2 Kings 23:9

KJV

Nevertheless the priests of the high places came not up to the altar of the LORD in Jerusalem, but they did eat of the unleavened bread among their brethren.

KJV (with Strong's)

Nevertheless the priests {H3548} of the high places {H1116} came not up {H5927} to the altar {H4196} of the LORD {H3068} in Jerusalem {H3389}, but they did eat {H398} of the unleavened bread {H4682} among {H8432} their brethren {H251}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But although the cohanim who had been at the high places did not come up to the altar of ADONAI in Yerushalayim, nevertheless they did share matzah with their kinsmen.

Berean Standard Bible

Although the priests of the high places did not come up to the altar of the LORD in Jerusalem, they ate unleavened bread with their fellow priests.

American Standard Version

Nevertheless the priests of the high places came not up to the altar of Jehovah in Jerusalem, but they did eat unleavened bread among their brethren.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
King Josiah's sweeping reforms, initiated after the discovery of the Book of the Law, aimed to purify Judah's worship. This verse details the specific fate of the priests who had served at the unauthorized "high places." While they were rightly barred from full priestly service at the central altar in Jerusalem due to their past compromises and the necessity of maintaining the sanctity of the Temple, Josiah mercifully provided for their sustenance by allowing them to partake in the priestly portions of the offerings alongside their faithful brethren, demonstrating a balance of justice and compassion in the restoration of pure worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the comprehensive account of King Josiah's religious reforms in [2 Kings 23](/2_kings/23 "2 Kings 23 - Josiah's Reforms"). Following the discovery of the [Book of the Law](/2_kings/22-8 "2 Kings 22:8 - Discovery of the Book of the Law") in the Temple during its repair, Josiah was deeply convicted by its commands, particularly regarding exclusive worship of Yahweh and the centralization of cultic practice. The preceding verses detail his fervent actions: destroying idolatrous altars, defiling pagan sites, and dismantling the "high places" (v. 8) throughout Judah and even into the former northern kingdom. Verse 9 specifically addresses the personnel who had officiated at these illicit sites, providing a nuanced perspective on their treatment within the broader context of national spiritual cleansing and restoration of covenant fidelity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** For centuries, Israel had struggled with syncretism, often mixing the worship of Yahweh with Canaanite practices, particularly at local shrines known as "high places" (Hebrew: _bamot_). Despite the clear Mosaic command for a single, centralized place of worship ([Deuteronomy 12:5-7](/deuteronomy/12-5 "Deuteronomy 12:5-7 - The Central Place of Worship")), these high places persisted, often becoming centers of idolatry or at least unauthorized worship. The priests serving at these locations were likely Levitical priests who had compromised their fidelity to the Law. Josiah's reforms, occurring in the late 7th century BCE, were a radical attempt to reverse generations of spiritual decline, particularly under Manasseh and Amon. The treatment of these priests reflects both the severity of their deviation from God's commands and Josiah's pragmatic and compassionate approach to their reintegration into society, albeit in a demoted capacity.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within [2 Kings](/2_kings "2 Kings - The History of Israel and Judah"):
* **Centralization of Worship:** Josiah's actions, including the demotion of these priests, underscore the absolute necessity of worshipping God exclusively at the divinely appointed sanctuary in Jerusalem, as commanded in the Law. This was crucial to prevent the spiritual dilution and idolatry that proliferated at the high places.
* **Consequences of Spiritual Compromise:** The priests of the high places, by serving at unauthorized altars, had compromised the purity of Yahwistic worship. Their exclusion from the Jerusalem altar serves as a clear consequence for their deviation, highlighting the seriousness of unfaithfulness in spiritual leadership.
* **Mercy and Provision within Justice:** While demoted, these priests were not left destitute. The provision for them to "eat of the unleavened bread among their brethren" demonstrates Josiah's wisdom and a degree of mercy, ensuring their livelihood even as their full priestly function was curtailed. This reflects a divine principle of justice tempered with compassion, providing for those who have strayed but are no longer able to serve in their former capacity.
* **Distinction and Purity within the Priesthood:** The verse implicitly draws a distinction between those priests who had maintained fidelity to the Law and served at the Jerusalem Temple, and those who had not. It emphasizes the importance of purity and adherence to God's standards for all who serve in sacred capacities, ensuring the sanctity of worship.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **high places (Hebrew, בָּמָה, _bamah'_):** Refers to elevated cultic sites or shrines, often associated with Canaanite fertility worship, but also used by Israelites for unauthorized worship of Yahweh. These sites were explicitly forbidden by the Deuteronomic law, which mandated a single, central sanctuary for legitimate worship. Their widespread existence throughout Israel's history indicates a persistent struggle with syncretism and disobedience.
* **unleavened bread (Hebrew, מַצָּה, _matzah'_):** While _matzah_ specifically refers to unleavened bread, in this context, "unleavened bread" (or "bread" more broadly) is a metonym for the priestly portions of various offerings, particularly the grain offerings (Leviticus 6:14-18, 26). These portions were consecrated food, eaten by the priests and their families as their divinely ordained sustenance, symbolizing their reliance on God's provision through the sacrifices of the people. This provision ensured their livelihood, as they had no tribal land inheritance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Nevertheless the priests of the high places came not up to the altar of the LORD in Jerusalem,"**: This clause specifies the primary consequence for the priests who had served at the unauthorized "high places." Despite Josiah's sweeping reforms and the cleansing of the land, these priests were permanently barred from officiating at the central altar in the Jerusalem Temple. This exclusion was a necessary measure to uphold the sanctity of the Temple, prevent the reintroduction of compromised worship, and enforce the principle of centralized worship. It signified their demotion and unfitness for full, direct service at the most holy site due to their past associations and compromises with illicit religious practices.
* **"but they did eat of the unleavened bread among their brethren."**: This second clause reveals a significant act of mercy and provision on Josiah's part. While demoted from active service at the main altar, these priests were not stripped of all their priestly privileges or left destitute. They were permitted to share in the consecrated food portions allocated to the priests (the "unleavened bread" or priestly offerings). This ensured their sustenance and dignity, allowing them to remain within the priestly community and be provided for, even if their spiritual responsibilities were severely curtailed. This act balanced punitive justice with compassionate care.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Contrast** to highlight the dual fate of the priests of the high places: their exclusion from the central altar versus their continued provision. This contrast emphasizes both the severity of their past compromise and the mercy extended to them. There is also a subtle use of **Metonymy** where "unleavened bread" stands for the broader category of priestly portions and offerings, signifying their economic sustenance. The narrative also functions as a **Historical Record**, documenting the meticulousness of Josiah's reforms and the practical implications of restoring covenant fidelity, illustrating how the king navigated the complexities of purging idolatry while managing the human element of those who had participated in it.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates the tension between divine justice and mercy, a recurring theme throughout Scripture. While God demands purity in worship and holds His servants to a high standard, He also provides for those who have strayed, offering a path of provision even when full restoration of status is not possible. Josiah's actions reflect God's character, which disciplines unfaithfulness but does not abandon those who are part of His covenant community. The demotion of these priests underscores the seriousness of spiritual compromise and the absolute necessity of adhering to God's revealed will for worship, particularly the principle of centralized worship designed to protect against syncretism and maintain the uniqueness of Yahweh's identity.

