2 Kings 23:17

KJV

Then he said, What title [is] that that I see? And the men of the city told him, [It is] the sepulchre of the man of God, which came from Judah, and proclaimed these things that thou hast done against the altar of Bethel.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then he said {H559}, What title {H6725} is that {H1975} that I see {H7200}? And the men {H582} of the city {H5892} told {H559} him, It is the sepulchre {H6913} of the man {H376} of God {H430}, which came {H935} from Judah {H3063}, and proclaimed {H7121} these things {H1697} that thou hast done {H6213} against the altar {H4196} of Bethel {H1008}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then he asked, "This monument here that I'm looking at, what is it?" The men of the city told him, "It marks the burial cave of the man of God who came from Y'hudah and foretold the very things you have done to the altar of Beit-El."

Berean Standard Bible

Then the king asked, “What is this monument I see?” And the men of the city replied, “It is the tomb of the man of God who came from Judah and pronounced these things that you have done to the altar of Bethel.”

American Standard Version

Then he said, What monument is that which I see? And the men of the city told him, It is the sepulchre of the man of God, who came from Judah, and proclaimed these things that thou hast done against the altar of Beth-el.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Kings 23:17, King Josiah, during his sweeping religious reforms at Bethel, observes a distinct marker and inquires about its identity. He learns it is the sepulchre of the unnamed "man of God" from Judah who, over three centuries prior, had prophesied the very acts of desecration Josiah was now performing against the idolatrous altar. This moment powerfully highlights the precise and undeniable fulfillment of ancient prophecy, underscoring God's meticulous sovereignty over history and His unwavering faithfulness to His spoken word.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the extensive account of King Josiah's religious reforms, detailed in [2 Kings 23](/2_kings/23 "2 Kings 23 - Josiah's Reforms"). Following the discovery of the Book of the Law, Josiah initiates a radical purge of idolatry throughout Judah and even into the former northern kingdom of Israel, which was then under Assyrian control but accessible to Judah's influence. His actions at Bethel, described in [2 Kings 23:15-19](/2_kings/23-15 "2 Kings 23:15-19 - Josiah's Actions at Bethel"), are particularly significant because Bethel had been a primary center of calf worship established by King Jeroboam I. Josiah's desecration of the altar, the burning of cultic objects, and the exhumation and burning of the bones of idolatrous priests upon the altar are acts of profound defilement. Amidst this zealous destruction, Josiah's specific inquiry about the "title" or marker on the grave of the man of God sets this particular sepulchre apart, contrasting sharply with the treatment of other graves. The narrative explicitly connects this moment to the ancient prophecy found in [1 Kings 13:1-2](/1_kings/13-1 "1 Kings 13:1-2 - The Prophecy against Bethel").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Josiah reigned over Judah from 640 to 609 BC. His reign coincided with the decline of the Assyrian Empire, which had previously dominated the region. This weakening of Assyrian control allowed Josiah greater autonomy to extend his reforms into the former northern territories of Israel, including Bethel. Bethel itself held deep 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 negative (Jeroboam I's establishment of the golden calf cult in [1 Kings 12:28-33](/1_kings/12-28 "1 Kings 12:28-33 - Jeroboam's Idolatry at Bethel")). Culturally, the desecration of graves by burning bones was an extreme act of humiliation and judgment, intended to render the deceased ritually unclean and prevent their rest in the afterlife. However, the deliberate preservation and honoring of a specific grave, as seen with the man of God, was equally significant, demonstrating respect for the deceased's identity and legacy.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in 2 Kings and the broader Deuteronomistic History. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Prophecy Fulfillment**, demonstrating God's meticulous control over history and His infallible word. The centuries-old prophecy against Bethel's altar, delivered by the man of God in [1 Kings 13:1-2](/1_kings/13-1 "1 Kings 13:1-2 - The Prophecy against Bethel"), is fulfilled to the letter, emphasizing God's long-term plan and faithfulness. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Reverence for God's Servants**. Despite his zealous destruction of pagan sites and the desecration of idolaters' graves, Josiah shows distinct respect for the grave of the true "man of God," indicating the importance of honoring those who faithfully served the Lord. This contrasts sharply with the judgment meted out to the unfaithful. Lastly, the passage reinforces the theme of **Purity of Worship**, as Josiah's actions at Bethel are central to his broader efforts to eradicate idolatry and restore pure worship of Yahweh in Judah, cleansing the land from spiritual defilement and upholding the covenant.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Title (Hebrew, _tziyyun'_):** The Hebrew word צִיּוּן (_tziyyun_), translated as "title" in the KJV, more accurately means a "sign," "marker," "monument," or "landmark." It refers to a visible indicator, often used to mark a grave or a significant place. In this context, it was not merely an inscription but a distinct physical marker that set this particular burial site apart from others, drawing Josiah's attention and signaling its importance.
* **Man of God (Hebrew, _ish ha'elohim'_):** This is a standard and respectful designation for a prophet in the Old Testament, emphasizing that the individual is divinely commissioned and speaks on behalf of God. It highlights their unique relationship with Yahweh and the authority of their message. The unnamed prophet from Judah in [1 Kings 13](/1_kings/13 "1 Kings 13 - The Man of God from Judah") is consistently referred to by this title, underscoring his legitimacy and the divine origin of his prophecy.
* **Sepulchre (Hebrew, _qever'_):** The Hebrew word קֶבֶר (_qever_) simply means "grave" or "burial place." Its use here specifies that the _tziyyun_ marked a tomb, distinguishing it from other types of markers. Josiah's respect for this specific _qever_ stands in stark contrast to his desecration of other burial sites, emphasizing the unique status of the prophet.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then he said, What title [is] that that I see?"**: King Josiah, amidst his fervent destruction of the idolatrous altar and the surrounding cultic elements at Bethel, demonstrates a keen eye for detail. His question reveals his observant nature and his desire to understand the significance of this particular marker, which stood out from the general desolation. This inquiry is the catalyst for the revelation of the ancient prophecy's fulfillment.
* **"And the men of the city told him, [It is] the sepulchre of the man of God, which came from Judah,"**: The local inhabitants, despite centuries having passed, retained the knowledge and memory of this specific grave and the identity of the person buried there. Their immediate and accurate identification confirms the enduring legacy of the prophet and the remarkable preservation of this historical detail, allowing for the precise fulfillment of the prophecy to be recognized.
* **"and proclaimed these things that thou hast done against the altar of Bethel."**: This concluding clause directly links the identity of the buried man to the specific prophecy he delivered. It explicitly states that this prophet had foretold the very acts of desecration that Josiah was currently performing against the altar at Bethel. This connection is crucial, as it confirms that Josiah's actions were not merely a political or religious purge, but the divinely orchestrated fulfillment of a word spoken centuries earlier, validating both the prophet's message and God's sovereign plan.

