Definition: And he slew all the priests of the high places that [were] there upon the altars, and burned menâs bones upon them, and returned to Jerusalem.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 2 Kings 23:20. It’s a really dramatic and unsettling part of the book of Kings, and it’s packed with meaning. Here's a simple explanation: The Basic Story: The King’s Wrath: After the death of King David, his sons, particularly Absalom, rebelled against him. They plotted to kill him and usurp the throne. A Massacre: The Bible tells us that King Hezekiah (the king who ruled after David) ordered a brutal massacre. Hezekiah sent his soldiers to kill all the priests of the high places – those in charge of the temples and rituals - and burned the bones of the people they killed. The Result: This event essentially wiped out the religious leaders and their followers in Jerusalem. What it Means – A Layered Explanation: This verse is a shocking expression of intense anger and revenge. Here's what it suggests: Divine Justice: The Bible describes this as a divine punishment for the rebellion and wickedness of his sons. It’s saying that God wasn’t just punishing them; He was actively punishing their actions by removing those who were connected to the religious practices of the time. Removal of Power: The burning of bones signifies the removal of religious authority and power. The priests were seen as intermediaries between God and the people, and their death signaled a collapse of that connection. A Symbolic Cleansing: It's often interpreted as a cleansing of Jerusalem – a purging of evil and idolatry from the city. The act suggests a complete destruction of what was wrong with the kingdom. Important Note: This passage is incredibly unsettling because it depicts violence and a deliberate targeting of religious figures. It’s important to remember that this text comes from a very ancient historical context, and its interpretation can be complex. In short, 2 Kings 23:20 describes a horrific event where King Hezekiah ordered the burning of bones and the killing of priests in Jerusalem as a punishment for rebellion and a cleansing of the city. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the Bible verse? Discuss the historical context surrounding this event? Explore different interpretations of the verse’s meaning?