2 Kings 23:24
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.
Original Language Analysis
וְגַ֣ם
H1571
וְגַ֣ם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
1 of 33
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 33
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָֽאֹב֣וֹת
Moreover the workers with familiar spirits
H178
הָֽאֹב֣וֹת
Moreover the workers with familiar spirits
Strong's:
H178
Word #:
3 of 33
properly, a mumble, i.e., a water-skin (from its hollow sound); hence a necromancer (ventriloquist, as from a jar)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 33
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַ֠יִּדְּעֹנִים
and the wizards
H3049
הַ֠יִּדְּעֹנִים
and the wizards
Strong's:
H3049
Word #:
5 of 33
properly, a knowing one; specifically, a conjurer; (by impl) a ghost
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 33
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַתְּרָפִ֨ים
and the images
H8655
הַתְּרָפִ֨ים
and the images
Strong's:
H8655
Word #:
7 of 33
teraphim (singular or plural) a family idol
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 33
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַגִּלֻּלִ֜ים
and the idols
H1544
הַגִּלֻּלִ֜ים
and the idols
Strong's:
H1544
Word #:
9 of 33
properly, a log (as round); by implication, an idol
וְאֵ֣ת
H853
וְאֵ֣ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 33
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
11 of 33
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַשִּׁקֻּצִ֗ים
and all the abominations
H8251
הַשִּׁקֻּצִ֗ים
and all the abominations
Strong's:
H8251
Word #:
12 of 33
disgusting, i.e., filthy; especially idolatrous or (concretely) an idol
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
13 of 33
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
נִרְאוּ֙
that were spied
H7200
נִרְאוּ֙
that were spied
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
14 of 33
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
יְהוּדָה֙
of Judah
H3063
יְהוּדָה֙
of Judah
Strong's:
H3063
Word #:
16 of 33
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
וּבִיר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם
and in Jerusalem
H3389
וּבִיר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם
and in Jerusalem
Strong's:
H3389
Word #:
17 of 33
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
לְ֠מַעַן
H4616
לְ֠מַעַן
Strong's:
H4616
Word #:
20 of 33
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
הָקִ֞ים
that he might perform
H6965
הָקִ֞ים
that he might perform
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
21 of 33
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
22 of 33
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
דִּבְרֵ֤י
the words
H1697
דִּבְרֵ֤י
the words
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
23 of 33
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
הַתּוֹרָה֙
of the law
H8451
הַתּוֹרָה֙
of the law
Strong's:
H8451
Word #:
24 of 33
a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch
הַכְּתֻבִ֣ים
which were written
H3789
הַכְּתֻבִ֣ים
which were written
Strong's:
H3789
Word #:
25 of 33
to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
26 of 33
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הַסֵּ֔פֶר
in the book
H5612
הַסֵּ֔פֶר
in the book
Strong's:
H5612
Word #:
27 of 33
properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
28 of 33
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
מָצָ֛א
found
H4672
מָצָ֛א
found
Strong's:
H4672
Word #:
29 of 33
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
הַכֹּהֵ֖ן
the priest
H3548
הַכֹּהֵ֖ן
the priest
Strong's:
H3548
Word #:
31 of 33
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
Cross References
Leviticus 19:31Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the LORD your God.Genesis 31:19And Laban went to shear his sheep: and Rachel had stolen the images that were her father's.2 Kings 21:6And he made his son pass through the fire, and observed times, and used enchantments, and dealt with familiar spirits and wizards: he wrought much wickedness in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.Leviticus 20:27A man also or woman that hath a familiar spirit, or that is a wizard, shall surely be put to death: they shall stone them with stones: their blood shall be upon them.
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
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.
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. 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.