King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 23:17 Mean?

2 Chronicles 23:17 in the King James Version says “Then all the people went to the house of Baal, and brake it down, and brake his altars and his images in pieces, and sle...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then all the people went to the house of Baal, and brake it down, and brake his altars and his images in pieces, and slew Mattan the priest of Baal before the altars.”

2 Chronicles 23:17 · KJV

Context

15

So they laid hands on her; and when she was come to the entering of the horse gate by the king's house, they slew her there.

16

And Jehoiada made a covenant between him, and between all the people, and between the king, that they should be the LORD'S people.

17

Then all the people went to the house of Baal, and brake it down, and brake his altars and his images in pieces, and slew Mattan the priest of Baal before the altars.

18

Also Jehoiada appointed the offices of the house of the LORD by the hand of the priests the Levites, whom David had distributed in the house of the LORD, to offer the burnt offerings of the LORD, as it is written in the law of Moses, with rejoicing and with singing, as it was ordained by David. as it was: Heb. by the hands of David

19

And he set the porters at the gates of the house of the LORD, that none which was unclean in any thing should enter in.

Read 2 Chronicles 23 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then all the people went to the house of Baal, and brake it down, and brake his altars and his images in pieces, and slew Mattan the priest of Baal before the altars.

This verse is part of the narrative of Judah's kings, specifically addressing Covenant restoration and righteous coup. The Chronicler's theological perspective emphasizes immediate divine retribution—kings who seek God prosper, while those who forsake Him face judgment. This pattern provides instruction for the post-exilic community on the conditions for God's blessing.

The account demonstrates God's covenant faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. Even in judgment, God preserves a remnant and offers restoration through repentance. The repeated cycle of apostasy, judgment, and restoration reveals both human sinfulness and divine mercy. References to the temple, proper worship, and priestly service emphasize the Chronicler's concern for correct religious observance.

Theologically, these accounts point beyond immediate history to God's ultimate purposes through the Davidic line. Despite repeated failures, God preserves David's dynasty, anticipating the perfect King who will reign in righteousness. The pattern of judgment for sin and restoration through repentance prefigures the gospel message of salvation through Christ.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This passage occurs during the divided monarchy period when Judah existed separately from northern Israel. The Chronicler writes from a post-exilic perspective, addressing the restored community in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile (539 BCE onward). His emphasis on temple worship, proper religious observance, and God's covenant faithfulness speaks directly to the needs of his audience who had just rebuilt the temple and were reestablishing their identity as God's people.

The historical context demonstrates both God's judgment on persistent sin and His readiness to restore those who genuinely repent. The Chronicler omits most northern kingdom material, focusing on Judah and the Davidic line to emphasize God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Lachish, Beersheba, and Jerusalem corroborate the biblical accounts of various kings' reigns and building projects.

Understanding the Chronicler's post-exilic perspective is crucial—he's not merely recording history but applying past lessons to his contemporary audience, showing that the same principles of seeking God, maintaining proper worship, and covenant faithfulness that determined blessing or judgment in the past still apply.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse illustrate the principle of divine retribution (blessing for obedience, judgment for sin)?
  2. What specific applications does this passage have for maintaining spiritual faithfulness in contemporary Christian life?
  3. How does this account point to God's ultimate purposes through the Davidic line and the coming Messiah?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וַיָּבֹ֨אוּ1 of 18

“went”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

כָל2 of 18
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָעָ֤ם3 of 18

“Then all the people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

בֵּית4 of 18

“to the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

הַבַּ֔עַל5 of 18

“of Baal”

H1168

baal, a phoenician deity

וַֽיִּתְּצֻ֔הוּ6 of 18

“and brake it down”

H5422

to tear down

וְאֶת7 of 18
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַֽמִּזְבְּחֽוֹת׃8 of 18

“his altars”

H4196

an altar

וְאֶת9 of 18
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

צְלָמָ֖יו10 of 18

“and his images”

H6754

a phantom, i.e., (figuratively) illusion, resemblance; hence, a representative figure, especially an idol

שִׁבֵּ֑רוּ11 of 18

“and brake”

H7665

to burst (literally or figuratively)

וְאֵ֗ת12 of 18
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מַתָּן֙13 of 18

“Mattan”

H4977

mattan, the name of a priest of baal, and of an israelite

כֹּהֵ֣ן14 of 18

“the priest”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

הַבַּ֔עַל15 of 18

“of Baal”

H1168

baal, a phoenician deity

הָֽרְג֖וּ16 of 18

“and slew”

H2026

to smite with deadly intent

לִפְנֵ֥י17 of 18

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

הַֽמִּזְבְּחֽוֹת׃18 of 18

“his altars”

H4196

an altar

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Chronicles 23:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Chronicles 23:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 18:40Isaiah 2:18Zechariah 13:2-32 Chronicles 34:42 Kings 10:25-282 Chronicles 34:7

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