2 Kings 23:5

KJV

And he put down the idolatrous priests, whom the kings of Judah had ordained to burn incense in the high places in the cities of Judah, and in the places round about Jerusalem; them also that burned incense unto Baal, to the sun, and to the moon, and to the planets, and to all the host of heaven.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he put down {H7673} the idolatrous priests {H3649}, whom the kings {H4428} of Judah {H3063} had ordained {H5414} to burn incense {H6999} in the high places {H1116} in the cities {H5892} of Judah {H3063}, and in the places round about {H4524} Jerusalem {H3389}; them also that burned incense {H6999} unto Baal {H1168}, to the sun {H8121}, and to the moon {H3394}, and to the planets {H4208}, and to all the host {H6635} of heaven {H8064}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He deposed the idolatrous priests the kings of Y'hudah had ordained to offer on the high places by the cities of Y'hudah and in the places surrounding Yerushalayim; he also deposed those who offered to Ba'al, the sun, the moon, the constellations and the whole army of heaven.

Berean Standard Bible

Josiah also did away with the idolatrous priests ordained by the kings of Judah to burn incense on the high places of the cities of Judah and in the places all around Jerusalem—those who had burned incense to Baal, to the sun and moon, to the constellations, and to all the host of heaven.

American Standard Version

And he put down the idolatrous priests, whom the kings of Judah had ordained to burn incense in the high places in the cities of Judah, and in the places round about Jerusalem; them also that burned incense unto Baal, to the sun, and to the moon, and to the planets, and to all the host of heaven.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 23:5 vividly details a pivotal moment in King Josiah's sweeping religious reforms, specifically his decisive action against the deeply entrenched idolatry that had permeated Judah. This verse highlights his systematic removal of the "idolatrous priests"—those sanctioned by previous kings to offer illicit incense in the "high places" throughout the land and around Jerusalem—and his direct confrontation with the pervasive worship of foreign deities like Baal and the widespread astral cults, including the sun, moon, planets, and "all the host of heaven." It underscores Josiah's unwavering commitment to purging the nation of every vestige of pagan worship, thereby restoring exclusive devotion to Yahweh.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the meticulous account of King Josiah's unparalleled religious reforms, which were dramatically spurred by the discovery of the Book of the Law in the Temple, as detailed in [2 Kings 22:8](/2_kings/22-8 "2 Kings 22:8 - Discovery of the Book of the Law"). The preceding chapters paint a grim picture of spiritual decline under kings like Manasseh and Amon, who actively promoted and institutionalized idolatry, filling the land with pagan altars and abhorrent practices. Josiah's reign, however, marks a profound and zealous reversal. Chapter 23 meticulously lists his comprehensive actions, beginning with the Temple in Jerusalem and extending outwards to the high places of Judah and even into the former Northern Kingdom. Verse 5 specifically targets the personnel involved in this illicit worship, demonstrating Josiah's thoroughness in dismantling the very infrastructure of idolatry. It immediately precedes further actions against cult prostitutes and the defilement of Topheth, underscoring the systematic and unrelenting nature of his purge, which aimed to eradicate all forms of spiritual impurity from the land.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Josiah reigned from 640-609 BC, a period of geopolitical flux that provided a unique window of opportunity for his reforms. The once-dominant Assyrian Empire was in decline, and Babylon had not yet fully asserted its supremacy, allowing Judah a measure of autonomy without significant external interference. The "idolatrous priests" mentioned in the text were likely *kĕmārîm*, a distinct class of non-Levitical priests dedicated to foreign deities, explicitly separate from the legitimate priesthood of Yahweh. The "high places" (*bâmot*) were ancient cult sites, often elevated on hilltops, which, though sometimes initially used for Yahweh worship, had become primary centers for syncretistic and purely pagan practices, incorporating elements of Canaanite religion. The worship of Baal, a prominent Canaanite storm and fertility god, was pervasive, often involving ritual prostitution and child sacrifice. Astral worship—the veneration of the sun, moon, planets, and "host of heaven"—was also common throughout the ancient Near East, influenced by Mesopotamian and Egyptian practices, and was strictly forbidden by the Mosaic Law, as explicitly stated in [Deuteronomy 4:19](/deuteronomy/4-19 "Deuteronomy 4:19 - Warning Against Astral Worship").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes central to the book of Kings and the broader Deuteronomistic history. First, it highlights the theme of **Radical Religious Reform**, showcasing Josiah's unwavering commitment to purifying Judah from generations of deep-seated idolatry, a stark and righteous contrast to many of his predecessors. His actions were not superficial but aimed at the very roots of pagan practice, including its personnel and sacred locations. Second, it underscores the constant and critical tension between **Monotheism and Idolatry**. The detailed list of pagan deities and celestial bodies worshipped emphasizes the severity of Judah's deviation from the exclusive worship of Yahweh, the one true God. Josiah's reforms represent a national turning back to the covenant with God, which strictly forbade the worship of other gods or created things, as articulated in the foundational commands of [Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3-5 "Exodus 20:3-5 - The First Commandment"). Finally, the verse speaks profoundly to the theme of **Covenant Obedience**, demonstrating both the dire consequences of disobedience (the need for such drastic reform) and the blessings inherent in returning to God's commands. Josiah's zeal was a direct and fervent response to the stipulations of the Law, particularly those against idolatry found throughout [the Book of Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/1 "The Book of Deuteronomy").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Idolatrous Priests (Hebrew, _kâmâr'_):** The Hebrew term כָּמָר (_kâmâr_), translated "idolatrous priests" (plural *kĕmārîm*), refers to a specific class of pagan priests, distinct from the legitimate Levitical priesthood. According to H3649, these were "an ascetic (as if shrunk with self-maceration), i.e. an idolatrous priest." They were typically dedicated to foreign deities like Baal or other astral gods, whose practices were an abomination to Yahweh. Josiah's act of "putting them down" (from H7673, _shâbath_, meaning "to repose, i.e. desist from exertion; used in many implied relations (causative, figurative or specific); (cause to, let, make to) cease, celebrate, cause (make) to fail, keep (sabbath), suffer to be lacking, leave, put away (down), (make to) rest, rid, still, take away") signifies a comprehensive dismantling of the institutionalized pagan worship system that had been established and sanctioned by previous Judean kings, particularly Manasseh. This was not merely a removal of idols but of the very agents promoting and facilitating the idolatry.
