1 Kings 15:13
1 Kings 15:13 in Multiple Translations
He also removed his grandmother Maacah from her position as queen mother because she had made a detestable Asherah pole. Asa chopped down the pole and burned it in the Kidron Valley.
And also Maachah his mother, even her he removed from being queen, because she had made an idol in a grove; and Asa destroyed her idol, and burnt it by the brook Kidron.
And also Maacah his mother he removed from being queen, because she had made an abominable image for an Asherah; and Asa cut down her image, and burnt it at the brook Kidron.
And he would not let Maacah his mother be queen, because she had made a disgusting image for Asherah; and Asa had the image cut down and burned by the stream Kidron.
He even dismissed his grandmother Maacah as queen mother, because she had made a disgusting idol. Asa had the idol chopped down and burned in the Kidron Valley.
And he put downe Maachah his mother also from her estate, because shee had made an idole in a groue: and Asa destroyed her idoles, and burnt them by the brooke Kidron.
and also Maachah his mother — he turneth her aside from being mistress, in that she made a horrible thing for a shrine, and Asa cutteth down her horrible thing, and burneth [it] by the brook Kidron;
He also removed Maacah his mother from being queen, because she had made an abominable image for an Asherah. Asa cut down her image and burned it at the brook Kidron.
And also Maachah his mother, even her he removed from being queen, because she had made an idol in a grove; and Asa destroyed her idol, and burnt it by the brook Kidron.
Moreover he also removed his mother Maacha, from being the princess in the sacrifices of Priapus, and in the grove which she had consecrated to him: and he destroyed her den, and broke in pieces the filthy idol, and burnt it by the torrent Cedron:
He also removed his grandmother Maacah so that she no longer had influence in the government because of being the mother of a previous king. He did that because she had made a disgusting wooden statue of the goddess Asherah. Asa told his workers to cut down the statue and burned it in the Kidron Valley.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 15:13
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
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1 Kings 15:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/גַ֣ם
אֶת
מַעֲכָ֣ה
אִמּ֗/וֹ
וַ/יְסִרֶ֨/הָ֙
מִ/גְּבִירָ֔ה
אֲשֶׁר
עָשְׂתָ֥ה
מִפְלֶ֖צֶת
לָ/אֲשֵׁרָ֑ה
וַ/יִּכְרֹ֤ת
אָסָא֙
אֶת
מִפְלַצְתָּ֔/הּ
וַ/יִּשְׂרֹ֖ף
בְּ/נַ֥חַל
קִדְרֽוֹן
וְ/גַ֣ם
gam
H1571
also
Conj | DirObjM
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
מַעֲכָ֣ה
Maʻăkâh
H4601
Maacah
N-proper
אִמּ֗/וֹ
ʼêm
H517
mother
N-fs | Suff
וַ/יְסִרֶ֨/הָ֙
çûwr
H5493
to turn aside
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
מִ/גְּבִירָ֔ה
gᵉbîyrâh
H1377
queen
Prep | N-fs
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
עָשְׂתָ֥ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
מִפְלֶ֖צֶת
miphletseth
H4656
horror
N-fs
לָ/אֲשֵׁרָ֑ה
ʼăshêrâh
H842
Asherah
Prep | N-proper
וַ/יִּכְרֹ֤ת
kârath
H3772
to cut
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אָסָא֙
ʼÂçâʼ
H609
Asa
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
מִפְלַצְתָּ֔/הּ
miphletseth
H4656
horror
N-fs | Suff
וַ/יִּשְׂרֹ֖ף
sâraph
H8313
to burn
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בְּ/נַ֥חַל
nachal
H5158
Brook
Prep | N-ms
קִדְרֽוֹן
Qidrôwn
H6939
Kidron
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 15:13
וְ/גַ֣ם
gam
H1571
"also"
Conj | DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
מַעֲכָ֣ה
Maʻăkâh
H4601
"Maacah"
N-proper
Maacah is a name that refers to a place in Syria, several Israelites, and some women, meaning 'oppression'. It's also the name of a city with a king in Israel. The name appears in the Bible as 'Maachah' or 'Maacah'.