#### Literary Devices
The passage in [2 Kings 23:17](/2_kings/23-17 "2 Kings 23:17 - The Prophecy Fulfilled") is rich with literary devices that amplify its theological impact. The most prominent is **Prophecy Fulfillment**, as the entire scene serves as the dramatic culmination of a word spoken by the unnamed man of God over three centuries prior (recorded in [1 Kings 13:1-2](/1_kings/13-1 "1 Kings 13:1-2 - The Prophecy against Bethel")). This precise and long-delayed fulfillment underscores God's absolute **Sovereignty** over history and the infallibility of His word. There is also significant **Contrast** employed: the respectful treatment of the prophet's grave stands in stark opposition to the desecration of the graves of the idolatrous priests and the general destruction of pagan sites. This contrast highlights the divine distinction between faithfulness and apostasy. Furthermore, the "title" or marker itself functions as a **Symbolism** of enduring truth and divine memory; it is a physical testament to a word that would not fall to the ground, waiting for its appointed time. The narrative's pacing, building to this moment of recognition, creates a powerful sense of **Dramatic Irony**, as the very altar established for idolatry becomes the instrument of its own prophetic judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The scene at Bethel in 2 Kings 23:17 is a profound theological statement on the nature of God and His interaction with humanity. It unequivocally demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty over time and history, revealing that His divine purposes, once declared, will inevitably come to pass, regardless of the centuries that may intervene. This fulfillment of ancient prophecy serves as a powerful validation of the trustworthiness and authority of God's word, inspiring confidence in all His promises and warnings. Moreover, it highlights God's unwavering commitment to His faithful servants, honoring their legacy even long after their death, and contrasting their enduring memory with the utter destruction and disgrace meted out to those who promote idolatry.

* [Deuteronomy 18:22](/deuteronomy/18-22 "Deuteronomy 18:22 - Test of a Prophet")
* [Isaiah 46:10](/isaiah/46-10 "Isaiah 46:10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning")
* [1 John 5:21](/1_john/5-21 "1 John 5:21 - Keep Yourselves from Idols")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The precise fulfillment of a centuries-old prophecy in 2 Kings 23:17 offers profound encouragement and challenge for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder that God's word is not subject to the limitations of human time or memory; what He declares, He will bring to pass. This should instill deep confidence in the reliability of Scripture, assuring us that all of God's promises, whether for salvation, provision, or ultimate judgment, are utterly dependable. Furthermore, Josiah's respectful treatment of the prophet's grave, in stark contrast to the desecration of other tombs, underscores God's enduring honor for those who faithfully proclaim His truth, even when it is unpopular or dangerous. This calls us to consider how we honor and uphold the legacy of faithful servants of God, both past and present. Finally, Josiah's radical cleansing of idolatry at Bethel challenges us to examine our own lives and communities for anything that detracts from the pure worship of God. Just as Josiah removed physical idols, we are called to identify and remove spiritual idols from our hearts and lives—anything that competes for God's rightful place of ultimate devotion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the precise fulfillment of this ancient prophecy strengthen your confidence in the trustworthiness of God's word today?**
* **What "idols" or competing allegiances, whether subtle or obvious, might need to be removed from your own heart or community to ensure pure worship of God?**
* **In what ways can we, as believers, honor the legacy of those who have faithfully served the Lord, even if their impact was not immediately recognized in their lifetime?**