* **High Places (Hebrew, _bâmâh'_):** The Hebrew word בָּמָה (_bâmâh_), translated "high places" (plural *bâmot*), refers to elevated cult sites, often on hills or artificial mounds, where sacrifices and worship were performed. According to H1116, it means "from an unused root (meaning to be high); an elevation; height, high place, wave." While some *bâmot* may have initially been used for legitimate Yahweh worship, they frequently became primary centers for syncretistic and purely pagan practices, incorporating elements of Canaanite fertility cults and astral worship. They represented a fundamental compromise of monotheistic worship, as God commanded worship to be centralized at the Temple in Jerusalem. Josiah's actions against these sites, including the removal of their priests, were crucial for restoring the purity and centrality of Yahweh worship.
* **Host of Heaven (Hebrew, _tsâbâʼ ha-shâmayim'_):** The phrase צְבָא הַשָּׁמַיִם (_tsâbâʼ ha-shâmayim_), "host of heaven," refers collectively to the celestial bodies—the sun, moon, stars, and planets. The word _tsâbâʼ_ (H6635) means "a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized forwar (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (specifically, hardship, worship)." _Shâmayim_ (H8064) means "the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies revolve); air, [idiom] astrologer, heaven(-s)." In the ancient Near East, these celestial bodies were often deified and worshipped as gods or divine beings, believed to exert influence over human affairs. This form of astral worship was explicitly and repeatedly forbidden in Israelite law (e.g., [Deuteronomy 17:3](/deuteronomy/17-3 "Deuteronomy 17:3 - Prohibition of Astral Worship")), as it diverted worship from the Creator to the created. The inclusion of "Baal, to the sun, and to the moon, and to the planets, and to all the host of heaven" in this verse underscores the pervasive and comprehensive nature of the idolatry Josiah confronted, touching every major category of forbidden worship in Judah.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he put down the idolatrous priests,"**: This clause immediately establishes Josiah's direct, authoritative, and decisive action. "He put down" signifies a forceful removal and cessation of their function. These "idolatrous priests" (the *kĕmārîm*) were the human agents facilitating forbidden worship, and their removal was a critical first step in dismantling the pagan infrastructure that had taken root in Judah.
* **"whom the kings of Judah had ordained to burn incense in the high places in the cities of Judah, and in the places round about Jerusalem;"**: This part highlights the deeply institutionalized and pervasive nature of the idolatry. The fact that previous "kings of Judah" had "ordained" (from H5414, _nâthan_, "to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.); add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign...") these priests demonstrates a long-standing, royal endorsement of pagan practices, making Josiah's reform all the more radical and necessary. The "high places" (*bâmot*) were widespread, not just in Jerusalem but "in the cities of Judah" (H5892, _ʻîyr_) and "round about Jerusalem" (H4524, _mêçab_), indicating the pervasive reach of this syncretistic worship throughout the entire kingdom. Burning incense (H6999, _qâṭar_), a common act of worship, was here offered to false gods, symbolizing devotion to them and their illicit cults.
* **"them also that burned incense unto Baal, to the sun, and to the moon, and to the planets, and to all the host of heaven."**: This final clause provides a comprehensive list of the specific deities and celestial bodies being worshipped, demonstrating the breadth and depth of Judah's spiritual apostasy. "Baal" (H1168) represents the prominent Canaanite fertility cult, often associated with rain and agricultural prosperity. The subsequent mention of "the sun" (H8121, _shemesh_), "the moon" (H3394, _yârêach_), "the planets" (H4208, _mazzâlâh_), and "all the host of heaven" (H6635, _tsâbâʼ_ H8064, _shâmayim_) refers to various forms of astral worship, a pervasive ancient Near Eastern practice strictly forbidden in Israel. This detailed enumeration emphasizes the extent of the deviation from the exclusive worship of Yahweh and the thoroughness of Josiah's purge.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several effective **Literary Devices** to convey its message with precision and impact. The most prominent is **Enumeration** or **Cataloging**, seen in the detailed list of specific objects of worship: "Baal, to the sun, and to the moon, and to the planets, and to all the host of heaven." This comprehensive list serves to emphasize the pervasive and varied nature of the idolatry that had infected Judah, leaving no stone unturned in its description. This cataloging also highlights the thoroughness of Josiah's reform, as he addresses every known category of forbidden worship. Furthermore, there is an implicit **Contrast** between the actions of "the kings of Judah" who "ordained" these idolatrous priests, and Josiah's righteous act of "putting them down." This contrast underscores Josiah's unique faithfulness and zeal compared to his predecessors, positioning him as a reformer par excellence. The repeated emphasis on "burned incense" acts as a **Repetition** of the illicit act, reinforcing the central nature of this forbidden ritual in the pagan cults and the depth of Judah's spiritual compromise.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Kings 23:5 powerfully articulates the theological imperative for exclusive devotion to Yahweh, the one true God, and the severe consequences of syncretism and idolatry. Josiah's actions embody the Deuteronomic call for a pure and undivided heart towards God, demonstrating that true worship demands the complete rejection of all rival deities and their associated practices. The verse underscores God's absolute sovereignty and His intolerance for any form of spiritual infidelity, revealing His holy jealousy for His covenant people. It also highlights the profound responsibility of leadership in upholding divine truth and the potential for national spiritual renewal when leaders commit to radical obedience. The comprehensive nature of the idolatry described necessitates an equally comprehensive purging, reflecting God's demand for holiness in His people and His unwavering commitment to His covenant.

