woman" (אִשָּׁה הָרְשָׁעָה, _ishshah hārĕshā‘āh_) is a strong moral indictment, emphasizing her active role in leading Judah into idolatry and her violent usurpation of the throne. This phrase immediately signals to the reader the depth of her depravity and the severe consequences of her actions.
* **broken up (Hebrew, פָּרַץ, _parats'_):** The verb _parats_ carries a strong connotation of breaking through, bursting forth, or making a breach. It suggests more than mere neglect or disrepair; it implies active, violent destruction and plundering. The Temple was not simply allowed to fall into disuse; it was actively "broken into" or "breached" for the purpose of removing its valuable contents. This word paints a picture of deliberate vandalism and desecration, indicating a forceful violation of the Temple's sanctity.
* **Baalim (Hebrew, בְּעָלִים, _bĕ‘ālîm'_):** This is the plural form of "Baal," referring to various local manifestations of the Canaanite storm and fertility god, or more generally, to multiple pagan deities. The use of the plural emphasizes the widespread nature of idolatry during Athaliah's reign and the multiplicity of false gods being worshipped. The transfer of items "upon Baalim" means these sacred objects were dedicated to or used in the service of these pagan idols, directly contrasting with their original purpose of honoring Yahweh.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For the sons of Athaliah, that wicked woman":** This clause immediately identifies the perpetrators and their motivation. "Sons of Athaliah" refers to her offspring, who, under her corrupting influence and likely with her direct command or approval, participated in these sacrilegious acts. The epithet "that wicked woman" serves as a moral judgment, highlighting Athaliah's profound depravity and her active role in leading her family and the nation into apostasy. It sets the tone for understanding the severity of the subsequent actions.
* **"had broken up the house of God":** This describes the physical desecration of the Temple. The verb "broken up" (from _parats_) indicates that the Temple was not just neglected but actively damaged, possibly with walls breached or structures dismantled. This was a deliberate act of vandalism and disrespect towards the sacred dwelling place of Yahweh, signifying a direct assault on the worship of the true God.
* **"and also all the dedicated things of the house of the LORD":** This specifies the objects of the plundering. "Dedicated things" refers to the sacred vessels, treasures, and offerings that had been consecrated and set apart for use in the Temple rituals and for the service of Yahweh. These items were considered holy and inviolable, representing the people's devotion and God's presence. The phrase "all the dedicated things" emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the theft and desecration, leaving nothing untouched.
* **"did they bestow upon Baalim":** This final clause reveals the ultimate act of sacrilege and the purpose of the plunder. The "dedicated things" were not merely stolen for personal gain but were actively transferred and consecrated to the worship of pagan deities, specifically "Baalim." This was the ultimate insult to Yahweh, taking what was holy to Him and offering it to false gods, thereby perverting the very essence of worship and demonstrating the depths of idolatrous rebellion.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Epithet** is immediately evident in "that wicked woman," which functions as a strong moral label for Athaliah, immediately signaling her depravity and setting a negative tone for her actions. **Contrast** is central to the verse, highlighting the stark opposition between the "house of God" and "Baalim," and between "dedicated things" (holy to Yahweh) and their "bestowal upon Baalim" (for pagan worship). This contrast underscores the profound sacrilege committed. The verb "broken up" (Hebrew _parats_) suggests **Hyperbole** or intense imagery, conveying not just damage but a violent, destructive breach, emphasizing the extreme nature of the desecration. Furthermore, the Temple itself, along with its "dedicated things," functions as **Symbolism**. The Temple symbolizes God's presence and the covenant relationship with Israel, while the dedicated items symbolize the people's devotion and God's holiness. Their desecration by Athaliah's sons thus symbolizes the spiritual brokenness and apostasy of the nation under her influence, setting the stage for the subsequent narrative of **Restoration** under Joash.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The desecration of the Temple in 2 Chronicles 24:7 stands as a stark theological warning against idolatry and the profanation of what is holy. It underscores God's demand for exclusive worship and the severe consequences of spiritual compromise. The Temple, as God's dwelling place among His people, symbolized His presence and covenant faithfulness. Its defilement by Athaliah's sons was not merely a physical act but a profound spiritual rebellion, a direct affront to God's holiness and sovereignty. This act of transferring sacred items to pagan gods highlights the insidious nature of idolatry, which seeks to usurp God's rightful place and corrupt true worship. The narrative implicitly teaches that ungodly leadership can lead a nation into deep spiritual decay, necessitating divine intervention and righteous restoration. This historical account serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of protecting and reverencing all that is dedicated to God, whether physical structures, spiritual practices, or personal devotion.

* [Deuteronomy 12:2-4](/deuteronomy/12-2 "Descriptive Title")
* [Jeremiah 7:11](/jeremiah/7-11 "Descriptive Title")
* [Malachi 3:8-9](/malachi/3-8 "Descriptive Title")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of the Temple's desecration by Athaliah's sons in 2 Chronicles 24:7 carries profound contemporary relevance for believers. It challenges us to examine what we consider "holy" in our lives and whether we are truly dedicating our resources, time, and affections to God, or if we are, perhaps subtly, "bestowing" them upon modern-day "Baalim"—idols of wealth, success, comfort, self-gratification, or even seemingly good causes that displace God from His rightful supremacy. This verse reminds us that spiritual compromise is a slippery slope, and neglecting what is sacred can quickly lead to active desecration. It calls us to vigilant stewardship of our spiritual integrity, ensuring that our lives, which are temples of the Holy Spirit, are preserved from anything that would defile them or draw us away from pure devotion to God. Furthermore, it highlights the critical role of righteous leadership, both in the church and in society, in preserving spiritual truth and order, and the responsibility of every believer to stand against influences that seek to undermine God's honor.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "dedicated things" in my life (time, talents, resources, affections) might I be inadvertently "bestowing upon Baalim" (i.e., prioritizing over God)?**
* **How does the desecration of the physical Temple in this verse speak to the importance of maintaining the purity and holiness of my own body as a temple of the Holy Spirit?**
* **In what ways might I, or my community, be susceptible to the "wicked influence" of ungodly leadership or cultural trends that subtly promote spiritual compromise?**
* **What steps can I take to actively "repair" and "restore" areas of my life that may have become neglected or compromised in my devotion to God?**

