King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 34:4 Mean?

“And they brake down the altars of Baalim in his presence; and the images, that were on high above them, he cut down; and the groves, and the carved images, and the molten images, he brake in pieces, and made dust of them, and strowed it upon the graves of them that had sacrificed unto them. the images: or, the sun images graves: Heb. face of the graves”

Context

And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, and walked in the ways of David his father, and declined neither to the right hand, nor to the left.

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.

And they brake down the altars of Baalim in his presence; and the images, that were on high above them, he cut down; and the groves, and the carved images, and the molten images, he brake in pieces, and made dust of them, and strowed it upon the graves of them that had sacrificed unto them. the images: or, the sun images graves: Heb. face of the graves

And he burnt the bones of the priests upon their altars, and cleansed Judah and Jerusalem.

And so did he in the cities of Manasseh, and Ephraim, and Simeon, even unto Naphtali, with their mattocks round about. mattocks: or, mauls

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(4) **Of Baalim.**—*Of the Baals.* 2Kings 23:4-5, “the Baal.” **In his presence.**—Comp. 2Kings 23:16, from which it appears that Josiah personally superintended the work of demolition. **The images.**—*Sun statues* (2Chronicles 14:4). **That were on high above them, he cut down.**—Or, *that were above, from off them he hewed.* **The molten images.**—Rather, *the ma*çç*ebuth,* or sacred *pillars.* (See 2Kings 23:14.) **Made dust of them.**—2Kings 23:6 (of an Asherah). **And showed . . . unto them.**—Literally, *and sprinkled upon the face of the graves that used to sacrifice unto them,* as if the graves were guilty. 2Kings 23:6 relates this of the temple Asherah only.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 34:4 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.