2 Chronicles 34:3

2 Chronicles 34:3 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

In the eighth year of his reign, while he was still young, Josiah began to seek the God of his father David, and in the twelfth year he began to cleanse Judah and Jerusalem of the high places, the Asherah poles, the carved idols, and the cast images.

King James Version KJV

¶ For in the eighth year of his reign, while he was yet young, he began to seek after the God of David his father: and in the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem from the high places, and the groves, and the carved images, and the molten images.

American Standard Version ASV

For in the eighth year of his reign, while he was yet young, he began to seek after the God of David his father; and in the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem from the high places, and the Asherim, and the graven images, and the molten images.

Bible in Basic English BBE

In the eighth year of his rule, while he was still young, his heart was first turned to the God of his father David; and in the twelfth year he undertook the clearing away of all the high places and the pillars and the images of wood and metal from Judah and Jerusalem.

Free Bible Version FBV

In the eighth year of his reign, while he was still young, Josiah began to publicly worship the God of David his forefather, and in the twelfth year of his reign he began to cleanse Judah and Jerusalem by removing the high places, the Asherah poles, the carved idols, and the metal images.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And in the eight yeere of his reigne (when he was yet a childe) he began to seeke after the God of Dauid his father: and in the twelft yeere he began to purge Iudah, and Ierusalem from the hie places, and the groues, and the carued images, and molten images:

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And in the eighth year of his reign (and he yet a youth), he hath begun to seek to the God of David his father, and in the twelfth year he hath begun to cleanse Judah and Jerusalem from the high places, and the shrines, and the graven images, and the molten images.

World English Bible WEB

For in the eighth year of his reign, while he was yet young, he began to seek after the God of David his father; and in the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem from the high places, the Asherah poles, the engraved images, and the molten images.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

For in the eighth year of his reign, while he was yet young, he began to seek after the God of David his father: and in the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem from the high places, and the groves, and the carved images, and the molten images.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And in the eighth year of his reign, when he was yet a boy, he began to seek the God of his father David: and in the twelfth year after he began to reign, he cleansed Juda and Jerusalem from the high places, and the groves, and the idols, and the graven things.

Translation for Translators T4T

When he had been ruling for almost eight years, while he was still a young man, he began to worship God like his ancestor King David had done. Four years later, he began to get rid of all the pagan shrines on hilltops in Jerusalem and in other places in Judah, and the poles to honor the goddess Asherah, and the carved idols and statues of gods.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Chronicles 34:3

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

2 Chronicles 34:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וּ/בִ/שְׁמוֹנֶ֨ה שָׁנִ֜ים לְ/מָלְכ֗/וֹ וְ/הוּא֙ עוֹדֶ֣/נּוּ נַ֔עַר הֵחֵ֕ל לִ/דְר֕וֹשׁ לֵ/אלֹהֵ֖י דָּוִ֣יד אָבִ֑י/ו וּ/בִ/שְׁתֵּ֧ים עֶשְׂרֵ֣ה שָׁנָ֗ה הֵחֵל֙ לְ/טַהֵ֔ר אֶת יְהוּדָה֙ וִ/יר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם מִן הַ/בָּמוֹת֙ וְ/הָ֣/אֲשֵׁרִ֔ים וְ/הַ/פְּסִלִ֖ים וְ/הַ/מַּסֵּכֽוֹת

וּ/בִ/שְׁמוֹנֶ֨ה shᵉmôneh H8083 eight Conj | Prep | Adj

שָׁנִ֜ים shâneh H8141 year N-fp

לְ/מָלְכ֗/וֹ mâlak H4427 to reign Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff

וְ/הוּא֙ hûwʼ H1931 he/she/it Conj | Pron

עוֹדֶ֣/נּוּ ʻôwd H5750 still Adv | Suff

נַ֔עַר naʻar H5288 youth N-ms

הֵחֵ֕ל châlal H2490 to bore V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms

לִ/דְר֕וֹשׁ dârash H1875 to seek Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