### FAQ
**Who was Athaliah and why was she called "that wicked woman"?**

Answer: Athaliah was the daughter of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel of Israel, notorious for their promotion of Baal worship. She married King Jehoram of Judah, bringing the idolatry of the Northern Kingdom into the Southern Kingdom. After her son, King Ahaziah, died, she brutally seized power by attempting to exterminate all royal heirs, including her own grandchildren, to secure her throne ([2 Kings 11:1](/2_kings/11-1 "2 Kings 11:1 - Athaliah's Usurpation")). She was called "that wicked woman" because her reign was characterized by extreme cruelty, political usurpation, and the aggressive promotion of pagan Baal worship, which directly undermined the worship of Yahweh and led Judah into deep spiritual apostasy.

**What does "broken up the house of God" imply beyond mere neglect?**

Answer: The phrase "broken up" (Hebrew: _parats_) signifies more than just neglect or disrepair. It implies active, violent destruction, plundering, and making a breach. Under Athaliah's rule, the Temple was not simply left to decay; it was actively invaded, damaged, and its structures possibly dismantled or breached to facilitate the removal of its valuable contents. This was a deliberate act of vandalism and sacrilege, a direct assault on the sanctity of God's dwelling place and a symbol of the spiritual chaos she unleashed.

**What were the "dedicated things" and why was their transfer to Baalim so significant?**

Answer: The "dedicated things" refer to the sacred vessels, treasures, and offerings that had been consecrated and set apart exclusively for use in the Temple rituals and for the service of Yahweh. These items, such as golden and silver vessels, priestly garments, and offerings, were considered holy and inviolable, representing the people's devotion and God's presence. Their transfer "upon Baalim" means these holy items were literally taken from the Temple of Yahweh and repurposed for the worship of pagan deities, specifically Baal. This act was profoundly significant because it represented the ultimate act of sacrilege and idolatry, a direct mockery of God's holiness, and a blatant perversion of true worship. It demonstrated the complete spiritual rebellion and contempt for Yahweh that characterized Athaliah's reign.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The desecration of the Temple in 2 Chronicles 24:7, where the physical house of God was broken and its holy things offered to idols, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in several profound ways. First, it foreshadows the ultimate "breaking" of the Temple of God by human sin, which led to the spiritual defilement of humanity and the separation from God. Just as the physical Temple was defiled, so too was humanity, created in God's image, corrupted by sin, becoming a "den of robbers" rather than a house of prayer ([Matthew 21:13](/matthew/21-13 "Matthew 21:13 - Den of Robbers")). However, Jesus Christ, the true and greater Temple of God, came to cleanse and restore what was broken. He declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," speaking of the temple of His body ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus and the Temple")). Through His sacrificial death on the cross, He became the ultimate "dedicated thing," the perfect offering that cleanses us from all sin, making us, His believers, living temples of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 3:16](/1_corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16 - You Are God's Temple")). Furthermore, Christ's work reverses the spiritual idolatry exemplified by Athaliah's sons; He calls us away from serving "Baalim" (any false god or earthly master) to worship the one true God, enabling us to offer our lives as "living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God" ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")). He is the true High Priest who entered the greater and more perfect tent, not made with hands, to obtain eternal redemption for us ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")), thus purifying us to be fit dwelling places for God's Spirit.

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

2 Chronicles 21:17

And they came up into Judah, and brake into it, and carried away all the substance that was found in the king's house, and his sons also, and his wives; so that there was never a son left him, save Jehoahaz, the youngest of his sons.

Ezekiel 16:17

Thou hast also taken thy fair jewels of my gold and of my silver, which I had given thee, and madest to thyself images of men, and didst commit whoredom with them,

Ezekiel 16:21

That thou hast slain my children, and delivered them to cause them to pass through [the fire] for them?

Proverbs 10:7

¶ The memory of the just [is] blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.

Hosea 2:13

And I will visit upon her the days of Baalim, wherein she burned incense to them, and she decked herself with her earrings and her jewels, and she went after her lovers, and forgat me, saith the LORD.

Daniel 5:23

But hast lifted up thyself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of his house before thee, and thou, and thy lords, thy wives, and thy concubines, have drunk wine in them; and thou hast praised the gods of silver, and gold, of brass, iron, wood, and stone, which see not, nor hear, nor know: and the God in whose hand thy breath [is], and whose [are] all thy ways, hast thou not glorified:

2 Kings 12:4

¶ And Jehoash said to the priests, All the money of the dedicated things that is brought into the house of the LORD, [even] the money of every one that passeth [the account], the money that every man is set at, [and] all the money that cometh into any man's heart to bring into the house of the LORD,