2 Kings 23:16

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And as Josiah {H2977} turned {H6437} himself, he spied {H7200} the sepulchres {H6913} that were there in the mount {H2022}, and sent {H7971}, and took {H3947} the bones {H6106} out of the sepulchres {H6913}, and burned {H8313} them upon the altar {H4196}, and polluted {H2930} it, according to the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} which the man {H376} of God {H430} proclaimed {H7121}, who proclaimed {H7121} these words {H1697}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then, as Yoshiyahu was turning around, he noticed the burial caves that were there on the mountain; so he sent and had the bones taken out of the burial caves and burned them on the altar, thus desecrating it, in keeping with the word of ADONAI which the man of God had proclaimed, foretelling that these things would happen.

Berean Standard Bible

And as Josiah turned, he saw the tombs there on the hillside, and he sent someone to take the bones out of the tombs, and he burned them on the altar to defile it, according to the word of the LORD proclaimed by the man of God who had foretold these things.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Kings 23:16 records a pivotal moment in King Josiah's sweeping religious reforms, demonstrating his unwavering zeal in eradicating idolatry and, most remarkably, fulfilling a centuries-old prophecy. By desecrating a prominent idolatrous altar at Bethel through the burning of human bones upon it, Josiah not only ritually polluted the site beyond further use but also precisely executed the divine judgment foretold by an unnamed man of God, thereby affirming the absolute sovereignty and veracity of Yahweh's word over history and human rebellion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the comprehensive account of King Josiah's religious reforms, detailed in [2 Kings 23](/2_kings/23 "2 Kings 23 - Josiah's Reforms and Passover"). Following the discovery of the Book of the Law in the temple ([2 Kings 22:8](/2_kings/22-8 "2 Kings 22:8 - Discovery of the Book of the Law")), Josiah initiated a fervent nationwide purge of all forms of idolatry that had deeply entrenched themselves in Judah, particularly during the reigns of his grandfather Manasseh and father Amon. The narrative in [2 Kings 23](/2_kings/23 "2 Kings 23 - Josiah's Reforms and Passover") systematically lists Josiah's actions, moving from the temple in Jerusalem to the high places throughout Judah and Benjamin, and then extending to the northern kingdom's former territories, specifically Bethel, where Jeroboam I had established a rival cult center. This specific act at Bethel underscores the thoroughness and prophetic significance of Josiah's reform, tying the present actions directly to ancient divine pronouncements.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Josiah reigned in Judah from 640-609 BC, a period marked by the decline of the Assyrian Empire, which allowed Judah a measure of political and religious autonomy. This window enabled Josiah to implement reforms that previous kings could not. Bethel, located just north of Jerusalem, held immense historical and religious significance, both positive (Jacob's dream in [Genesis 28:10-22](/genesis/28-10 "Genesis 28:10-22 - Jacob's Dream at Bethel")) and, more recently, negative. It was the primary site where Jeroboam I had set up one of his golden calves, establishing a rival worship system to Jerusalem and initiating centuries of idolatry in the northern kingdom ([1 Kings 12:28-30](/1_kings/12-28 "1 Kings 12:28-30 - Jeroboam's Golden Calves")). The "sepulchres" (tombs) on "the mount" would have contained the bones of the idolatrous priests who had served this altar. According to Mosaic Law, contact with dead bodies rendered a person or object ritually unclean ([Numbers 19:11-16](/numbers/19-11 "Numbers 19:11-16 - Laws Concerning Uncleanness from Dead Bodies")). By burning human bones on the altar, Josiah performed an act of extreme ritual defilement, rendering the altar utterly polluted and unfit for any sacred use, even by pagan standards. This was a deliberate, symbolic, and practical act to ensure the permanent cessation of pagan worship at this historically significant site of apostasy.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within [2 Kings](/2_kings/1 "2 Kings - The History of Israel and Judah's Kings") and the broader Deuteronomistic History. Firstly, it highlights the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, demonstrating God's sovereign control over history and the infallible nature of His prophetic declarations. The precise actions of Josiah, centuries after the prophecy of [1 Kings 13:2](/1_kings/13-2 "1 Kings 13:2 - Prophecy Against Jeroboam's Altar"), underscore the certainty of God's word. Secondly, it exemplifies the **Thoroughness of Reform**. Josiah's actions were not superficial; he went beyond merely tearing down altars, employing extreme desecration to ensure their permanent ritual unusable status, leaving no room for their revival. This thoroughness is a hallmark of true repentance and spiritual cleansing. Finally, the severity of Josiah's actions and the divine command behind them underscore **God's Abhorrence of Idolatry**. The defilement of the altars symbolized the profound spiritual defilement that idolatry brought upon the land and its people, emphasizing God's demand for exclusive worship and purity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sepulchres (Hebrew, _qever'_):** This term refers to a grave or burial place. The presence of "sepulchres" on "the mount" near the idolatrous altar at Bethel indicates that the bones Josiah removed were likely those of the very priests who had served the pagan cult, or at least those who had died in their apostasy. The act of disturbing the dead, particularly for desecration, was considered a profound violation in the ancient Near East, adding to the severity and finality of Josiah's judgment against the idolatrous system.
* **Polluted (Hebrew, _ṭāmēʾ'_):** This verb means "to be unclean," "defiled," or "impure." In the Old Testament, _ṭāmēʾ_ carries a strong ritualistic connotation, referring to a state of impurity that renders a person, object, or place unfit for holy purposes or for being in God's presence. By burning human bones, especially those of the dead, on the altar, Josiah rendered it supremely _ṭāmēʾ_. This act made the altar an abomination, permanently unfit for any form of worship, whether to Yahweh or to pagan deities, effectively nullifying its religious function.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And as Josiah turned himself, he spied the sepulchres that [were] there in the mount":** This clause sets the scene, highlighting Josiah's personal observation and initiative. His turning and "spying" suggest a deliberate search or a divinely guided discovery, leading him to the burial sites of those associated with the idolatrous altar at Bethel. The location "in the mount" reinforces the historical context of high places used for pagan worship.
* **"and sent, and took the bones out of the sepulchres, and burned [them] upon the altar, and polluted it":** This describes Josiah's decisive and drastic action. "Sent" indicates he dispatched his men to carry out the task. The removal of bones from graves and their subsequent burning on the altar was an extreme act of desecration. This act of burning human remains on a sacred structure was designed to make the altar ritually impure (_ṭāmēʾ_), rendering it permanently unusable for any religious purpose, thus dismantling the very infrastructure of idolatry.
* **"according to the word of the LORD which the man of God proclaimed, who proclaimed these words":** This crucial concluding phrase provides the theological climax of the verse. It explicitly links Josiah's actions to the ancient prophecy recorded in [1 Kings 13:2](/1_kings/13-2 "1 Kings 13:2 - Prophecy Against Jeroboam's Altar"), where an unnamed man of God prophesied that "a son of the house of David, Josiah by name, shall sacrifice on you the priests of the high places who burn incense on you, and human bones shall be burned on you." The repetition "who proclaimed these words" emphasizes the precise and undeniable fulfillment of this divine word, highlighting God's faithfulness and sovereign control over history, even centuries in advance.