* [Deuteronomy 12:13-14](/deuteronomy/12-13 "Deuteronomy 12:13-14 - Warning Against Unauthorized Worship")
* [Ezekiel 44:10-14](/ezekiel/44-10 "Ezekiel 44:10-14 - Demotion of Unfaithful Levites")
* [Leviticus 6:16](/leviticus/6-16 "Leviticus 6:16 - Priestly Portion of Grain Offerings")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of the priests of the high places offers profound lessons for believers today. It calls us to examine the purity of our own worship and commitment to God's revealed truth. Are there "high places" in our lives—areas where we compromise God's standards with worldly practices, or where our devotion is divided? The verse reminds us that while God is merciful, there are consequences for spiritual compromise, especially for those in leadership. Purity in worship is not merely about external forms but about the heart's undivided allegiance to Christ. Yet, even in discipline, God provides. We are called to seek radical obedience, trusting that God's justice is always tempered with His unwavering love and provision, even when our past choices mean we cannot fully return to a former position of privilege. This passage encourages humility, repentance, and a deep appreciation for the grace that sustains us even in our shortcomings.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tolerating "high places" or spiritual compromises that dilute my devotion to God?**
* **How does this passage challenge my understanding of leadership and accountability within the church?**
* **How can I better appreciate God's balance of justice and mercy in my own life and in my interactions with others?**
* **What does "pure worship" look like for me personally, and how can I pursue it more wholeheartedly?**

