2 Chronicles 34:5

KJV

And he burnt the bones of the priests upon their altars, and cleansed Judah and Jerusalem.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he burnt {H8313} the bones {H6106} of the priests {H3548} upon their altars {H4196}, and cleansed {H2891} Judah {H3063} and Jerusalem {H3389}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He burned the bones of the priests on their altars, thus cleansing Y'hudah and Yerushalayim.

Berean Standard Bible

Then he burned the bones of the priests on their altars. So he cleansed Judah and Jerusalem.

American Standard Version

And he burnt the bones of the priests upon their altars, and purged Judah and Jerusalem.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
King Josiah, in his zealous pursuit of spiritual reform, undertook a radical purification of Judah and Jerusalem. This verse details a particularly striking act: the burning of the bones of idolatrous priests upon the very altars where they had offered sacrifices to false gods. This severe and symbolic act served not only to physically remove the remnants of pagan worship but also to ritually desecrate the altars, rendering them permanently defiled and unfit for any future idolatrous practice, thereby comprehensively cleansing the land from its deep-seated apostasy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the broader narrative of King Josiah's extensive religious reforms, which began in the eighth year of his reign and intensified in his twelfth year, as detailed in [2 Chronicles 34:3](/2_chronicles/34-3 "2 Chronicles 34:3 - Josiah's Early Reforms"). The preceding verses establish Josiah's early commitment to seeking God and his initial efforts to purge Judah and Jerusalem of idolatry. [2 Chronicles 34:4](/2_chronicles/34-4 "2 Chronicles 34:4 - Destruction of Idolatrous Structures") describes the destruction of altars and Asherah poles, while [2 Chronicles 34:6-7](/2_chronicles/34-6 "2 Chronicles 34:6-7 - Josiah's Reforms Extend Beyond Jerusalem") indicate that these cleansing efforts extended throughout the territories of Manasseh, Ephraim, Simeon, and even into Naphtali, demonstrating the thoroughness and wide scope of his campaign. Verse 5, therefore, highlights a specific, particularly egregious act of desecration that underscores the depth of Josiah's commitment to eradicating all traces of pagan worship from the land.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Josiah's reign (640-609 BC) occurred during a period of Assyrian decline, which provided Judah with a window of opportunity for political and religious independence. For decades, under kings like Manasseh and Amon, Judah had plunged into extreme idolatry, incorporating foreign cults and even child sacrifice into their worship practices. The burning of human bones, especially those of priests, upon altars was an act of profound desecration in ancient Near Eastern cultures, including Israel. It was considered the ultimate insult, rendering the altars ceremonially unclean and unfit for any form of worship, even pagan. This act also carries significant prophetic weight, as it directly fulfills 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" ([1 Kings 13:2](/1_kings/13-2 "1 Kings 13:2 - Prophecy Against the Altar at Bethel")). This fulfillment underscores God's long-term sovereignty and justice.
* **Key Themes:** Josiah's actions in [2 Chronicles 34](/2_chronicles/34 "2 Chronicles 34 - Josiah's Reforms and the Discovery of the Law") powerfully illustrate several key themes. First, **Radical Purification** is evident in his uncompromising commitment to eradicating all forms of idolatry, going beyond mere destruction of idols to defile the very instruments and symbols of false worship. This reflects the Mosaic law's commands to utterly destroy pagan altars and images, leaving no trace ([Deuteronomy 12:2-3](/deuteronomy/12-2 "Deuteronomy 12:2-3 - Destruction of Pagan Worship Sites")). Second, the **Desecration of Idolatry** through the burning of bones on altars symbolizes the utter contempt for false deities and their practices, rendering them utterly powerless and defiled. This act serves as a public declaration of the Lord's supreme authority over all other gods. Third, the entire cleansing process was a necessary precursor to the **Restoration of True Worship** of the Lord God of Israel, which was central to Josiah's broader spiritual revival and the subsequent rediscovery of the Book of the Law ([2 Chronicles 34:14-21](/2_chronicles/34-14 "2 Chronicles 34:14-21 - Discovery of the Book of the Law")). Finally, Josiah's actions embody **Covenant Faithfulness**, as he sought to bring Judah back into obedience to the covenant stipulations of God, which demanded exclusive worship of Yahweh.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Burnt (Hebrew, _śārap'_):** The Hebrew verb שָׂרַף (saraph) means "to burn," "to consume," or "to destroy by fire." In this context, it signifies a deliberate and thorough act of destruction and desecration. It's not merely a disposal but a ritual act intended to render something utterly useless and defiled. The burning of human bones, especially, was seen as a profound act of dishonor, preventing proper burial and thus denying the deceased any hope of rest or connection to their ancestors.
* **Bones (Hebrew, _'eṣem'_):** The Hebrew noun עֶצֶם (etsem) refers to "bone" or "substance." In ancient Israelite culture, bones represented the essence of a person and were treated with reverence, ensuring proper burial. The desecration of bones was a severe act of judgment and dishonor, emphasizing the complete rejection of the idolatrous priests and their practices. Burning their bones on their altars was the ultimate defilement, making the altars permanently unclean and unfit for any sacred use.
* **Cleansed (Hebrew, _ṭāhēr'_):** The Hebrew verb טָהֵר (taher) means "to be clean," "to purify," or "to make ceremonially clean." Here, it implies a comprehensive process of purification, not just physical removal but a spiritual and religious cleansing of the land and its people from the defilement of idolatry. This act aimed to restore Judah and Jerusalem to a state 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 describes the specific, drastic action taken by Josiah. The "priests" here are not Levitical priests of Yahweh, but those who served false gods (Baal, Asherah, the host of heaven). Burning their bones on their own altars was a deliberate act of defilement and judgment. It was a public declaration that these altars, once sites of illicit worship, were now utterly profaned, rendered unusable for any future idolatrous rites. This act also served as a fulfillment of the prophecy against the altar at Bethel, as mentioned in [1 Kings 13:2](/1_kings/13-2 "1 Kings 13:2 - Prophecy Against the Altar at Bethel"), demonstrating God's long-term plan for justice and the consequences of apostasy.
* **"and cleansed Judah and Jerusalem":** This concluding clause states the overarching purpose and effect of Josiah's actions. The burning of bones was one significant part of a larger, comprehensive program of spiritual purification. "Cleansed" implies a thorough removal of all defiling elements—idols, high places, Asherah poles, and the very memory and instruments of false worship. This cleansing was not just physical but aimed at restoring the spiritual purity of the land and its inhabitants, preparing them for a renewed covenant relationship with God.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Symbolism** is paramount, as the burning of human bones upon altars is a potent symbol of utter desecration and the complete rejection of idolatry. It signifies the death and ultimate dishonor of the false religious system that had corrupted Judah. The altars, once places of illicit worship, are now rendered permanently defiled by this act, symbolizing the triumph of true worship over false. **Fulfillment of Prophecy** is also a significant element, as this act directly echoes the prophecy in [1 Kings 13:2](/1_kings/13-2 "1 Kings 13:2 - Prophecy Against the Altar at Bethel"), highlighting God's sovereign control over history and the inevitable consequences of disobedience. Furthermore, the verse employs **Contrast**, setting Josiah's zealous and righteous actions against the backdrop of the deep-seated apostasy of his predecessors, particularly Manasseh and Amon. This contrast emphasizes Josiah's unique commitment to Yahweh and his radical efforts to restore covenant faithfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 34:5 powerfully illustrates God's absolute demand for exclusive worship and His intolerance of idolatry. Josiah's actions reflect the core biblical principle that God's people must be holy, set apart for Him, and free from the defilement of pagan practices. The burning of bones on altars underscores the severe consequences of spiritual apostasy and the depth of purification required to restore a right relationship with God. It signifies a radical 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 a necessary prerequisite for the spiritual revival that followed, demonstrating that true worship can only flourish in an environment purged of sin and idolatry.

* [Deuteronomy 7:5](/deuteronomy/7-5 "Deuteronomy 7:5 - Command to Destroy Idols") - God's command to Israel to destroy pagan altars and images, reflecting the necessity of radical separation from idolatry.
* [Isaiah 2:18](/isaiah/2-18 "Isaiah 2:18 - Idols Utterly Abolished") - A prophetic declaration that idols will be utterly abolished, aligning with the comprehensive nature of Josiah's cleansing.
* [Ezekiel 6:4-6](/ezekiel/6-4 "Ezekiel 6:4-6 - Destruction of Idolatrous Altars") - Describes God's judgment against idolatrous altars and the scattering of bones, reinforcing the theme of desecration and divine judgment.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Josiah's radical and uncompromising approach to spiritual cleansing in 2 Chronicles 34:5 serves as a profound challenge and model for believers today. Just as Josiah identified and ruthlessly purged the physical idols and their instruments from Judah, we are called to engage in a similar, thorough examination of our own lives. This involves identifying any "altars" or "idols"—be they possessions, ambitions, relationships, comforts, or even self-righteousness—that subtly or overtly compete for the supreme devotion due only to God. The severity of Josiah's actions reminds us that spiritual compromise is not an option; true devotion demands a radical, no-holds-barred commitment to purity and exclusive worship of the Lord. We are to "burn the bones" of anything that defiles our spiritual walk, rendering it unusable for anything but God's glory, and thus "cleanse" our hearts and lives for His presence. This process of sanctification is ongoing, requiring vigilance and a zealous pursuit of holiness, ensuring that our lives are truly dedicated to God's glory and not defiled by competing affections or practices.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "altars" or "idols" in my life might be subtly or overtly competing for the devotion due only to God?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to adopt a "Josiah-like" radical approach to spiritual cleansing and purification?**
* **How does the thoroughness of Josiah's cleansing challenge my own willingness to deal decisively with sin and compromise?**
* **What practical steps can I take to "burn the bones" of spiritual idols and ensure my life is truly cleansed for God's glory?**

