Now when all this was finished, all Israel that were present went out to the cities of Judah, and brake the images in pieces, and cut down the groves, and threw down the high places and the altars out of all Judah and Benjamin, in Ephraim also and Manasseh, until they had utterly destroyed them all. Then all the children of Israel returned, every man to his possession, into their own cities.

2 CHRONICLES 31:1KJV
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2 Chronicles 31:1 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 31:1 mean?

2 Chronicles 31:1 describes how, after a major religious event, the Israelites who were present went throughout Judah and neighboring regions to destroy all objects and places used for idol worship, including images, groves, high places, and altars. Once they had removed these, everyone returned to their own homes and cities.

This verse comes after King Hezekiah’s reforms and the celebration of the Passover in Jerusalem. The people, stirred by what they had experienced, took action to remove idol worship not just in Judah but also in the territories of Benjamin, Ephraim, and Manasseh. The verse highlights a moment of unity and commitment among the Israelites to follow God alone, showing the impact of Hezekiah’s leadership and the shared resolve of the people.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 31:1

  • "Images" (מַצֵּבָה, matzevah) refers to stone pillars or monuments often used in idol worship. The people broke these in pieces, showing a thorough rejection of foreign gods.
  • "Groves" (אֲשֵׁרָה, asherah) points to wooden poles or trees associated with the goddess Asherah. Cutting these down meant removing a common symbol of Canaanite religion.
  • "High places" (בָּמָה, bamah) were elevated sites used for sacrifices outside the temple. Throwing these down shows a return to worshiping only at the Jerusalem temple, as prescribed in the law.
  • "Altars" (מִזְבֵּחַ, mizbeach) were structures for offerings to other gods. Their destruction signals a renewed focus on exclusive worship of the God of Israel.

Why 2 Chronicles 31:1 matters

  • This verse clears up that Hezekiah’s reforms were not limited to Jerusalem but spread throughout the broader region, including areas from the former northern kingdom.
  • The verse emphasizes the people’s active participation, not just the king’s orders, showing a grassroots commitment to change.
  • It connects to the larger story of spiritual renewal in Judah, marking a turning point where the people collectively rejected idol worship and returned to their ancestral faith.

Where else these words appear

“down” Hebrew H1438 · used in 23 verses

  • Deuteronomy 7:5 But thus shall ye deal with them; ye shall destroy their altars, and break down their images, and cut down their groves, and burn their graven images with fire.
  • Psalms 75:10 All the horns of the wicked also will I cut off; but the horns of the righteous shall be exalted.
  • Isaiah 45:2 I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron:

“images” Hebrew H4676 · used in 31 verses

  • Genesis 28:18 And Jacob rose up early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put for his pillows, and set it up for a pillar, and poured oil upon the top of it.
  • Exodus 34:13 But ye shall destroy their altars, break their images, and cut down their groves:
  • 2 Kings 18:4 He removed the high places, and brake the images, and cut down the groves, and brake in pieces the brasen serpent that Moses had made: for unto those days the children of Israel did burn incense to it: and he called it Nehushtan.

“groves” Hebrew H842 · used in 40 verses

  • Exodus 34:13 But ye shall destroy their altars, break their images, and cut down their groves:
  • 1 Kings 18:19 Now therefore send, and gather to me all Israel unto mount Carmel, and the prophets of Baal four hundred and fifty, and the prophets of the groves four hundred, which eat at Jezebel's table.
  • 2 Chronicles 15:16 And also concerning Maachah the mother of Asa the king, he removed her from being queen, because she had made an idol in a grove: and Asa cut down her idol, and stamped it, and burnt it at the brook Kidron.

“down” Hebrew H5422 · used in 41 verses

  • Exodus 34:13 But ye shall destroy their altars, break their images, and cut down their groves:
  • 2 Kings 10:27 And they brake down the image of Baal, and brake down the house of Baal, and made it a draught house unto this day.
  • Psalms 52:5 God shall likewise destroy thee for ever, he shall take thee away, and pluck thee out of thy dwelling place, and root thee out of the land of the living. Selah.