2 Kings 23:20 Meaning and Explanation
“And he slew all the priests of the high places that were there upon the altars, and burned men’s bones upon them, and returned to Jerusalem.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →He executes the priests of the northern high places upon their own altars and then returns to Jerusalem.
What Does 2 Kings 23:20 Mean?
Josiah puts to death the priests who had led the false worship at the northern high places, doing so upon the very altars where they had served, and burns bones there to defile them. Then he returns to Jerusalem, his northern campaign complete.
This is severe judgment against those who had drawn a nation into idolatry. The narrative presents it soberly, as the removal of a long-standing corruption. With the land cleansed, Josiah turns home, the ground now cleared for the renewed worship the next verses will describe.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Kings 23:20
What does 2 Kings 23:20 mean?
He executes the priests of the northern high places upon their own altars and then returns to Jerusalem.