By this therefore shall the iniquity of Jacob be purged; and this is all the fruit to take away his sin; when he maketh all the stones of the altar as chalkstones that are beaten in sunder, the groves and images shall not stand up.
By this therefore shall the iniquity of Jacob be purged; and this is all the fruit to take away his sin; when he maketh all the stones of the altar as chalkstones that are beaten in sunder, the groves and images shall not stand up. This verse reveals the purpose of measured discipline: purging sin. Iniquity...purged (avon...yekupar, עָוֺן...יְכֻפַּר) uses the Hebrew root for atonement/covering—discipline serves redemptive purposes. This is all the fruit indicates the complete result or purpose of God's dealings.
To take away his sin (hasir chattato, הָסִר חַטָּאתוֹ) literally means "the removing of his sin"—the goal is sin's elimination, not mere punishment. The evidence of genuine repentance follows: when he maketh all the stones of the altar as chalkstones that are beaten in sunder—destroying pagan altars so thoroughly they become like pulverized chalk. The groves and images shall not stand up (asherim vechamanim lo yaqumu, אֲשֵׁרִים וְחַמָּנִים לֹא יָקֻמוּ)—no toleration of idolatrous asherim (wooden poles representing fertility goddess Asherah) or chamanim (incense altars/sun pillars). True repentance means radical rejection of false worship.
Historical Context
Throughout Israel's history, incomplete reforms left pagan elements standing (2 Kings 18:4 notes Hezekiah removed high places previous kings left). Post-exilic Judaism became fiercely monotheistic, having learned through exile's bitter lesson. Jesus similarly demands radical removal of sin (Matthew 5:29-30). The New Testament temple is believers' hearts (1 Corinthians 3:16), requiring purging of spiritual idols—anything receiving devotion belonging only to God (1 John 5:21).
Questions for Reflection
What does this verse teach about the purpose of God's discipline—is it primarily punitive or purifying?
How thorough must repentance be ('chalkstones beaten in sunder')—what half-measures is God calling you to eliminate?
What modern 'groves and images' (idols of the heart) need to be completely removed from your life?
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Analysis & Commentary
By this therefore shall the iniquity of Jacob be purged; and this is all the fruit to take away his sin; when he maketh all the stones of the altar as chalkstones that are beaten in sunder, the groves and images shall not stand up. This verse reveals the purpose of measured discipline: purging sin. Iniquity...purged (avon...yekupar, עָוֺן...יְכֻפַּר) uses the Hebrew root for atonement/covering—discipline serves redemptive purposes. This is all the fruit indicates the complete result or purpose of God's dealings.
To take away his sin (hasir chattato, הָסִר חַטָּאתוֹ) literally means "the removing of his sin"—the goal is sin's elimination, not mere punishment. The evidence of genuine repentance follows: when he maketh all the stones of the altar as chalkstones that are beaten in sunder—destroying pagan altars so thoroughly they become like pulverized chalk. The groves and images shall not stand up (asherim vechamanim lo yaqumu, אֲשֵׁרִים וְחַמָּנִים לֹא יָקֻמוּ)—no toleration of idolatrous asherim (wooden poles representing fertility goddess Asherah) or chamanim (incense altars/sun pillars). True repentance means radical rejection of false worship.