King James Version
What Does 2 Kings 23:9 Mean?
“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.”
Context
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.
10
And he defiled Topheth, which is in the valley of the children of Hinnom, that no man might make his son or his daughter to pass through the fire to Molech.
11
And he took away the horses that the kings of Judah had given to the sun, at the entering in of the house of the LORD, by the chamber of Nathanmelech the chamberlain, which was in the suburbs, and burned the chariots of the sun with fire. chamberlain: or, eunuch, or, officer
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(9) **Nevertheless . . . came not up to the altar.**—*Only the, priests of the high places used not to offer at the altar*. They were not permitted to do so, being considered to be incapacitated for that office by their former illegal ministrations.
**But they did eat.**—They might not even eat their share of the meat offerings in company with the legitimate priests; but had to take their meals apart, “among their brethren,” *i.e.*, in their own company. (Comp. Ezekiel 44:10-14; Leviticus 21:21-22.)
**Eat of the unleavened bread.**—Omit *of the*. The phrase is a technical one, meaning to live upon offerings. (See Leviticus 2:1-11; Leviticus 6:16-18; Leviticus 10:12.) These irregular priests were probably employed in the inferior duties of the Temple.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 23:9 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 23:9
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge