King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 23:7 Mean?

2 Kings 23:7 in the King James Version says “And he brake down the houses of the sodomites, that were by the house of the LORD, where the women wove hangings for the... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And he brake down the houses of the sodomites, that were by the house of the LORD, where the women wove hangings for the grove. hangings: Heb. houses

2 Kings 23:7 · KJV


Context

5

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. put: Heb. caused to cease idolatrous: Heb. Chemarim planets: or, twelve signs or, constellations

6

And he brought out the grove from the house of the LORD, without Jerusalem, unto the brook Kidron, and burned it at the brook Kidron, and stamped it small to powder, and cast the powder thereof upon the graves of the children of the people.

7

And he brake down the houses of the sodomites, that were by the house of the LORD, where the women wove hangings for the grove. hangings: Heb. houses

8

And he brought all the priests out of the cities of Judah, and defiled the high places where the priests had burned incense, from Geba to Beersheba, and brake down the high places of the gates that were in the entering in of the gate of Joshua the governor of the city, which were on a man's left hand at the gate of the city.

9

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he brake down the houses of the sodomites, that were by the house of the LORD, where the women wove hangings for the grove.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 23: Comprehensive reformation cannot avert certain judgment. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. In Judah's later history, we see both genuine reforms and deep-rooted corruption, revealing that external religious activity cannot substitute for heart transformation.

The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Setting: 2 Kings 23 takes place during the final century of Judah's existence, 7th century BCE, including Manasseh and Josiah's reigns. The chapter's theme (Josiah's Thorough Reforms) reflects the historical reality of the worst apostasy under Manasseh followed by the most thorough reforms under Josiah, demonstrating that external righteousness cannot reverse God's determined judgment. Archaeological evidence from this period includes royal inscriptions, administrative documents, and material culture that corroborate the biblical account while providing additional context for understanding the political and social dynamics at work.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 23 regarding comprehensive reformation cannot avert certain judgment?
  2. What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
  3. In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וַיִּתֹּץ֙1 of 13

And he brake down

H5422

to tear down

אֶת2 of 13
H853

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

בָּתִּ֖ים3 of 13

hangings

H1004

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

הַקְּדֵשִׁ֔ים4 of 13

of the sodomites

H6945

a (quasi) sacred person, i.e., (technically) a (male) devotee (by prostitution) to licentious idolatry

אֲשֶׁ֖ר5 of 13
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

בָּתִּ֖ים6 of 13

hangings

H1004

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

יְהוָ֑ה7 of 13

of the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֲשֶׁ֣ר8 of 13
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

הַנָּשִׁ֗ים9 of 13

where the women

H802

a woman

אֹֽרְג֥וֹת10 of 13

wove

H707

to plait or weave

שָׁ֛ם11 of 13
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

בָּתִּ֖ים12 of 13

hangings

H1004

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

לָֽאֲשֵׁרָֽה׃13 of 13

for the grove

H842

asherah (or astarte) a phoenician goddess; also an image of the same


Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

2 Kings 23:7 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 Kings 23:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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