### FAQ
**Why was burning bones on altars considered such a significant act of desecration?**

Answer: In ancient Israelite and Near Eastern cultures, proper burial was extremely important, and the desecration of human remains, especially bones, was considered a grave insult and a profound act of dishonor. It prevented the deceased from finding rest and severed their connection to their ancestors. By burning the bones of idolatrous priests directly on their altars, Josiah not only physically destroyed the remnants of pagan worship but also ritually defiled the altars themselves. This act rendered the altars utterly unclean and unfit for any sacred purpose, even for the false gods they once served. It was a public and symbolic declaration of the utter contempt for idolatry and its practitioners, effectively making the altars an abomination and a permanent monument to the defeat of false worship. This act also directly fulfilled the prophecy given in [1 Kings 13:2](/1_kings/13-2 "1 Kings 13:2 - Prophecy Against the Altar at Bethel"), adding a layer of divine judgment and prophetic significance to the desecration.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Josiah's radical cleansing of Judah and Jerusalem, culminating in the burning of the bones of idolatrous priests on their altars, powerfully foreshadows 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 and eternal purification. He is the true [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose sacrifice on the cross utterly destroys the power of sin and idolatry in the human heart. Just as Josiah's act made 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](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ"). Through His blood, we are truly "cleansed"—not just ceremonially, but fundamentally—from the defilement of sin, enabling us to [worship God in spirit and truth](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth"). He doesn't just remove the idols; He replaces them with His own Spirit, making our bodies [temples of the Holy Spirit](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body a Temple of the Holy Spirit"), consecrated for true worship and 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](/titus/2-14 "Titus 2:14 - Purified for Good Works").

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

1 Kings 13:2

And he cried against the altar in the word of the LORD, and said, O altar, altar, thus saith the LORD; Behold, a child shall be born unto the house of David, Josiah by name; and upon thee shall he offer the priests of the high places that burn incense upon thee, and men's bones shall be burnt upon thee.

Jeremiah 3:10

And yet for all this her treacherous sister Judah hath not turned unto me with her whole heart, but feignedly, saith the LORD.

2 Kings 23:16

And as Josiah turned himself, he spied the sepulchres that [were] there in the mount, and sent, and took the bones out of the sepulchres, and burned [them] upon the altar, and polluted it, according to the word of the LORD which the man of God proclaimed, who proclaimed these words.

Ezekiel 22:24

Son of man, say unto her, Thou [art] the land that is not cleansed, nor rained upon in the day of indignation.

2 Kings 23:20

And he slew all the priests of the high places that [were] there upon the altars, and burned men's bones upon them, and returned to Jerusalem.

Jeremiah 4:14

O Jerusalem, wash thine heart from wickedness, that thou mayest be saved. How long shall thy vain thoughts lodge within thee?

2 Chronicles 34:7

And when he had broken down the altars and the groves, and had beaten the graven images into powder, and cut down all the idols throughout all the land of Israel, he returned to Jerusalem.