* [Deuteronomy 6:4-5](/deuteronomy/6-4-5 "Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - The Shema: Hear, O Israel") - Emphasizes the singular nature of God and the command to love Him with all one's heart, soul, and might, forming the foundational basis for exclusive worship and rejection of all rivals.
* [Isaiah 44:6](/isaiah/44-6 "Isaiah 44:6 - God as the First and Last") - Declares Yahweh as the only God, asserting His unique identity as the Alpha and Omega, thereby invalidating all other claims to deity and directly refuting the worship of Baal or celestial bodies.
* [1 Corinthians 10:14](/1_corinthians/10-14 "1 Corinthians 10:14 - Flee from Idolatry") - A New Testament admonition to "flee from idolatry," demonstrating that the principle of exclusive devotion to God remains a central and enduring command for believers in all ages, applicable to both overt and subtle forms of idolatry.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
King Josiah's radical purge of idolatry, as depicted in 2 Kings 23:5, serves as a timeless paradigm for spiritual purity and unwavering devotion to God. For believers today, this passage compels us to engage in a similar, though spiritual, cleansing of our own lives. Just as physical idols and their priests corrupted Judah, subtle forms of idolatry can infiltrate our hearts, diverting our ultimate allegiance from God. These modern idols might include the relentless pursuit of wealth, status, comfort, or even the adoration of relationships, achievements, or ideologies that subtly usurp God's rightful place. The "high places" in our lives could be any area where we seek fulfillment or security apart from Him, or where we allow practices and beliefs contrary to His Word to take root. Josiah's zeal challenges us to examine our priorities, motivations, and allegiances with ruthless honesty, asking what truly commands our worship and attention. It calls us to dismantle any "high places" in our hearts and lives, ensuring that our devotion to the Lord is undivided, exclusive, and pure, reflecting the singular glory of the one true God who alone is worthy of all worship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "high places" or subtle forms of idolatry might exist in my own life, diverting my ultimate devotion from God?**
* **How can I actively "put down" or dismantle these modern idols, ensuring God holds the supreme place in my heart and priorities?**
* **In what ways might my daily practices or allegiances unintentionally reflect a divided heart, similar to the syncretism of ancient Judah?**
* **What specific steps can I take to cultivate a more exclusive and pure worship of God in my personal life and community, reflecting Josiah's zeal?**

### FAQ

**What were the "idolatrous priests" and why were they so central to Josiah's reforms?**

Answer: The "idolatrous priests" in 2 Kings 23:5 were non-Levitical priests, referred to in Hebrew as *kĕmārîm* (Chemarim), who were dedicated to the worship of foreign deities like Baal and the "host of heaven" (celestial bodies). Unlike the legitimate priests of Yahweh, these individuals facilitated and promoted pagan cults, often having been "ordained by the kings of Judah." They were central to Josiah's reforms because they represented the institutionalized and sanctioned face of idolatry. To truly cleanse the land and restore pure worship of Yahweh, Josiah had to dismantle the entire infrastructure of idolatry, which necessarily included removing its leading personnel. Their removal was a critical step in eliminating the active promotion and practice of forbidden worship, ensuring that the source of spiritual corruption was addressed at its root.

**What does "burning incense in the high places" signify in this context?**

Answer: "Burning incense" was a common act of worship in the ancient world, signifying devotion, prayer, and an offering to a deity. In this context, it signifies an act of worship directed towards false gods rather than Yahweh. The "high places" (*bâmot*) were elevated cult sites throughout Judah where such illicit worship occurred. These sites had become centers of syncretism, blending Yahweh worship with pagan rituals, or outright pagan worship. Josiah's actions against both the priests and the high places demonstrate his comprehensive approach to purifying the land, targeting both the agents and the locations of idolatry. This practice was a direct violation of God's command for centralized worship at the Temple in Jerusalem and for exclusive devotion to Him, as detailed in [Deuteronomy 12:5-14](/deuteronomy/12-5-14 "Deuteronomy 12:5-14 - Centralized Worship and Exclusive Devotion").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The radical reforms of King Josiah, particularly his purging of idolatrous priests and practices, powerfully foreshadow the ultimate and perfect cleansing brought about by Jesus Christ. Just as Josiah removed those who led God's people astray into false worship, Jesus, the true and eternal King, came to dismantle the spiritual idolatry that enslaves humanity: sin itself. He is the ultimate High Priest, not of a corruptible human lineage, but after the order of Melchizedek, who offers Himself as the perfect and final sacrifice, making all other forms of "incense" or mediation obsolete and establishing a new and living way to God ([Hebrews 7:27](/hebrews/7-27 "Hebrews 7:27 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice") and [Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - The New and Living Way")). Where Josiah addressed the outward manifestations of sin, Christ deals with the root cause, purifying the heart and mind from the "high places" of self-worship, materialism, and other spiritual idols that compete for our ultimate allegiance ([Matthew 15:19](/matthew/15-19 "Matthew 15:19 - Out of the Heart") and [Colossians 3:5](/colossians/3-5 "Colossians 3:5 - Put to Death Earthly Things")). He is the true "Sun of Righteousness" who arises with healing in His wings ([Malachi 4:2](/malachi/4-2 "Malachi 4:2 - The Sun of Righteousness")), replacing the futile worship of the sun, moon, and stars with the radiant light of His truth and grace. Through His redemptive work on the cross and the power of His resurrection, believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to cast down every idol and bring every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, establishing pure and true worship that is in spirit and truth ([John 4:24](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth") and [2 Corinthians 10:5](/2_corinthians/10-5 "2 Corinthians 10:5 - Taking Every Thought Captive")).

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

Jeremiah 44:17

But we will certainly do whatsoever thing goeth forth out of our own mouth, to burn incense unto the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink offerings unto her, as we have done, we, and our fathers, our kings, and our princes, in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem: for [then] had we plenty of victuals, and were well, and saw no evil.

Jeremiah 44:19

And when we burned incense to the queen of heaven, and poured out drink offerings unto her, did we make her cakes to worship her, and pour out drink offerings unto her, without our men?

2 Kings 21:3

For he built up again the high places which Hezekiah his father had destroyed; and he reared up altars for Baal, and made a grove, as did Ahab king of Israel; and worshipped all the host of heaven, and served them.

2 Kings 21:4

And he built altars in the house of the LORD, of which the LORD said, In Jerusalem will I put my name.

Jeremiah 8:1

¶ At that time, saith the LORD, they shall bring out the bones of the kings of Judah, and the bones of his princes, and the bones of the priests, and the bones of the prophets, and the bones of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, out of their graves:

Jeremiah 8:2

And they shall spread them before the sun, and the moon, and all the host of heaven, whom they have loved, and whom they have served, and after whom they have walked, and whom they have sought, and whom they have worshipped: they shall not be gathered, nor be buried; they shall be for dung upon the face of the earth.

Hosea 10:5

The inhabitants of Samaria shall fear because of the calves of Bethaven: for the people thereof shall mourn over it, and the priests thereof [that] rejoiced on it, for the glory thereof, because it is departed from it.