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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 2 Chronicles 34:1–7.
Concerning Josiah we are here told, 1. That he came to the crown when he was very young, only eight years old (yet his infancy did not debar him from his right), and he reigned thirty-one years (Ch2 34:1), a considerable time. I fear, however, that in the beginning of his reign things went much as they had done in his father's time, because, being a child, he must have left the management of them to others; so that it was not till his twelfth year, which goes far in the number of his years, that the reformation began, Ch2 34:3. He could not, as Hezekiah did, fall about it immediately. 2. That he reigned very well (Ch2 34:2), approved himself to God, trod in the steps of David, and did not decline either to the right hand of to the left: for there are errors on both hands. 3. That while he was young, about sixteen years old, he began to seek after God, Ch2 34:3. We have reason to think he had not so good an education as Manasseh had (it is well if those about him did not endeavour to corrupt and debauch him); yet he thus sought God when he was young. It is the duty and interest of young people, and will particularly be the honour of young gentlemen, as soon as they come to years of understanding, to begin to seek God; for those that seek him early shall find him. 4. That in the twelfth year of his reign, when it is probable he took the administration of the government entirely into his own hands, he began to purge his kingdom from the remains of idolatry; he destroyed the high places, groves, images, altars, all the utensils of idolatry, v. 3, 4. He not only cast them out as Manasseh did, but broke them to pieces, and made dust of them. This destruction of idolatry is here said to be in his twelfth year, but it was said (Kg2 23:23) to be in his eighteenth year. Something was probably done towards it in his twelfth year; then he began to purge out idolatry, but that good work met with opposition, so that it was not thoroughly done till they had found the book of the law six years afterwards. But here the whole work is laid together briefly which was much more largely and particularly related in the Kings. His zeal carried him out to do this, not only in Judah and Jerusalem, but in the cities of Israel too, as far as he had any influence upon them.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
With zeal immense, Josiah,
Himself a prince, acted in such a way
As no one before or after him had ever done!—Idols he
Dethroned; destroyed unhallowed temples; burned
With fire priests on their altars; all the bones
Of false prophets were dug up; the altars burned,
The carcasses to be consumed did serve
For fuel!
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Summary
King Josiah, driven by a profound commitment to Yahweh, initiated a sweeping spiritual reformation across Judah and Jerusalem. This particular verse vividly describes a radical and symbolic act within this cleansing: the burning of the bones of idolatrous priests directly upon the altars where they had previously offered sacrifices to false deities. This severe measure served not only to physically eradicate the remnants of pagan worship but also to ritually defile and permanently desecrate these altars, rendering them utterly unfit for any future idolatrous practice, thereby comprehensively purifying the land from its deep-seated apostasy and restoring it to a state conducive to true worship.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is strategically placed within the larger narrative of King Josiah's extensive and zealous religious reforms, which commenced in the eighth year of his reign and intensified significantly in his twelfth year, as detailed in 2 Chronicles 34:3. The preceding verses establish Josiah's early and unwavering commitment to seeking God and his initial, foundational efforts to purge Judah and Jerusalem of the pervasive idolatry that had plagued the nation for generations. 2 Chronicles 34:4 specifically describes the systematic destruction of idolatrous altars and Asherah poles, setting the stage for the more extreme act described in verse 5. Furthermore, 2 Chronicles 34:6-7 illustrate the far-reaching scope of these cleansing efforts, extending beyond the immediate vicinity of Jerusalem into the territories of Manasseh, Ephraim, Simeon, and even Naphtali, underscoring the thoroughness and comprehensive nature of Josiah's campaign. Therefore, 2 Chronicles 34:5 highlights a particularly striking and deeply symbolic act of desecration that emphatically underscores the depth of Josiah's unwavering commitment to eradicating every vestige of pagan worship from the land of Judah.
Historical & Cultural Context
Josiah's reign (640-609 BC) coincided with a crucial period of decline for the mighty Assyrian Empire, which had long exerted oppressive control over Judah. This geopolitical shift provided Judah with a unique window of opportunity for renewed political and religious independence. For decades prior, under the reigns of kings like Manasseh and Amon, Judah had plunged into extreme and pervasive idolatry, incorporating a multitude of foreign cults and even abhorrent practices such as child sacrifice into their religious landscape. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, including Israel, the burning of human bones, especially those of priests, upon altars was an act of profound and deliberate desecration. It was widely regarded as the ultimate insult and an act designed to render the altars ceremonially unclean and permanently unfit for any form of worship, whether pagan or otherwise. This act carried significant prophetic weight, as it directly fulfilled the prophecy made centuries earlier by the man of God against the altar at Bethel, where he declared that "bones of men shall be burned on you" (as recorded in 1 Kings 13:2). This precise fulfillment powerfully underscores God's long-term sovereignty, His unwavering justice, and the inevitable consequences of persistent apostasy.
Key Themes
Josiah's radical actions, particularly those described in 2 Chronicles 34, powerfully illuminate several foundational biblical themes. First, Radical Purification is vividly demonstrated in his uncompromising commitment to eradicating all forms of idolatry. He went far beyond mere destruction of idols, extending his efforts to defile the very instruments and symbols of false worship. This reflects the Mosaic law's stringent commands to utterly destroy pagan altars and images, leaving no trace of their existence (as seen in Deuteronomy 12:2-3). Second, the Desecration of Idolatry through the burning of bones on altars symbolizes the utter contempt for false deities and their practices, rendering them completely powerless and defiled in the eyes of the people. This act served as a public and unequivocal declaration of the Lord's supreme authority and exclusive claim over all other gods. Third, the entire comprehensive cleansing process undertaken by Josiah was an essential precursor to the Restoration of True Worship of the Lord God of Israel, which formed the cornerstone of Josiah's broader spiritual revival and the subsequent, pivotal rediscovery of the Book of the Law (detailed in 2 Chronicles 34:14-21). Finally, Josiah's actions embody Covenant Faithfulness, as he diligently sought to bring Judah back into faithful obedience to the covenant stipulations of God, which unequivocally demanded exclusive worship of Yahweh alone.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
A primitive root meaning "to be (causatively, set) on fire; (cause to, make a) burn((-ing), up) kindle, [idiom] utterly." In this context, śāraph signifies a deliberate, comprehensive, and often destructive act of burning. It implies not merely disposal but a ritual act intended to render something utterly useless, defiled, or destroyed. The burning of human bones, in particular, was considered a profound act of dishonor, preventing proper burial and thus denying the deceased any hope of rest or connection to their ancestors, thereby emphasizing the finality and severity of the judgment.
Meaning "a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e. (as pron.) selfsame; body, bone, [idiom] life, (self-) same, strength, [idiom] very." In ancient Israelite culture, bones represented the very essence of a person and were treated with profound reverence, necessitating proper burial. The desecration of bones was therefore a severe act of judgment and dishonor, underscoring the complete rejection of the idolatrous priests and their abominable practices. Burning their bones upon their own altars was the ultimate act of defilement, making the altars permanently unclean and unfit for any sacred use.
A primitive root meaning "properly, to be bright; i.e. (by implication); to be pure (physical sound, clear, unadulterated; Levitically, uncontaminated; morally, innocent or holy); be (make, make self, pronounce) clean, cleanse (self), purge, purify(-ier, self)." Here, ṭâhêr denotes a comprehensive process of purification, extending beyond mere physical removal to encompass a spiritual and religious cleansing of the land and its people from the pervasive defilement of idolatry. This act aimed to restore Judah and Jerusalem to a state of ritual and moral purity where they could properly worship the Lord God of Israel without hindrance or contamination from pagan practices.
Verse Breakdown
"And he burnt the bones of the priests upon their altars"
This clause details the specific, drastic, and highly symbolic action undertaken by King Josiah. The "priests" referred to here are not the legitimate Levitical priests of Yahweh, but rather those who served false gods such as Baal, Asherah, and the host of heaven. Burning their bones directly upon the very altars where these illicit sacrifices were performed was a deliberate act of profound defilement and divine judgment. It served as a public and unequivocal declaration that these altars, once sites of abominable worship, were now utterly profaned, rendered permanently unusable for any future idolatrous rites. This act also carried immense prophetic significance, serving as a direct fulfillment of the prophecy against the altar at Bethel, as specifically mentioned in 1 Kings 13:2, thereby demonstrating God's long-term sovereign plan for justice and the inevitable consequences of persistent apostasy.
"and cleansed Judah and Jerusalem"
This concluding clause articulates the overarching purpose and profound effect of Josiah's radical actions. The burning of bones, while a singularly impactful event, was but one crucial component of a much larger, comprehensive program of spiritual purification. The term "cleansed" implies a thorough and systematic removal of all defiling elements—including idols, high places, Asherah poles, and indeed, the very memory and instruments of false worship. This cleansing was not merely physical; it was fundamentally aimed at restoring the spiritual purity of the land and its inhabitants, preparing them for a renewed and unblemished covenant relationship with the one true God.
Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. Symbolism is paramount, as the burning of human bones upon altars is a potent and visceral symbol of utter desecration and the complete rejection of idolatry. It signifies the death and ultimate dishonor of the false religious system that had deeply corrupted Judah. The altars, once places of illicit worship, are now rendered permanently defiled by this act, powerfully symbolizing the triumph of true worship over false. Fulfillment of Prophecy is also a significant element, as this act directly echoes the ancient prophecy found in 1 Kings 13:2, highlighting God's sovereign control over history and the inevitable consequences of disobedience. Furthermore, the verse employs Contrast, setting Josiah's zealous, righteous, and uncompromising actions against the grim backdrop of the deep-seated apostasy and spiritual decay fostered by his predecessors, particularly Manasseh and Amon. This stark contrast powerfully emphasizes Josiah's unique and unwavering commitment to Yahweh and his radical efforts to restore covenant faithfulness to the nation.
Theological and Thematic Connections
2 Chronicles 34:5 powerfully illustrates God's absolute demand for exclusive worship and His unwavering intolerance of idolatry. Josiah's actions reflect the core biblical principle that God's people must be holy, set apart for Him, and utterly free from the defilement of pagan practices. The burning of bones on altars underscores the severe consequences of spiritual apostasy and the profound depth of purification required to restore a right relationship with God. It signifies a radical and decisive breaking with the past, a public declaration that the Lord alone is God, and that all competing loyalties must be utterly destroyed. This act of cleansing was an essential prerequisite for the spiritual revival that subsequently unfolded, demonstrating that true worship can only genuinely flourish in an environment thoroughly purged of sin and idolatry.
Reflection and Application
Josiah's radical and uncompromising approach to spiritual cleansing, as vividly depicted in 2 Chronicles 34:5, serves as a profound challenge and an enduring model for believers in every generation. Just as Josiah meticulously identified and ruthlessly purged the physical idols and their instruments from the land of Judah, we too are called to engage in a similar, thorough, and honest examination of our own lives. This involves discerning and identifying any "altars" or "idols"—whether they manifest as possessions, career ambitions, relationships, personal comforts, or even subtle forms of self-righteousness—that subtly or overtly compete for the supreme devotion and allegiance due only to God. The severity and finality of Josiah's actions powerfully remind us that spiritual compromise is not a viable option; true devotion demands a radical, no-holds-barred commitment to purity and the exclusive worship of the Lord. We are exhorted to "burn the bones" of anything that defiles our spiritual walk, rendering it utterly unusable for anything but God's glory, and thereby "cleanse" our hearts and lives for His holy presence. This ongoing process of sanctification requires constant vigilance, unwavering resolve, and a zealous pursuit of holiness, ensuring that our lives are truly dedicated to God's glory and remain undefiled by competing affections or practices.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was burning bones on altars considered such a significant act of desecration?
In ancient Israelite and broader Near Eastern cultures, proper burial was of paramount importance, and the desecration of human remains, particularly bones, was considered an extreme insult and a profound act of dishonor. It was believed to prevent the deceased from finding rest and severed their connection to their ancestors and the land. By burning the bones of idolatrous priests directly on their altars, Josiah accomplished multiple layers of defilement. He not only physically destroyed the remnants of pagan worship but also ritually defiled the altars themselves, rendering them utterly unclean and permanently unfit for any sacred purpose, even for the false gods they once served. This act was a public and symbolic declaration of utter contempt for idolatry and its practitioners, effectively making the altars an abomination and a lasting monument to the defeat of false worship. Furthermore, this act directly fulfilled the ancient prophecy given in 1 Kings 13:2, adding a powerful layer of divine judgment and prophetic significance to the desecration, underscoring God's ultimate sovereignty over all false gods and their worship.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Josiah's radical cleansing of Judah and Jerusalem, culminating in the burning of the bones of idolatrous priests on their altars, serves as a powerful and profound foreshadowing of the ultimate and perfect cleansing accomplished by Jesus Christ. While Josiah purged a physical land of physical idols, Christ, the greater King and High Priest, performs a spiritual, eternal, and definitive purification. He is the true Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, whose singular sacrifice on the cross utterly destroys the power of sin and idolatry in the human heart and life. Just as Josiah's act rendered the altars unusable for false worship, Christ's atoning work renders our old, sinful nature powerless, allowing us to be made new creations in Him. Through His precious blood, we are truly "cleansed"—not merely ceremonially, but fundamentally and eternally—from the defilement of sin, enabling us to worship God in spirit and truth. He does not just remove the idols; He replaces them with His own indwelling Spirit, making our very bodies temples of the Holy Spirit, consecrated for true worship and devoted service to the living God. Josiah's work was a temporary, localized reform; Christ's work is a permanent, universal transformation, bringing about a spiritual cleansing that transcends time and space, establishing a people purified for Himself, zealous for good works, and fully reconciled to God.