2 Kings 23:13

And the high places that [were] before Jerusalem, which [were] on the right hand of the mount of corruption, which Solomon the king of Israel had builded for Ashtoreth the abomination of the Zidonians, and for Chemosh the abomination of the Moabites, and for Milcom the abomination of the children of Ammon, did the king defile.

And the high places {H1116} that were before {H6440} Jerusalem {H3389}, which were on the right hand {H3225} of the mount {H2022} of corruption {H4889}, which Solomon {H8010} the king {H4428} of Israel {H3478} had builded {H1129} for Ashtoreth {H6253} the abomination {H8251} of the Zidonians {H6722}, and for Chemosh {H3645} the abomination {H8251} of the Moabites {H4124}, and for Milcom {H4445} the abomination {H8441} of the children {H1121} of Ammon {H5983}, did the king {H4428} defile {H2930}.

The king desecrated the high places facing Yerushalayim south of the Mount of Destruction, which Shlomo the king of Isra'el had built for 'Ashtoret the abomination of the Tzidonim, K'mosh the abomination of Mo'av and Milkom the abomination of the people of 'Amon.

The king also desecrated the high places east of Jerusalem, to the south of the Mount of Corruption, which King Solomon of Israel had built for Ashtoreth the abomination of the Sidonians, for Chemosh the abomination of the Moabites, and for Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites.

And the high places that were before Jerusalem, which were on the right hand of the mount of corruption, which Solomon the king of Israel had builded for Ashtoreth the abomination of the Sidonians, and for Chemosh the abomination of Moab, and for Milcom the abomination of the children of Ammon, did the king defile.

Commentary

2 Kings 23:13 details a significant act of religious cleansing carried out by King Josiah of Judah. This verse highlights the deep-seated idolatry that had plagued Israel for centuries, even tracing back to the reign of King Solomon.

Context

This verse is part of a larger narrative in 2 Kings 23 describing King Josiah's widespread religious reforms. After the discovery of the Book of the Law in the Temple, Josiah was convicted of Judah's long-standing disobedience to God's covenant. His reforms were radical, aiming to purge all forms of pagan worship from the land, particularly those established in Jerusalem and the surrounding areas.

The "mount of corruption" is widely understood to be the Mount of Olives, located east of Jerusalem. Its renaming reflects the shame and defilement brought upon it by generations of idolatrous practices. Shockingly, the high places mentioned were originally built by King Solomon himself, a testament to his spiritual decline in his later years. Solomon, despite his wisdom, compromised his faith by building altars for the foreign gods of his many wives, thereby introducing severe idolatry into the kingdom.

Key Themes

  • Radical Reformation: Josiah's actions demonstrate a profound commitment to pure worship and a complete rejection of syncretism. His defiling of these ancient pagan sites was a symbolic and practical dismantling of false religion.
  • Consequences of Compromise: The verse powerfully illustrates how the sins of past leaders, even revered ones like Solomon, can have long-lasting and detrimental effects on a nation's spiritual health. Solomon's initial compromise paved the way for centuries of idolatry.
  • God's Jealousy for Exclusive Worship: The defilement of these high places underscores God's demand for exclusive devotion, as outlined in the First Commandment. Idolatry is consistently portrayed in the Bible as an abomination to God.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Mount of Corruption" (Hebrew: Har HaMashchit): This derogatory name emphasizes the defilement and ruin brought upon the sacred landscape by pagan worship. It contrasts sharply with its common name, the Mount of Olives, which had religious significance.
  • "Abomination" (Hebrew: to'evah): Used repeatedly for Ashtoreth, Chemosh, and Milcom, this term signifies something utterly detestable and repugnant to God, particularly in the context of idol worship and associated immoral practices. These were not just different gods, but deities often linked to child sacrifice and ritual prostitution.

Practical Application

Josiah's zeal for spiritual purity serves as a powerful example for believers today. Just as he systematically removed idols from the land, we are called to identify and remove "high places" or idols from our own lives. This could be anything that takes precedence over God in our hearts, whether it's material possessions, power, relationships, or even self-worship.

The legacy of Solomon's compromise also reminds us of the long-term impact of our choices. Our spiritual integrity, or lack thereof, can affect future generations. Therefore, a commitment to confession and repentance, and a return to the foundational truths of God's Word, are essential for personal and corporate spiritual health.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 11:7

    Then did Solomon build an high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, in the hill that [is] before Jerusalem, and for Molech, the abomination of the children of Ammon.

  • 1 Kings 11:5

    For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites.

  • Numbers 21:29

    Woe to thee, Moab! thou art undone, O people of Chemosh: he hath given his sons that escaped, and his daughters, into captivity unto Sihon king of the Amorites.

  • Judges 11:24

    Wilt not thou possess that which Chemosh thy god giveth thee to possess? So whomsoever the LORD our God shall drive out from before us, them will we possess.

  • Zephaniah 1:5

    And them that worship the host of heaven upon the housetops; and them that worship [and] that swear by the LORD, and that swear by Malcham;

  • 1 Samuel 7:4

    Then the children of Israel did put away Baalim and Ashtaroth, and served the LORD only.

  • 1 Kings 11:33

    Because that they have forsaken me, and have worshipped Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, Chemosh the god of the Moabites, and Milcom the god of the children of Ammon, and have not walked in my ways, to do [that which is] right in mine eyes, and [to keep] my statutes and my judgments, as [did] David his father.