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2 Chronicles 34:3

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For in the eighth year of his reign, while he was yet young, he began to seek after the God of David his father: and in the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem from the high places, and the groves, and the carved images, and the molten images.

For in the eighth {H8083} year {H8141} of his reign {H4427}, while he was yet young {H5288}, he began {H2490} to seek {H1875} after the God {H430} of David {H1732} his father {H1}: and in the twelfth {H8147}{H6240} year {H8141} he began {H2490} to purge {H2891} Judah {H3063} and Jerusalem {H3389} from the high places {H1116}, and the groves {H842}, and the carved images {H6456}, and the molten images {H4541}.

For in the eighth year of his reign, when he was still young, he began seeking after the God of David his father; and in the twelfth year, he began cleansing Y'hudah and Yerushalayim from the high places, the sacred poles, and the carved and cast metal images.

In the eighth year of his reign, while he was still young, Josiah began to seek the God of his father David, and in the twelfth year he began to cleanse Judah and Jerusalem of the high places, the Asherah poles, the carved idols, and the cast images.

For in the eighth year of his reign, while he was yet young, he began to seek after the God of David his father; and in the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem from the high places, and the Asherim, and the graven images, and the molten images.

Commentary

2 Chronicles 34:3 highlights the remarkable spiritual awakening that began early in the reign of King Josiah of Judah. This verse sets the stage for one of the most significant periods of religious reform in Israel's history, emphasizing Josiah's youthful devotion and immediate action against widespread idolatry.

Context

Josiah ascended the throne at the tender age of eight, following his wicked father Amon, and his grandfather Manasseh, whose reigns were marked by extreme idolatry and spiritual decline in Judah. Despite this corrupt heritage, Josiah distinguished himself by walking in the ways of David, his righteous ancestor. This verse specifically notes two critical phases of his early reign: in his eighth year (around age 16), he began to actively "seek after the God of David," and in his twelfth year (around age 20), he initiated a sweeping national purge of idolatrous practices and objects from Judah and Jerusalem.

Key Themes

  • Early Piety and Seeking God: Josiah's decision to seek God at a young age (around 16) demonstrates a profound personal commitment to the Lord, contrasting sharply with the spiritual apathy or outright rebellion of previous kings. This early seeking laid the foundation for his later reforms.
  • Godly Legacy and Covenant Faithfulness: By seeking "the God of David his father," Josiah consciously aligned himself with the covenant faithfulness exemplified by King David, aiming to restore the nation to its proper relationship with Yahweh. This echoes the promise of a righteous king from David's line (Jeremiah 23:5).
  • Zeal Against Idolatry: The active purging of "high places, groves, carved images, and molten images" signifies Josiah's aggressive stance against pagan worship. These were not mere symbols but active sites and objects of worship that had deeply infiltrated Judah's religious life, representing Baal, Asherah, and other foreign deities.
  • National Reform and Revival: The actions described in this verse mark the beginning of a comprehensive national revival. Josiah's reforms were not superficial; they involved the physical destruction of pagan altars and idols, preparing the way for a deeper spiritual restoration that would later be catalyzed by the discovery of the Book of the Law (2 Chronicles 34:14).

Linguistic Insights

The terms used here are significant:

  • "High places" (Hebrew: bamot) refers to elevated shrines, often outdoor altars, where pagan worship and sometimes even Israelite worship (contrary to God's command for a central sanctuary) took place.
  • "Groves" (Hebrew: asherim) refers to wooden poles or trees dedicated to the Canaanite goddess Asherah, associated with fertility cults and often involving immoral practices.
  • "Carved images" and "molten images" refer to idols made of stone or wood (carved) and metal (melted and cast), explicitly forbidden by the Second Commandment.

Practical Application

Josiah's early reign offers powerful lessons for believers today:

  • No Age Limit for Seeking God: Josiah demonstrates that a sincere desire for God can begin at any age, and youth is no barrier to deep spiritual commitment or significant influence.
  • Active Faith: Seeking God is not passive; it leads to action. Josiah's personal devotion quickly translated into tangible efforts to cleanse his nation of spiritual impurities.
  • Purity and Holiness: Just as Josiah purged physical idols, believers are called to identify and eliminate "idols" in their own lives—anything that takes God's rightful place in their hearts or distracts from His worship (1 John 5:21).
  • Impact of Righteous Leadership: One individual's genuine pursuit of God can spark widespread positive change and revival within a community or even a nation.
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Cross-References

  • 2 Chronicles 33:22 (5 votes)

    But he did [that which was] evil in the sight of the LORD, as did Manasseh his father: for Amon sacrificed unto all the carved images which Manasseh his father had made, and served them;

  • 2 Chronicles 15:2 (4 votes)

    And he went out to meet Asa, and said unto him, Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin; The LORD [is] with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you.

  • 2 Chronicles 33:17 (3 votes)

    Nevertheless the people did sacrifice still in the high places, [yet] unto the LORD their God only.

  • Proverbs 8:17 (3 votes)

    I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.

  • 2 Kings 23:14 (2 votes)

    And he brake in pieces the images, and cut down the groves, and filled their places with the bones of men.

  • 1 Kings 13:2 (2 votes)

    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.

  • 1 Chronicles 29:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ Furthermore David the king said unto all the congregation, Solomon my son, whom alone God hath chosen, [is yet] young and tender, and the work [is] great: for the palace [is] not for man, but for the LORD God.