#### Literary Devices
The passage makes effective use of **Prophetic Fulfillment**, which is the central literary and theological device. The explicit reference to "the word of the LORD which the man of God proclaimed" directly connects Josiah's actions to the ancient prophecy in [1 Kings 13:2](/1_kings/13-2 "1 Kings 13:2 - Prophecy Against Jeroboam's Altar"). This demonstrates God's omniscience and omnipotence, showing that His word, once spoken, will inevitably come to pass, regardless of the passage of time or the actions of human agents. There is also strong **Symbolism** present; the burning of bones on the altar is not merely a practical act of destruction but a profound symbolic defilement. Bones, representing death and impurity, are used to pollute an altar that symbolized false life and worship, thereby rendering it an abomination. This act vividly symbolizes God's utter rejection and abhorrence of idolatry and its defiling nature. Furthermore, an element of **Irony** can be observed: the very altar established for false worship, and served by idolatrous priests, is ultimately desecrated by the bones of those who served it, fulfilling a prophecy that foretold its demise.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The fulfillment of the ancient prophecy in [2 Kings 23:16](/2_kings/23-16 "2 Kings 23:16 - Josiah's Desecration of Bethel Altar") serves as a powerful testament to the absolute sovereignty of God over human history and the unwavering certainty of His prophetic word. It underscores that God's plans are not contingent on human will or the passage of time; rather, He declares the end from the beginning, orchestrating events to bring His purposes to fruition. This act of extreme desecration also vividly illustrates the depth of God's abhorrence for idolatry, revealing that He demands exclusive worship and will not tolerate rivals to His glory. It teaches that true spiritual cleansing requires radical, uncompromising action against anything that defiles or competes with God's rightful place in our lives and in society.

