2 Kings 18:4
He removed the high places, and brake the images, and cut down the groves, and brake in pieces the brasen serpent that Moses had made: for unto those days the children of Israel did burn incense to it: and he called it Nehushtan.
Original Language Analysis
ה֣וּא׀
H1931
ה֣וּא׀
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
1 of 28
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 28
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 28
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַמַּצֵּבֹ֔ת
the images
H4676
הַמַּצֵּבֹ֔ת
the images
Strong's:
H4676
Word #:
7 of 28
something stationed, i.e., a column or (memorial stone); by analogy, an idol
וְכָרַ֖ת
and cut down
H3772
וְכָרַ֖ת
and cut down
Strong's:
H3772
Word #:
8 of 28
to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 28
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָֽאֲשֵׁרָ֑ה
the groves
H842
הָֽאֲשֵׁרָ֑ה
the groves
Strong's:
H842
Word #:
10 of 28
asherah (or astarte) a phoenician goddess; also an image of the same
הַנְּחֹ֜שֶׁת
the brasen
H5178
הַנְּחֹ֜שֶׁת
the brasen
Strong's:
H5178
Word #:
13 of 28
copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
14 of 28
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עָשָׂ֣ה
had made
H6213
עָשָׂ֣ה
had made
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
15 of 28
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
17 of 28
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
עַד
H5704
עַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
18 of 28
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
הַיָּמִ֤ים
for unto those days
H3117
הַיָּמִ֤ים
for unto those days
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
19 of 28
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
הָי֤וּ
H1961
הָי֤וּ
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
21 of 28
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
בְנֵֽי
the children
H1121
בְנֵֽי
the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
22 of 28
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
23 of 28
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
מְקַטְּרִ֣ים
did burn incense
H6999
מְקַטְּרִ֣ים
did burn incense
Strong's:
H6999
Word #:
24 of 28
to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)
Cross References
2 Chronicles 31:1Now when all this was finished, all Israel that were present went out to the cities of Judah, and brake the images in pieces, and cut down the groves, and threw down the high places and the altars out of all Judah and Benjamin, in Ephraim also and Manasseh, until they had utterly destroyed them all. Then all the children of Israel returned, every man to his possession, into their own cities.Exodus 23:24Thou shalt not bow down to their gods, nor serve them, nor do after their works: but thou shalt utterly overthrow them, and quite break down their images.Deuteronomy 7:5But 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.1 Kings 22:43And he walked in all the ways of Asa his father; he turned not aside from it, doing that which was right in the eyes of the LORD: nevertheless the high places were not taken away; for the people offered and burnt incense yet in the high places.Leviticus 26:30And 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 Kings 12:3But the high places were not taken away: the people still sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places.2 Kings 18:22But if ye say unto me, We trust in the LORD our God: is not that he, whose high places and whose altars Hezekiah hath taken away, and hath said to Judah and Jerusalem, Ye shall worship before this altar in Jerusalem?Judges 6:28And when the men of the city arose early in the morning, behold, the altar of Baal was cast down, and the grove was cut down that was by it, and the second bullock was offered upon the altar that was built.Judges 6:25And it came to pass the same night, that the LORD said unto him, Take thy father's young bullock, even the second bullock of seven years old, and throw down the altar of Baal that thy father hath, and cut down the grove that is by it:
Historical Context
Historical Setting: 2 Kings 18 takes place during Hezekiah's reign in Judah, late 8th century BCE, around 715-686 BCE. The chapter's theme (Hezekiah's Reforms and Assyrian Threat) reflects the historical reality of genuine religious reform under Hezekiah, including trust in God that resulted in miraculous deliverance from Assyria. Archaeological evidence from this period includes royal inscriptions, administrative documents, and material culture that corroborate the biblical account while providing additional context for understanding the political and social dynamics at work.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 18 regarding faithful reformation faces external pressure?
- What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
- In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
He removed the high places, and brake the images, and cut down the groves, and brake in pieces the brasen serpent that Moses had made: for unto those days the children of Israel did burn incense to it: and he called it Nehushtan.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 18: Faithful reformation faces external pressure. In Judah's later history, we see both genuine reforms and deep-rooted corruption, revealing that external religious activity cannot substitute for heart transformation.
The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.