2 Kings 23:17

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.

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}.

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."

Then the king asked, β€œWhat is this monument I see?” And the men of the city replied, β€œIt 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.”

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

Context

This verse is set during the extensive religious reforms of King Josiah of Judah, one of the most righteous kings in Judah's history. Josiah's zeal for purifying worship led him to systematically destroy idolatrous altars, high places, and pagan symbols throughout his kingdom, including those in the northern kingdom of Israel, which had long been under Assyrian control but was now accessible. His actions at Bethel were particularly significant, as this was a primary center of idolatry established by King Jeroboam I centuries earlier, who set up a golden calf there (see 1 Kings 12:29).

As Josiah was desecrating and burning the bones of idolaters upon the altar at Bethel, he noticed a "title" or marker. Upon inquiry, the men of the city revealed it was the sepulchre (grave) of "the man of God" who had come from Judah. This refers to the unnamed prophet who, more than 300 years prior, had boldly prophesied against this very altar, declaring that a future king named Josiah would burn men's bones upon it (see 1 Kings 13:2). Josiah's inquiry and the subsequent revelation highlight the precise fulfillment of ancient prophecy.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Prophecy Fulfillment: The verse powerfully demonstrates God's ultimate control over history and the infallible nature of His word. A prophecy given centuries earlier is fulfilled to the letter, emphasizing God's long-term plan and faithfulness.
  • Reverence for God's Servants: Despite his zealous destruction of pagan sites, Josiah shows distinct respect for the grave of the true "man of God." This contrasts sharply with his treatment of the graves of idolaters, indicating the importance of honoring those who faithfully served the Lord.
  • Purity of Worship: Josiah's actions at Bethel are central to his broader efforts to eradicate idolatry and restore pure worship of the Lord in Judah, cleansing the land from spiritual defilement.

Linguistic Insight

The Hebrew word for "title" in this verse is tziyyun (Χ¦Φ΄Χ™ΦΌΧ•ΦΌΧŸ), which means a "sign" or "marker." It refers to a visible landmark or monument, often used to mark a grave or a place of significance. In this context, it was not merely an inscription but a distinct marker indicating the burial place of the prophet, making it stand out among other tombs.

Significance and Application

This passage serves as a profound reminder of several truths:

  • The Enduring Power of God's Word: God's declarations, even those spoken centuries ago, are not forgotten but come to pass precisely as foretold. This should inspire confidence in all of God's promises and warnings found in Scripture.
  • God Honors His Faithful: The distinction made for the prophet's grave underscores God's remembrance and honor for those who courageously stand for His truth, even when it is unpopular or dangerous. Their legacy endures.
  • The Call to Spiritual Purity: Josiah's radical cleansing of idolatry challenges believers today to examine their own lives and communities for anything that detracts from the pure worship of God. Just as Josiah removed physical idols, we are called to remove spiritual idols from our hearts and lives (see 1 John 5:21).

The scene at Bethel is a powerful tableau of divine justice, prophetic fulfillment, and the lasting impact of faithful obedience, both for the prophet and for the king who finally brought his words to fruition.

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 β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 13:1

    ΒΆ 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:
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