Definition: Maachah = "oppression" a city with a king that continued within Israel Also named: ma.a.kha.ti (מַעֲכָתִי "Maacathite" H4602)
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: Maachah, Maachathites. See also H1038 (בֵּית מַעֲכָה). See also: Genesis 22:24; 1 Chronicles 7:15; 2 Chronicles 15:16.
אִמּ֗/וֹ
ʼêm
H517
"mother"
N-fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for 'mother' is used in the Bible to describe a female parent or a maternal figure. It can also refer to the source or origin of something, such as a river or a family. In some cases, it is used figuratively to describe a person's relationship to others.
Definition: 1) mother 1a) of humans 1b) of Deborah's relationship to the people (fig.) 1c) of animals 2) point of departure or division
Usage: Occurs in 202 OT verses. KJV: dam, mother, [idiom] parting. See also: Genesis 2:24; 2 Kings 4:19; Psalms 22:10.
וַ/יְסִרֶ֨/הָ֙
çûwr
H5493
"to turn aside"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
To turn aside or remove is the meaning of this verb, used in various forms throughout the Bible. It can mean to depart, avoid, or put something away, and is often used in the context of turning away from sin or wrongdoing, as seen in the actions of prophets and leaders in the Old Testament.
Definition: : remove 1) to turn aside, depart 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn aside, turn in unto 1a2) to depart, depart from way, avoid 1a3) to be removed 1a4) to come to an end 1b) (Polel) to turn aside 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to turn aside, cause to depart, remove, take away, put away, depose 1c2) to put aside, leave undone, retract, reject, abolish 1d) (Hophal) to be taken away, be removed
Usage: Occurs in 284 OT verses. KJV: be(-head), bring, call back, decline, depart, eschew, get (you), go (aside), [idiom] grievous, lay away (by), leave undone, be past, pluck away, put (away, down), rebel, remove (to and fro), revolt, [idiom] be sour, take (away, off), turn (aside, away, in), withdraw, be without. See also: Genesis 8:13; 2 Samuel 6:10; Psalms 6:9.
מִ/גְּבִירָ֔ה
gᵉbîyrâh
H1377
"queen"
Prep | N-fs
A queen or lady, this word describes a woman in a position of power or nobility. In the Bible, it is used to refer to queens, including queen mothers, who played important roles in Israel's history.
Definition: 1) queen, lady 2) queen-mother
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: queen. See also: 1 Kings 11:19; 2 Chronicles 15:16; Jeremiah 13:18.
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
עָשְׂתָ֥ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
מִפְלֶ֖צֶת
miphletseth
H4656
"horror"
N-fs
This word refers to something that inspires horror or fear, often an idol. In the Bible, it is used to describe the terrifying nature of false gods. The prophet Isaiah wrote about such idols.
Definition: horrid thing, horrible thing
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: idol. See also: 1 Kings 15:13; 2 Chronicles 15:16.
לָ/אֲשֵׁרָ֑ה
ʼăshêrâh
H842
"Asherah"
Prep | N-proper
Asherah was a goddess worshipped by the Canaanites and Phoenicians, often represented by a tree or pole near an altar. The Bible warns against worshipping her, as in Deuteronomy and Judges. She was considered a consort of Baal.
Definition: § Ashera(h) = "groves (for idol worship)" a Babylonian (Astarte)-Canaanite goddess (of fortune and happiness), the supposed consort of Baal, her images her images sacred trees or poles set up near an altar
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: grove. Compare H6253 (עַשְׁתֹּרֶת). See also: Exodus 34:13; 2 Kings 23:4; Isaiah 17:8.
וַ/יִּכְרֹ֤ת
kârath
H3772
"to cut"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to cut or destroy something, but it also has a special meaning related to making a covenant or agreement. In Genesis 15:18, God makes a covenant with Abram, symbolized by cutting animals in half, showing the seriousness of the promise. This word is used to describe important agreements and alliances.
