2 Kings 23:5

2 Kings 23:5 Meaning and Explanation

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.

King James Version (KJV)

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He removes the idolatrous priests appointed by earlier kings to burn incense at the high places and to the heavenly bodies.

What Does 2 Kings 23:5 Mean?

Josiah deposes the priests whom former kings had installed to offer incense at the unauthorized shrines scattered through Judah and around Jerusalem, including those who worshiped Baal and the sun, moon, and stars. He dismantles the whole apparatus that earlier rulers had built up.

Sin entrenched by leaders over generations is not undone without resolve. The created lights of heaven were never meant to be served; they were made to serve. Josiah recalls his people to worship the Creator rather than the creation, the very confusion the gospel later overturns.

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What does 2 Kings 23:5 mean?

He removes the idolatrous priests appointed by earlier kings to burn incense at the high places and to the heavenly bodies.

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