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.

2 KINGS 23:5KJV
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2 Kings 23:5 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 23:5 mean?

2 Kings 23:5 describes how King Josiah removed the priests who had been appointed by earlier kings of Judah to offer incense at pagan worship sites, both in the cities of Judah and around Jerusalem. These priests had led worship not only to Baal but also to the sun, moon, planets, and all the stars, which the verse calls "the host of heaven."

King Josiah is the main figure here, and he is carrying out religious reforms to get rid of idol worship in Judah. The verse shows that idol worship had become widespread, involving not just local gods like Baal but also celestial bodies. Josiah’s actions are part of a larger effort to restore worship of the God of Israel alone, as described in the surrounding chapters.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 23:5

  • "Priests" (כְּמָרִים, kemarim): This word refers to priests specifically involved in idol worship, not the regular priests of the Lord. It highlights that Josiah targeted those leading people away from proper worship.
  • "Incense" (קָטַר, qatar): Burning incense was a key part of ancient worship rituals. Here, it shows that these priests were actively leading ceremonies to foreign gods.
  • "Planets" (מַזָּלוֹת, mazzalot): This word is often understood as referring to planets or constellations. The mention of "mazzalot" shows that people were worshipping the stars and celestial bodies, not just earthly idols.
  • "Host" (צָבָא, tsava): This word means "army" or "host" and, in this context, refers to the full array of heavenly bodies. It emphasizes the broad scope of the idolatry Josiah was confronting.

Why 2 Kings 23:5 matters

  • This verse clears up that idol worship in Judah was not limited to local gods like Baal but included a wide range of deities, especially celestial bodies, showing how deeply foreign practices had taken root.
  • The verse highlights the seriousness and thoroughness of Josiah’s reforms, as he did not just remove idols but also the priests who led these practices, even in places near Jerusalem.
  • Understanding this verse helps make sense of the larger narrative in 2 Kings 23, where Josiah’s efforts to restore true worship are described in detail, showing his commitment to following the law of Moses.

Where else these words appear

“priests” Hebrew H3649 · used in 3 verses

  • Hosea 10:5 The inhabitants of Samaria shall fear because of the calves of Bethaven: for the people thereof shall mourn over it, and the priests thereof that rejoiced on it, for the glory thereof, because it is departed from it.
  • Zephaniah 1:4 I will also stretch out mine hand upon Judah, and upon all the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and I will cut off the remnant of Baal from this place, and the name of the Chemarims with the priests;

“about” Hebrew H4524 · used in 5 verses

  • 1 Kings 6:29 And he carved all the walls of the house round about with carved figures of cherubims and palm trees and open flowers, within and without.
  • Job 37:12 And it is turned round about by his counsels: that they may do whatsoever he commandeth them upon the face of the world in the earth.
  • Psalms 140:9 As for the head of those that compass me about, let the mischief of their own lips cover them.

“moon” Hebrew H3394 · used in 26 verses

  • Genesis 37:9 And he dreamed yet another dream, and told it his brethren, and said, Behold, I have dreamed a dream more; and, behold, the sun and the moon and the eleven stars made obeisance to me.
  • Psalms 72:5 They shall fear thee as long as the sun and moon endure, throughout all generations.
  • Isaiah 13:10 For the stars of heaven and the constellations thereof shall not give their light: the sun shall be darkened in his going forth, and the moon shall not cause her light to shine.

“down” Hebrew H7673 · used in 67 verses

  • Genesis 2:2 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
  • Nehemiah 4:11 And our adversaries said, They shall not know, neither see, till we come in the midst among them, and slay them, and cause the work to cease.
  • Jeremiah 48:35 Moreover I will cause to cease in Moab, saith the LORD, him that offereth in the high places, and him that burneth incense to his gods.