Definition: : cut/fell 1) to cut, cut off, cut down, cut off a body part, cut out, eliminate, kill, cut a covenant 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cut off 1a1a) to cut off a body part, behead 1a2) to cut down 1a3) to hew 1a4) to cut or make a covenant 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be cut off 1b2) to be cut down 1b3) to be chewed 1b4) to be cut off, fail 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be cut off 1c2) to be cut down 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cut off 1d2) to cut off, destroy 1d3) to cut down, destroy 1d4) to take away 1d5) to permit to perish 1e) (Hophal) cut off
Usage: Occurs in 280 OT verses. KJV: be chewed, be con-(feder-) ate, covenant, cut (down, off), destroy, fail, feller, be freed, hew (down), make a league (covenant), [idiom] lose, perish, [idiom] utterly, [idiom] want. See also: Genesis 9:11; 1 Samuel 24:6; Psalms 12:4.
אָסָא֙
ʼÂçâʼ
H609
"Asa"
N-proper
Asa was a king of Judah, son of Abijam, who ruled wisely and brought peace to the land, as recorded in 1 Kings 15:11-15 and 2 Chronicles 14-16.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at 1Ch.9.16; son of: Elkanah (H0511K); father of: Berechiah (H1296I) § Asa = "healer: injurious (?)" 1) king of Judah, son of Abijam, father of Jehoshaphat 2) a Levite
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: Asa. See also: 1 Kings 15:8; 2 Chronicles 13:23; Jeremiah 41:9.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
מִפְלַצְתָּ֔/הּ
miphletseth
H4656
"horror"
N-fs | Suff
This word refers to something that inspires horror or fear, often an idol. In the Bible, it is used to describe the terrifying nature of false gods. The prophet Isaiah wrote about such idols.
Definition: horrid thing, horrible thing
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: idol. See also: 1 Kings 15:13; 2 Chronicles 15:16.
וַ/יִּשְׂרֹ֖ף
sâraph
H8313
"to burn"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to set something on fire, and is used in the Bible to describe burning or kindling flames, like in Psalm 83:14. It can also mean to utterly destroy something. The word is related to fire and burning, and is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to burn 1a) (Qal) to burn 1b) (Niphal) to be burned 1c) (Piel) burner, burning (participle) 1d) (Pual) to be burnt up, be burned Also means: sa.raph (סָרַף "to burn" H5635)
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: (cause to, make a) burn((-ing), up) kindle, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 11:3; 1 Kings 13:2; Psalms 46:10.
בְּ/נַ֥חַל
nachal
H5158
"Brook"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for a brook or stream, often referring to a small river or valley, is used in the Bible to describe natural landscapes, such as the Brook Kidron in 2 Samuel 15:23. It can also refer to a narrow valley or a shaft of a mine, emphasizing the idea of a flowing body of water.
Definition: palm-tree Another name of shi.chor (שִׁיחוֹר "Shihor" H7883G)
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: brook, flood, river, stream, valley. See also: Genesis 26:17; 1 Kings 18:5; Psalms 18:5.
קִדְרֽוֹן
Qidrôwn
H6939
"Kidron"
N-proper
The Kidron is a brook near Jerusalem, and its name means dark. It's mentioned in the Bible as a significant location near the city of Jerusalem.
Definition: § Kidron = "dark" a stream east of Jerusalem
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: Kidron. See also: 2 Samuel 15:23; 2 Kings 23:12; Jeremiah 31:40.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 15:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Kings 15:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 15:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 15:13
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 15:13
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 15:13
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 15:13
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 15:13
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 15:13
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 15:13
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 15:13
- Sermons on 1 Kings 15:13
Context — Asa Reigns in Judah
11And Asa did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, as his father David had done.
12He banished the male shrine prostitutes from the land and removed all the idols that his fathers had made.
13He also removed his grandmother Maacah from her position as queen mother because she had made a detestable Asherah pole. Asa chopped down the pole and burned it in the Kidron Valley.
14The high places were not removed, but Asa’s heart was fully devoted to the LORD all his days. 15And he brought into the house of the LORD the silver and gold and the articles that he and his father had dedicated.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 32:20 | Then he took the calf they had made, burned it in the fire, ground it to powder, and scattered the powder over the face of the water. Then he forced the Israelites to drink it. |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 7:5 | Instead, this is what you are to do to them: tear down their altars, smash their sacred pillars, cut down their Asherah poles, and burn their idols in the fire. |
| 3 | Zechariah 13:3 | And if anyone still prophesies, his father and mother who bore him will say to him, ‘You shall not remain alive, because you have spoken falsely in the name of the LORD.’ When he prophesies, his father and mother who bore him will pierce him through. |
| 4 | Matthew 12:46–50 | While Jesus was still speaking to the crowds, His mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to Him. Someone told Him, “Look, Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to You.” But Jesus replied, “Who is My mother, and who are My brothers?” Pointing to His disciples, He said, “Here are My mother and My brothers. For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.” |
| 5 | 2 Chronicles 15:15–19 | And all Judah rejoiced over the oath, for they had sworn it with all their heart. They had sought Him earnestly, and He was found by them. So the LORD gave them rest on every side. King Asa also removed his grandmother Maacah from her position as queen mother because she had made a detestable Asherah pole. Asa chopped down the pole, crushed it, and burned it in the Kidron Valley. The high places were not removed from Israel, but Asa’s heart was fully devoted all his days. And he brought into the house of God the silver and gold articles that he and his father had dedicated. And there was no war until the thirty-fifth year of Asa’s reign. |
| 6 | Deuteronomy 33:9 | He said of his father and mother, ‘I do not consider them.’ He disregarded his brothers and did not know his own sons, for he kept Your word and maintained Your covenant. |
| 7 | 1 Kings 15:2 | and he reigned in Jerusalem three years. His mother’s name was Maacah daughter of Abishalom. |
| 8 | Leviticus 26:30 | I will destroy your high places, cut down your incense altars, and heap your lifeless bodies on the lifeless remains of your idols; and My soul will despise you. |
| 9 | 2 Samuel 15:23 | Everyone in the countryside was weeping loudly as all the people passed by. And as the king crossed the Kidron Valley, all the people also passed toward the way of the wilderness. |
| 10 | Deuteronomy 13:6–11 | If your very own brother, or your son or daughter, or the wife you embrace, or your closest friend secretly entices you, saying, “Let us go and worship other gods” (which neither you nor your fathers have known, the gods of the peoples around you, whether near or far, whether from one end of the earth or the other), you must not yield to him or listen to him. Show him no pity, and do not spare him or shield him. Instead, you must surely kill him. Your hand must be the first against him to put him to death, and then the hands of all the people. Stone him to death for trying to turn you away from the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. Then all Israel will hear and be afraid, and will never again do such a wicked thing among you. |
1 Kings 15:13 Summary
This verse shows us that Asa, the king of Judah, was committed to following the Lord and removing idolatry from the land. He even removed his own grandmother from her position as queen mother because she had made an idolatrous object, an Asherah pole. This act demonstrates Asa's desire to obey the Lord's commandments, as seen in Exodus 20:3-5 and Deuteronomy 12:3. By removing the Asherah pole and his grandmother from her position, Asa was taking a stand against idolatry and for the worship of the one true God, just as we are called to do in our own lives, as seen in 1 John 5:21.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Asa remove his grandmother Maacah from her position as queen mother?
Asa removed his grandmother Maacah from her position as queen mother because she had made a detestable Asherah pole, which was an idolatrous object of worship, as seen in Deuteronomy 16:21 and 1 Kings 15:13. This act was a demonstration of Asa's commitment to following the Lord and removing idolatry from the land, as commanded in Deuteronomy 12:3.
What is an Asherah pole and why was it considered detestable?
An Asherah pole was a wooden object used in the worship of the pagan goddess Asherah, and it was considered detestable because it represented a form of idolatry that was contrary to the worship of the one true God, as seen in Exodus 20:3-5 and Deuteronomy 12:3. The making of such a pole by Maacah, the queen mother, was a blatant disregard for the Lord's commandments.
How did Asa's actions reflect his heart towards the Lord?
Asa's actions in removing his grandmother from her position and destroying the Asherah pole demonstrate his heart's desire to follow the Lord and obey His commandments, as seen in 1 Kings 15:14. This is consistent with the teaching of Proverbs 21:2, which states that a person's ways seem right to them, but the Lord weighs the heart.
What can we learn from Asa's example in dealing with sin and idolatry in our own lives?
Asa's example teaches us the importance of dealing swiftly and decisively with sin and idolatry in our lives, as seen in 1 Corinthians 10:14 and 2 Corinthians 6:14-17. We must be willing to confront and remove any object or influence that might lead us away from the Lord, just as Asa removed the Asherah pole and his grandmother from her position of influence.
Reflection Questions
- What are some potential 'Asherah poles' in my life that I need to remove in order to fully follow the Lord?
- How can I demonstrate my commitment to the Lord in the face of opposition or pressure from others, as Asa did in removing his grandmother from her position?
- In what ways can I be more intentional about seeking the Lord and obeying His commandments, as Asa did in 1 Kings 15:14?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be tolerating or even promoting idolatry, and how can I address these issues in a way that honors the Lord?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 15:13
And also Maachah his mother, even her he removed from being queen,.... From the kingdom, as the Targum; from having any share in the government, as she might have had during his minority, his mother
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 15:13
And also Maachah his mother, even her he removed from being queen, because she had made an idol in a grove; and Asa destroyed her idol, and burnt it by the brook Kidron.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 15:13
Her he removed from being queen, i.e. he took from her either the name and authority of queen-regent, which she, having been Rehoboam’ s wife, and Abijam’ s mother, took to herself during Asa’ s minority, and abused to the patronage of idolatry; or the dignity of the queen-mother, and those guards, or other ensigns of honour, or instruments of power, which, as such, she had enjoyed and misemployed. Otherwise, he removed her from the queen, i.e. from his wife, that she might not be infected by her, and afterwards infect his children; which was a prudent and necessary care, for the prevention of so great and public a mischief. An idol, Heb. a terror, or horror, i.e. a horrible idol; which it may be so called, either because all idols, though for a season they please, yet in the end will bring dreadful effects upon their worshippers; or because this was an idol of a more horrible or terrible shape, more abominable than ordinary, and not to be seen without horror; whether it was that filthy idol, called Priapus, which was commonly placed in groves or gardens; or Pan, or some other heathen god, to whose service she in a special manner devoted herself. Burnt it by the brook Kidron; that when it was burnt to powder, it might be thrown into the water, and be unfit for any use. See .
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 15:13
1 Kings 15:13 And also Maachah his mother, even her he removed from [being] queen, because she had made an idol in a grove; and Asa destroyed her idol, and burnt [it] by the brook Kidron.Ver. 13. From being queen.] Queen regent, or queen mother at least. Ne Domina esset, so the Tigurine; ne princeps esset in sacris Priapi, so the Vulgate; ne esset Augusta, so Junius; ne esset sacerdotissa prima, so others. Because she had made an idol.] Heb., A horrible ugly thing, which some say was the picture of Priapus, others of Pan; others hold it to have been Idolum turpissimum a matre ad cultum Veneris institutum, a most filthy idol, set up in honour of Venus. And Asa destroyed her idol.] Heb., Cut off, deheaded it, as the expression is in Hosea 10:2.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 15:13
(13) An idol in a grove.—The original word for “idol”—peculiar to this passage and its parallel (2 Chronicles 15:16)—appears to signify a “horrible abomination” of some monstrous kind; and instead of “in a grove,” we should read “for an asherah,” the wooden emblem of the Canaanitish deity (on which see 1 Kings 14:22). There seems little doubt that some obscene emblem is meant, of the kind so often connected with worship of the productive powers of nature in ancient religions, substituted as a still greater abomination for the ordinary asherah. Clearly the act of Maachah was one of so flagrant a kind, that Asa took the unusual step, on which the historian here lays great stress, of degrading her in her old age from her high dignity, besides hewing down her idol, and burning it publicly under the walls of Jerusalem.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 15:13
Verse 13. She had made an idol in a grove] The original word, מפלצת miphletseth, is variously understood. I shall give its different views in the versions:- "Besides, he removed his mother Maacha from being chief in the sacred rites of Priapus, and in his grove which she had consecrated." - VULGATE. "And Ana, [other copies Maacha,] he removed from being governess, because she had made an assembly in her grove." - SEPTUAGINT. "Moreover, he deprived Maacha, his mother, of her own magnificence, because she had celebrated a solemnity to her own worship." - SYRIAC. "And even Maacha, his mother, he removed from the kingdom, because she had made an idol in a grove." - CHALDEE. "Besides, he removed Maacha, his mother, from her kingdom, because she had made a high tree into an idol." - ARABIC. "Also he removed Maacha, his mother, from the kingdom, because she had made a horrible statue; and our rabbins say that it was called מפלצת miphletseth, because מפליא ליצנותא maphli leytsanutha, it produced wonderful ridicule; for she made it ad instar membri virilis, and she used it daily." - RABBI SOLOMON JARCHI. From the whole, it is pretty evident that the image was a mere Priapus, or something of the same nature, and that Maachah had an assembly in the grove where this image was set up, and doubtless worshipped it with the most impure rites. What the Roman Priapus was I need not tell the learned reader; and as to the unlearned, it would not profit him to know.