* [1 Kings 13:1-5](/1_kings/13-1 "1 Kings 13:1-5 - Prophecy Against Jeroboam's Altar")
* [Deuteronomy 13:12-18](/deuteronomy/13-12 "Deuteronomy 13:12-18 - Dealing with Idolatrous Cities")
* [Isaiah 46:9-10](/isaiah/46-9 "Isaiah 46:9-10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Josiah's thorough and divinely mandated actions in [2 Kings 23:16](/2_kings/23-16 "2 Kings 23:16 - Josiah's Desecration of Bethel Altar") offers profound lessons for believers today. Just as the ancient prophecy against Jeroboam's altar came to pass centuries later, so too will all of God's promises and warnings be fulfilled, strengthening our faith in the unwavering reliability of Scripture and the faithfulness of the God who speaks. Josiah's radical approach to removing idolatry challenges us to be equally thorough in identifying and removing anything in our lives that takes God's rightful place or hinders our devotion to Him. This might involve subtle attitudes, cherished habits, or even relationships that subtly become idols, diverting our ultimate allegiance. His zeal for God's glory and the purity of worship serves as an inspiring example for us to pursue righteousness with uncompromising passion and to oppose spiritual compromise in our own lives, families, and communities, ensuring that our worship is truly exclusive to the One, True God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the fulfillment of such an ancient prophecy strengthen your faith in the reliability and authority of God's Word today?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be harboring "idols" (anything that competes for God's rightful place) that require Josiah-like thoroughness in removal?**
* **What does Josiah's extreme act of desecration teach us about God's view of idolatry and the seriousness of spiritual defilement?**
* **How can we cultivate a similar zeal for God's glory and the purity of worship in our contemporary context, even when it requires radical action?**

### FAQ

**Why was burning human bones on an altar considered an act of extreme defilement?**

Answer: In ancient Israelite culture and according to Mosaic Law, contact with dead bodies rendered a person or object ritually unclean (_ṭāmēʾ_). [Numbers 19:11-16](/numbers/19-11 "Numbers 19:11-16 - Laws Concerning Uncleanness from Dead Bodies") outlines the extensive purification rituals required after such contact. Burning human bones, especially on an altar intended for sacred use (even if it was a pagan altar), was an act designed to render it supremely and permanently defiled. This made the altar an abomination, unfit for any religious ceremony, thus ensuring its permanent cessation as a place of worship. It was a deliberate act of desecration that went beyond mere destruction, aiming to ritually nullify its function and symbolically demonstrate God's utter rejection of the idolatry practiced there.

**Who was the "man of God" who proclaimed this prophecy, and what was its original context?**

Answer: The "man of God" who proclaimed this prophecy is an unnamed prophet from Judah, whose story is recorded in [1 Kings 13](/1_kings/13 "1 Kings 13 - The Man of God from Judah"). He was sent by the Lord to Bethel during the reign of Jeroboam I, the first king of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Jeroboam had set up golden calves at Bethel and Dan to prevent his people from going to Jerusalem to worship, thereby establishing a rival religious system ([1 Kings 12:28-30](/1_kings/12-28 "1 Kings 12:28-30 - Jeroboam's Golden Calves")). While Jeroboam was offering sacrifices at the altar in Bethel, the man of God cried out against the altar, prophesying: "O altar, altar, thus says the Lord: 'Behold, a son of the house of David, Josiah by name, shall be born to the house of David; and on you he shall sacrifice the priests of the high places who burn incense on you, and men's bones shall be burned on you'" ([1 Kings 13:2](/1_kings/13-2 "1 Kings 13:2 - Prophecy Against Jeroboam's Altar")). This prophecy, uttered over 300 years before Josiah's birth, was remarkably specific and demonstrates God's long-term plan and control over history.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The radical actions of King Josiah in [2 Kings 23:16](/2_kings/23-16 "2 Kings 23:16 - Josiah's Desecration of Bethel Altar"), particularly the thorough cleansing and desecration of the idolatrous altar at Bethel, powerfully foreshadow the ultimate and definitive work of Jesus Christ. Just as Josiah purged the physical land of its defilement and idolatry, Christ came not merely to cleanse a temple or a nation, but to purify the human heart and the entire cosmos from the defilement of sin and spiritual idolatry. The fulfillment of the ancient prophecy in Josiah's day points to the even greater and more comprehensive fulfillment of all prophecy in Jesus, who is the promised "son of the house of David" in a far more profound sense. Christ's sacrifice on the cross was the ultimate act of purification, rendering sin and its power utterly defiled and powerless, much like Josiah rendered the altar unusable. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus decisively triumphed over the spiritual powers of darkness and idolatry ([Colossians 2:13-15](/colossians/2-13 "Colossians 2:13-15 - Triumph Over Spiritual Powers")), establishing a new covenant where true worship is not bound to physical altars or locations, but is offered "in spirit and truth" ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")). He is the ultimate High Priest, offering a superior sacrifice that truly cleanses us from dead works to serve the living God ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")), making us clean and fit for eternal communion with God, something no burning of bones could ever achieve.

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 13:1

¶ And, behold, there came a man of God out of Judah by the word of the LORD unto Bethel: and Jeroboam stood by the altar to burn incense.

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.

Matthew 24:35

Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

1 Kings 13:32

For the saying which he cried by the word of the LORD against the altar in Bethel, and against all the houses of the high places which [are] in the cities of Samaria, shall surely come to pass.

John 10:35

If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;