לֵ/אלֹהֵ֖י ʼĕlôhîym H430 God Prep | N-mp

דָּוִ֣יד Dâvid H1732 David N-proper

אָבִ֑י/ו ʼâb H1 father N-ms | Suff

וּ/בִ/שְׁתֵּ֧ים shᵉnayim H8147 two Conj | Prep | Adj

עֶשְׂרֵ֣ה ʻâsâr H6240 ten Adj

שָׁנָ֗ה shâneh H8141 year N-fs

הֵחֵל֙ châlal H2490 to bore V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms

לְ/טַהֵ֔ר ṭâhêr H2891 be pure Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

יְהוּדָה֙ Yᵉhûwdâh H3063 Judah N-proper

וִ/יר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם Yᵉrûwshâlaim H3389 Jerusalem Conj | N-proper

מִן min H4480 from Prep

הַ/בָּמוֹת֙ bâmâh H1116 high place Art | N-fp

וְ/הָ֣/אֲשֵׁרִ֔ים ʼăshêrâh H842 Asherah Conj | Art | N-proper

וְ/הַ/פְּסִלִ֖ים pᵉçîyl H6456 idol Conj | Art | N-mp

וְ/הַ/מַּסֵּכֽוֹת maççêkâh H4541 liquid Conj | Art | N-fp

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Chronicles 34:3

וּ/בִ/שְׁמוֹנֶ֨ה shᵉmôneh H8083 "eight" Conj | Prep | Adj

The Hebrew word for the number eight, which was considered a special number in biblical times. It is used to describe quantities, such as eight days or eight years, and also appears in ordinal forms, like eighth or eighth day.

Definition: 1) eight, eighth 1a) eight (as cardinal number) 1b) eighth (as ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers

Usage: Occurs in 105 OT verses. KJV: eight(-een, -eenth), eighth. See also: Genesis 5:4; 1 Chronicles 16:38; Jeremiah 32:1.

שָׁנִ֜ים shâneh H8141 "year" N-fp

This word also means a year, like when Abraham was 100 years old in Genesis 21. It is used to describe a period of time, age, or a lifetime.

Definition: 1) year 1a) as division of time 1b) as measure of time 1c) as indication of age 1d) a lifetime (of years of life) Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "year" H8140)

Usage: Occurs in 647 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] whole age, [idiom] long, [phrase] old, year([idiom] -ly). See also: Genesis 1:14; Genesis 47:28; Numbers 7:35.

לְ/מָלְכ֗/וֹ mâlak H4427 "to reign" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff

To advise or counsel is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to reign or rule as a king. It is used in the Bible to describe the actions of leaders, like King Solomon, who sought wisdom to rule God's people. This word is found in the book of 1 Kings.

Definition: 1) to be or become king or queen, reign 1a) (Qal) to be or become king or queen, reign 1b) (Hiphil) to make one king or queen, cause to reign 1c) (Hophal) to be made king or queen

Usage: Occurs in 284 OT verses. KJV: consult, [idiom] indeed, be (make, set a, set up) king, be (make) queen, (begin to, make to) reign(-ing), rule, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 36:31; 2 Kings 8:15; 2 Chronicles 10:17.

וְ/הוּא֙ hûwʼ H1931 "he/she/it" Conj | Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.

Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)

Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.

עוֹדֶ֣/נּוּ ʻôwd H5750 "still" Adv | Suff

The word 'still' means something continues or happens again, like in Genesis 29:26 and Isaiah 2:11. It can also mean 'more' or 'additionally'.

Definition: subst 1) a going round, continuance adv 2) still, yet, again, besides 2a) still, yet (of continuance or persistence) 2b) still, yet, more (of addition or repetition) 2c) again 2d) still, moreover, besides Aramaic equivalent: od (עוֹד "still" H5751)

Usage: Occurs in 459 OT verses. KJV: again, [idiom] all life long, at all, besides, but, else, further(-more), henceforth, (any) longer, (any) more(-over), [idiom] once, since, (be) still, when, (good, the) while (having being), (as, because, whether, while) yet (within). See also: Genesis 4:25; Judges 9:37; 2 Chronicles 32:16.

נַ֔עַר naʻar H5288 "youth" N-ms

In the original Hebrew, this word means a young person, either a boy or a girl, from infancy to adolescence. It is used to describe the servants and attendants who worked for kings and other important people in the Old Testament, like King David's servants.

Definition: 1) a boy, lad, servant, youth, retainer 1a) boy, lad, youth 1b) servant, retainer

Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: babe, boy, child, damsel (from the margin), lad, servant, young (man). See also: Genesis 14:24; 1 Samuel 25:5; Psalms 37:25.

הֵחֵ֕ל châlal H2490 "to bore" V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to profane or begin, like starting something new or breaking a rule. It appears in the Bible when someone disrespects God or a person, like in Ezekiel 22:26. It can also mean to play music or start a project.

Definition: 1) to wound (fatally), bore through, pierce, bore 1a) (Qal) to pierce 1b) (Pual) to be slain 1c) (Poel) to wound, pierce 1d) (Poal) to be wounded

Usage: Occurs in 132 OT verses. KJV: begin ([idiom] men began), defile, [idiom] break, defile, [idiom] eat (as common things), [idiom] first, [idiom] gather the grape thereof, [idiom] take inheritance, pipe, player on instruments, pollute, (cast as) profane (self), prostitute, slay (slain), sorrow, stain, wound. See also: Genesis 4:26; Ezra 3:8; Psalms 55:21.

לִ/דְר֕וֹשׁ dârash H1875 "to seek" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

To seek or ask is the meaning of this Hebrew word, often used to describe seeking God or worshiping him. It can also mean to investigate or enquire about something.

Definition: 1) to resort to, seek, seek with care, enquire, require 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to resort to, frequent (a place), (tread a place) 1a2) to consult, enquire of, seek 1a2a) of God 1a2b) of heathen gods, necromancers 1a3) to seek deity in prayer and worship 1a3a) God 1a3b) heathen deities 1a4) to seek (with a demand), demand, require 1a5) to investigate, enquire 1a6) to ask for, require, demand 1a7) to practice, study, follow, seek with application 1a8) to seek with care, care for 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to allow oneself to be enquired of, consulted (only of God) 1b2) to be sought, be sought out 1b3) to be required (of blood)

Usage: Occurs in 152 OT verses. KJV: ask, [idiom] at all, care for, [idiom] diligently, inquire, make inquisition, (necro-) mancer, question, require, search, seek (for, out), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 9:5; Ezra 10:16; Psalms 9:11.

לֵ/אלֹהֵ֖י ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" Prep | N-mp

The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.

Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)

Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.

דָּוִ֣יד Dâvid H1732 "David" N-proper

David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.

Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel

Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.

אָבִ֑י/ו ʼâb H1 "father" N-ms | Suff

In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.

Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)

Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.

וּ/בִ/שְׁתֵּ֧ים shᵉnayim H8147 "two" Conj | Prep | Adj

The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.

Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)

Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.

עֶשְׂרֵ֣ה ʻâsâr H6240 "ten" Adj

In Hebrew, this word means ten, and is used to form numbers like eleven or thirteen, as seen in Genesis 31:41. It is always used in combination with other numbers.

Definition: 1) ten, -teen (in combination with other numbers) 1a) used only in combination to make the numbers 11-19

Usage: Occurs in 292 OT verses. KJV: (eigh-, fif-, four-, nine-, seven-, six-, thir-) teen(-th), [phrase] eleven(-th), [phrase] sixscore thousand, [phrase] twelve(-th). See also: Genesis 5:8; Joshua 21:7; 1 Chronicles 25:27.

שָׁנָ֗ה shâneh H8141 "year" N-fs

This word also means a year, like when Abraham was 100 years old in Genesis 21. It is used to describe a period of time, age, or a lifetime.

Definition: 1) year 1a) as division of time 1b) as measure of time 1c) as indication of age 1d) a lifetime (of years of life) Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "year" H8140)

Usage: Occurs in 647 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] whole age, [idiom] long, [phrase] old, year([idiom] -ly). See also: Genesis 1:14; Genesis 47:28; Numbers 7:35.

