And when he had broken down the altars and the groves, and had beaten the graven images into powder, and cut down all the idols throughout all the land of Israel, he returned to Jerusalem.

2 CHRONICLES 34:7KJV
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2 Chronicles 34:7 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 34:7 mean?

2 Chronicles 34:7 describes how Josiah, the king of Judah, traveled throughout the land of Israel to destroy places and objects used for idol worship, including altars, groves, carved images, and idols, reducing them to powder before returning to Jerusalem. This verse shows Josiah’s determination to remove all traces of idol worship from the land.

Josiah is the main figure here, acting as a reformer king who is committed to following the God of Israel. The verse comes during a period when Josiah is actively purging the land of practices and objects associated with foreign gods. The actions are thorough and forceful, emphasizing the seriousness with which Josiah approaches the task of restoring proper worship.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 34:7

  • "Altars" (מִזְבְּחוֹת, mizbechot): This word refers to structures used for sacrifices to other gods. The destruction of these altars highlights Josiah’s intent to stop all unauthorized religious practices.
  • "Groves" (אֲשֵׁרִים, asherim): These were wooden symbols or poles associated with the goddess Asherah. Their removal shows Josiah was targeting not just stone idols but also objects tied to Canaanite worship.
  • "Beaten" (דָּקַק, daqaq): This word means to crush or pulverize. Josiah did not just remove idols; he destroyed them so completely that they could not be reused.
  • "Powder" (עָפָר, afar): This word means dust or fine powder, stressing the total destruction of the images—nothing was left that could be restored or worshipped.

Why 2 Chronicles 34:7 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Josiah’s reforms were not limited to Judah but extended into former northern Israelite territory, showing the wide reach of his efforts.
  • The verse emphasizes the thoroughness of Josiah’s actions, making clear that he left no opportunity for idol worship to continue.
  • Understanding the specific objects destroyed—altars, groves, images, idols—helps readers see the depth of religious compromise in Israel and the seriousness of Josiah’s reforms.

Where else these words appear

“idols” Hebrew H2553 · used in 8 verses

  • Leviticus 26:30 And I will destroy your high places, and cut down your images, and cast your carcases upon the carcases of your idols, and my soul shall abhor you.
  • 2 Chronicles 34:4 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.
  • Isaiah 27:9 By this therefore shall the iniquity of Jacob be purged; and this is all the fruit to take away his sin; when he maketh all the stones of the altar as chalkstones that are beaten in sunder, the groves and images shall not stand up.

“powder” Hebrew H1854 · used in 12 verses

  • Exodus 30:36 And thou shalt beat some of it very small, and put of it before the testimony in the tabernacle of the congregation, where I will meet with thee: it shall be unto you most holy.
  • 2 Samuel 22:43 Then did I beat them as small as the dust of the earth, I did stamp them as the mire of the street, and did spread them abroad.
  • 2 Chronicles 34:4 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.

“beaten” Hebrew H3807 · used in 17 verses

  • Leviticus 22:24 Ye shall not offer unto the LORD that which is bruised, or crushed, or broken, or cut; neither shall ye make any offering thereof in your land.
  • 2 Chronicles 15:6 And nation was destroyed of nation, and city of city: for God did vex them with all adversity.
  • Isaiah 30:14 And he shall break it as the breaking of the potters' vessel that is broken in pieces; he shall not spare: so that there shall not be found in the bursting of it a sherd to take fire from the hearth, or to take water withal out of the pit.

“images” Hebrew H6456 · 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.
  • 2 Chronicles 33:22 But he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, as did Manasseh his father: for Amon sacrificed unto all the carved images which Manasseh his father had made, and served them;
  • Isaiah 42:8 I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.