### FAQ
**What were the "high places" and why were they problematic?**

Answer: The "high places" (Hebrew: _bamot_) were local altars or shrines, often on elevated ground, used for religious worship. While some may have initially been used for legitimate worship of Yahweh before the centralization of worship in Jerusalem, they became problematic because they fostered syncretism—the mixing of Yahwistic worship with pagan practices, such as Baal worship. The Law, particularly in [Deuteronomy 12](/deuteronomy/12 "Deuteronomy 12 - The Central Place of Worship"), explicitly commanded that all worship and sacrifice be brought to a single, divinely chosen sanctuary (which became Jerusalem). The existence of multiple high places led to decentralized, often corrupted, worship that undermined the unique identity of Yahweh and the purity of Israel's covenant relationship with Him. Josiah's reforms aimed to eradicate these sites to restore exclusive and pure worship.

**Why were the priests of the high places not allowed to serve at the Jerusalem altar, even after Josiah's reforms?**

Answer: The priests of the high places were barred from serving at the central altar in Jerusalem to uphold the sanctity and purity of the Temple worship. Their past involvement in unauthorized, and often syncretistic, worship at the high places rendered them ritually impure or unfit for the highest level of service at the Lord's chosen sanctuary. This decision, likely based on principles found in the Law (e.g., [Leviticus 21:17-23](/leviticus/21-17 "Leviticus 21:17-23 - Priestly Blemishes")), aimed to prevent the reintroduction of compromised practices into the heart of Judah's worship. It was a necessary measure to ensure the integrity of the priesthood and the holiness of the Temple, reinforcing the severe consequences of spiritual compromise and the importance of strict adherence to God's commands regarding worship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Kings 23:9 describes a historical act of reform and the demotion of unfaithful priests under the Old Covenant, it subtly foreshadows the ultimate purification and redefinition of worship found in Christ. The Old Testament system, with its centralized Temple and specific priestly requirements, pointed to the need for perfect mediation and atonement. The priests of the high places, though provided for, were deemed unfit for full service due to their past compromises. This highlights the inherent limitations and imperfections of the Levitical priesthood and the Law's inability to perfectly cleanse. In contrast, Jesus Christ is our [Great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest"), who is "holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens" ([Hebrews 7:26](/hebrews/7-26 "Hebrews 7:26 - Christ's Perfect Priesthood")). He offered a [single, perfect sacrifice](/hebrews/10-12 "Hebrews 10:12 - Christ's Single Sacrifice") that truly cleanses and makes us fit for worship. Under the New Covenant, the "high place" is no longer a physical location but Christ Himself, through whom we have [direct access to God](/ephesians/2-18 "Ephesians 2:18 - Access to God Through Christ"). Believers, as a [royal priesthood](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood"), are called to offer spiritual sacrifices ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")) in spirit and truth ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")), no longer bound by geographical altars or ritual purity laws, but by the perfect purity and access granted through Christ's atoning work. The mercy shown to the demoted priests also prefigures God's ultimate mercy in Christ, where even those who have strayed can find forgiveness and provision, though not necessarily a return to former privileges, but a new identity and purpose in Him.

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

Ezekiel 44:10

¶ And the Levites that are gone away far from me, when Israel went astray, which went astray away from me after their idols; they shall even bear their iniquity.

Ezekiel 44:14

But I will make them keepers of the charge of the house, for all the service thereof, and for all that shall be done therein.

Malachi 2:8

But ye are departed out of the way; ye have caused many to stumble at the law; ye have corrupted the covenant of Levi, saith the LORD of hosts.

Malachi 2:9

Therefore have I also made you contemptible and base before all the people, according as ye have not kept my ways, but have been partial in the law.

Ezekiel 44:29

They shall eat the meat offering, and the sin offering, and the trespass offering; and every dedicated thing in Israel shall be theirs.

Ezekiel 44:31

The priests shall not eat of any thing that is dead of itself, or torn, whether it be fowl or beast.

1 Samuel 2:36

And it shall come to pass, [that] every one that is left in thine house shall come [and] crouch to him for a piece of silver and a morsel of bread, and shall say, Put me, I pray thee, into one of the priests' offices, that I may eat a piece of bread.