### FAQ
**Who was "the man of God" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "man of God" mentioned in 2 Kings 23:17 is the unnamed prophet from Judah who, approximately 300 years before Josiah's reign, boldly prophesied against the very altar at Bethel that King Jeroboam I had established for idol worship. His story is recounted in [1 Kings 13](/1_kings/13 "1 Kings 13 - The Man of God from Judah"). He declared that a future king named Josiah would burn men's bones upon this altar, precisely what Josiah was doing. Despite his own tragic disobedience later in his life, his initial prophetic word was from the Lord and was remembered and fulfilled with astonishing accuracy.

**Why did Josiah show respect for this particular grave when he was desecrating others?**

Answer: Josiah's actions were driven by a zealous commitment to purify the worship of Yahweh and eradicate idolatry. His desecration of the graves of idolatrous priests and the burning of their bones on the altar at Bethel was an act of extreme ritual defilement, designed to utterly disgrace the false worship and its practitioners. However, the "man of God" from Judah was a true prophet of Yahweh, a faithful messenger who had delivered God's word against that very altar centuries earlier. Josiah's respect for this specific grave demonstrated his reverence for God's true servants and the sanctity of His word, distinguishing between those who served the Lord faithfully and those who promoted idolatry. It was an act of honoring God by honoring His chosen messenger.

**What is the theological significance of a prophecy being fulfilled after such a long time?**

Answer: The fulfillment of a prophecy after centuries, as seen in 2 Kings 23:17, profoundly emphasizes several theological truths. Firstly, it highlights God's **sovereignty and timelessness**. God operates outside of human time, and His plans are not constrained by generations or historical shifts. What He declares, He will bring to pass in His perfect timing. Secondly, it underscores the **infallibility and reliability of God's word**. It demonstrates that every word spoken by God, through His prophets, is true and will be accomplished, reinforcing the trustworthiness of all Scripture. Lastly, it serves as a powerful testament to God's **faithfulness**, showing that He remembers His covenant and His promises, and He will ultimately bring about His righteous judgment and restoration. This long-term fulfillment builds immense confidence in God's ultimate control over history and destiny.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The precise fulfillment of ancient prophecy in 2 Kings 23:17, where a king named Josiah performs specific acts against an altar prophesied centuries earlier, serves as a powerful Old Testament type and shadow of the ultimate prophetic fulfillment found in Jesus Christ. Just as the unnamed man of God was a messenger of divine truth, Jesus is the quintessential Prophet, the very Word of God incarnate, through whom God speaks His final and most complete revelation ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God's Final Word in His Son")). His entire life, death, and resurrection are the culmination of countless Old Testament prophecies, from His birth in Bethlehem ([Micah 5:2](/micah/5-2 "Micah 5:2 - Birthplace of the Ruler")) to His suffering and death ([Isaiah 53:5-6](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5-6 - Suffering Servant")) and His resurrection ([Psalm 16:10](/psalms/16-10 "Psalm 16:10 - Resurrection Prophecy"), [Acts 2:24-32](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24-32 - Peter's Sermon on Resurrection")).

Furthermore, while Josiah purified the physical land and altars from idolatry by fire and destruction, Jesus came to bring about a far deeper and more profound purification. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Lamb of God")), cleansing hearts and minds from spiritual idolatry and defilement through His atoning sacrifice on the cross ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). He did not merely destroy old altars; He became the perfect and final sacrifice, establishing a new covenant and a new way of worship "in spirit and truth" ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23 "John 4:23-24 - True Worshipers")). The honor shown to the "man of God's" grave foreshadows the ultimate honor and vindication of Christ, who, though crucified, was raised from the dead and exalted to the right hand of God, fulfilling all righteousness and securing eternal life for those who believe in Him ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation"), [Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - New Life in Christ")). Thus, 2 Kings 23:17 points to a God who meticulously fulfills His word, a truth most gloriously realized in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

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 13:30

And he laid his carcase in his own grave; and they mourned over him, [saying], Alas, my brother!

1 Kings 13:31

And it came to pass, after he had buried him, that he spake to his sons, saying, When I am dead, then bury me in the sepulchre wherein the man of God [is] buried; lay my bones beside his bones: