2 Kings 23:12
And the altars that were on the top of the upper chamber of Ahaz, which the kings of Judah had made, and the altars which Manasseh had made in the two courts of the house of the LORD, did the king beat down, and brake them down from thence, and cast the dust of them into the brook Kidron.
Original Language Analysis
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
1 of 30
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
3 of 30
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
4 of 30
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הַגָּג֩
that were on the top
H1406
הַגָּג֩
that were on the top
Strong's:
H1406
Word #:
5 of 30
a roof; by analogy, the top of an altar
עֲלִיַּ֨ת
of the upper chamber
H5944
עֲלִיַּ֨ת
of the upper chamber
Strong's:
H5944
Word #:
6 of 30
something lofty, i.e., a stair-way; also a second-story room (or even one on the roof); figuratively, the sky
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
8 of 30
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 #:
9 of 30
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
יְהוּדָ֗ה
of Judah
H3063
יְהוּדָ֗ה
of Judah
Strong's:
H3063
Word #:
11 of 30
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
12 of 30
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
14 of 30
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 30
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
מְנַשֶּׁ֔ה
which Manasseh
H4519
מְנַשֶּׁ֔ה
which Manasseh
Strong's:
H4519
Word #:
16 of 30
menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
חַצְר֥וֹת
courts
H2691
חַצְר֥וֹת
courts
Strong's:
H2691
Word #:
18 of 30
a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)
בֵּית
of the house
H1004
בֵּית
of the house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
19 of 30
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
יְהוָ֖ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
20 of 30
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וַיָּ֣רָץ
and brake them down
H7323
וַיָּ֣רָץ
and brake them down
Strong's:
H7323
Word #:
23 of 30
to run (for whatever reason, especially to rush)
מִשָּׁ֔ם
H8033
מִשָּׁ֔ם
Strong's:
H8033
Word #:
24 of 30
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
וְהִשְׁלִ֥יךְ
from thence and cast
H7993
וְהִשְׁלִ֥יךְ
from thence and cast
Strong's:
H7993
Word #:
25 of 30
to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
26 of 30
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עֲפָרָ֖ם
the dust
H6083
עֲפָרָ֖ם
the dust
Strong's:
H6083
Word #:
27 of 30
dust (as powdered or gray); hence, clay, earth, mud
Cross References
Jeremiah 19:13And the houses of Jerusalem, and the houses of the kings of Judah, shall be defiled as the place of Tophet, because of all the houses upon whose roofs they have burned incense unto all the host of heaven, and have poured out drink offerings unto other gods.2 Kings 21:5And he built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the LORD.Zephaniah 1:5And them that worship the host of heaven upon the housetops; and them that worship and that swear by the LORD, and that swear by Malcham;2 Chronicles 33:5And he built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the LORD.
Historical Context
Historical Setting: 2 Kings 23 takes place during the final century of Judah's existence, 7th century BCE, including Manasseh and Josiah's reigns. The chapter's theme (Josiah's Thorough Reforms) reflects the historical reality of the worst apostasy under Manasseh followed by the most thorough reforms under Josiah, demonstrating that external righteousness cannot reverse God's determined judgment. 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 23 regarding comprehensive reformation cannot avert certain judgment?
- 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
And the altars that were on the top of the upper chamber of Ahaz, which the kings of Judah had made, and the altars which Manasseh had made in the two courts of the house of the LORD, did the king beat down, and brake them down from thence, and cast the dust of them into the brook Kidron.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 23: Comprehensive reformation cannot avert certain judgment. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. 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.