2 Kings 23:24

Authorized King James Version

Moreover the workers with familiar spirits, and the wizards, and the images, and the idols, and all the abominations that were spied in the land of Judah and in Jerusalem, did Josiah put away, that he might perform the words of the law which were written in the book that Hilkiah the priest found in the house of the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְגַ֣ם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הָֽאֹב֣וֹת

H178

Moreover the workers with familiar spirits

properly, a mumble, i.e., a water-skin (from its hollow sound); hence a necromancer (ventriloquist, as from a jar)

וְאֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַ֠יִּדְּעֹנִים

H3049

and the wizards

properly, a knowing one; specifically, a conjurer; (by impl) a ghost

וְאֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַתְּרָפִ֨ים

H8655

and the images

teraphim (singular or plural) a family idol

וְאֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַגִּלֻּלִ֜ים

H1544

and the idols

properly, a log (as round); by implication, an idol

#10

וְאֵ֣ת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#11

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#12

הַשִּׁקֻּצִ֗ים

H8251

and all the abominations

disgusting, i.e., filthy; especially idolatrous or (concretely) an idol

#13

אֲשֶׁ֤ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#14

נִרְאוּ֙

H7200

that were spied

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

#15

בְּאֶ֤רֶץ

H776

in the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#16

יְהוּדָה֙

H3063

of Judah

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

#17

וּבִיר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם

H3389

and in Jerusalem

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

#18

בִּעֵ֖ר

H1197

put away

to be(-come) brutish

#19

יֹֽאשִׁיָּ֑הוּ

H2977

did Josiah

joshijah, the name of two israelites

#20

לְ֠מַעַן

H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

#21

הָקִ֞ים

H6965

that he might perform

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

#22

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#23

דִּבְרֵ֤י

H1697

the words

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

#24

הַתּוֹרָה֙

H8451

of the law

a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

#25

הַכְּתֻבִ֣ים

H3789

which were written

to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)

#26

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#27

הַסֵּ֔פֶר

H5612

in the book

properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book

#28

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#29

מָצָ֛א

H4672

found

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

#30

חִלְקִיָּ֥הוּ

H2518

that Hilkiah

chilhijah, the name of eight israelites

#31

הַכֹּהֵ֖ן

H3548

the priest

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

#32

בֵּ֥ית

H1004

in the house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#33

יְהוָֽה׃

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

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