Maachah was most likely another Messalina; and Asa probably did for his mother what Claudius did for his wife.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 15:13
13. And also Maachah] Here, as above, the LXX. has Ana. his mother, even her he removed] The R.V. omits ‘even her’. The Hebrew has this construction, but it is Hebrew, not English, though like several other Hebrew idioms, it has become accepted, through the influence of the A. V. from being queen] i.e. From the influential position of queen mother. The title is not the usual word for ‘queen’ but one which implies special authority and influence. she had made an idol in a grove] R.V. ‘had made an abominable image for an Ashêrah.’ The word which the A.V. renders ‘idol’ is one of the numerous terms which the Hebrew language applied to the objects of idolatrous worship. It is cognate with words which signify ‘horror,’ ‘trembling,’ ‘fearfulness,’ and indicates an erection which was likely to excite such feelings. On ‘Ashêrah,’ which is used sometimes for the goddess, sometimes for the idol set up to represent her, see above on 1 Kings 14:15. and Asa destroyed her idol] R.V. cut down her image. The verb indicates the manner of the destruction, and shews that the image was such that it could be cut down as you would cut down a tree. Hence most likely it was of wood, for in the next clause we find that it was burnt. by the brook Kidron] This was rather a valley or torrent bed, which became a stream in the time of rain.
It was close to Jerusalem, lying between the city and the mount of Olives. The name is connected with several events which mark it as a spot of evil fame. Beside the burning there of these idols, it was at this place that Athaliah was put to death (2 Kings 11:16), and hither in after times many impure objects of worship and abominations were brought to be destroyed (2 Kings 23:4; 2 Kings 23:6; 2 Kings 23:12; 2 Chronicles 29:16; 2 Chronicles 30:14).
Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 15:13
Asa degraded Maachah from the rank and state of queen-mother. The word translated “idol” both here and in the parallel passage (marginal reference), does not occur elsewhere in Scripture.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 15:13
13. Queen — “There can be no queen-consort where there is more than one wife; and, in the East, where there is no more than one, she is not a queen, she is simply the zan-i-shah, ‘the king’s wife’ — that is all.
Sermons on 1 Kings 15:13
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God's Normal Order - Called to Be Priests by Devern Fromke | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a good product that doesn't require excessive promotion. He reflects on the past advertising strategies used in yout |
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Where You Going to Stand? by Zeb McDaris | In this sermon, the preacher begins by explaining that he initially didn't plan to use a microphone but decided to do so. He then provides a brief history of the text from Exodus, |
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Absalom by Jacob Prasch | This sermon emphasizes the importance of sharing the full gospel message, including the need for repentance and the reality of trials, not just the blessings and feel-good aspects. |
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Authority in the Scriptures - Part 2 by Colin Anderson | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on various passages from the Bible, highlighting the fulfillment of God's word through Jesus. The preacher emphasizes Jesus' obedience and sil |
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Mary: Disciple of Jesus by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being careful and attentive before God in order to learn and understand His truth. The example of Mary, the mother of Jesus |
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Freedom From Soulishness by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of discerning between soul and spirit in Christianity to avoid deception. It highlights the dangers of soulishness, focusing on emotional mani |
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(Luke) 25 - the Stormy Sea by Ed Miller | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Luke chapter 8, which contains three parables and four miracles. The main theme is that Jesus is the friend of all mankind, particularly thos |