הֵחֵל֙ châlal H2490 "to bore" V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms

Definition: 1) to wound (fatally), bore through, pierce, bore 1a) (Qal) to pierce 1b) (Pual) to be slain 1c) (Poel) to wound, pierce 1d) (Poal) to be wounded

לְ/טַהֵ֔ר ṭâhêr H2891 "be pure" Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to be pure, either physically, morally, or ceremonially. It appears in Leviticus for purification rituals and in Psalm 51 where David asks God to purify his heart. This concept is central to Jewish and Christian ideas of cleanliness and holiness.

Definition: 1) to be clean, be pure 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be clean (physically-of disease) 1a2) to be clean ceremonially 1a3) to purify, be clean morally, made clean 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to cleanse, purify 1b1a) physically 1b1b) ceremonially 1b1c) morally 1b2) to pronounce clean 1b3) to perform the ceremony of cleansing 1c) (Pual) to be cleansed, be pronounced clean 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to purify oneself 1d1a) ceremonially 1d1b) morally 1d2) to present oneself for purification

Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: be (make, make self, pronounce) clean, cleanse (self), purge, purify(-ier, self). See also: Genesis 35:2; Numbers 19:12; Psalms 51:4.

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.

יְהוּדָה֙ Yᵉhûwdâh H3063 "Judah" N-proper

Judah is the name of the tribe descended from Judah, the son of Jacob. It is also the name of the region where the tribe lived. The name means 'praised' and is first mentioned in Genesis.

Definition: § Judah = "praised" the tribe descended from Judah the son of Jacob

Usage: Occurs in 754 OT verses. KJV: Judah. See also: Genesis 29:35; 1 Samuel 23:3; 2 Kings 14:13.

וִ/יר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם Yᵉrûwshâlaim H3389 "Jerusalem" Conj | N-proper

Jerusalem is the capital city of Palestine, also known as the city of peace. It was the chief city of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split.

Definition: § Jerusalem = "teaching of peace" the chief city of Palestine and capital of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split

Usage: Occurs in 600 OT verses. KJV: Jerusalem. See also: Joshua 10:1; 2 Kings 22:14; 2 Chronicles 24:6.

מִן min H4480 "from" Prep

This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.

Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)

Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.

הַ/בָּמוֹת֙ bâmâh H1116 "high place" Art | N-fp

A high place or elevation, often referring to a cultic platform or mountain. In the Bible, it can also refer to battlefields or funeral mounds, as seen in various passages.

Definition: 1) high place, ridge, height, bamah (technical name for cultic platform) 1a) high place, mountain 1b) high places, battlefields 1c) high places (as places of worship) 1d) funeral mound?

Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: height, high place, wave. See also: Leviticus 26:30; 1 Chronicles 16:39; Psalms 18:34.

וְ/הָ֣/אֲשֵׁרִ֔ים ʼăshêrâh H842 "Asherah" Conj | Art | 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.

וְ/הַ/פְּסִלִ֖ים pᵉçîyl H6456 "idol" Conj | Art | N-mp

This Hebrew word refers to an idol or carved image, often used to describe false gods or objects of worship. It is sometimes translated as graven image or quarry, emphasizing the act of carving or shaping the idol. This concept is seen in the Bible as a form of rebellion against God.

Definition: image, idol, graven image Another spelling of pe.sel (פֶּ֫סֶל "idol" H6459)

Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: carved (graven) image, quarry. See also: Deuteronomy 7:5; Psalms 78:58; Isaiah 10:10.

וְ/הַ/מַּסֵּכֽוֹת maççêkâh H4541 "liquid" Conj | Art | N-fp

This term can mean a veil or covering, but also a cast metal image or a woven fabric, like a web or coverlet.

Definition: 1) a pouring, libation, molten metal, cast image, drink offering 1a) libation (with covenant sacrifice) 1b) molten metal, molten image, molten gods

Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: covering, molten (image), vail. See also: Exodus 32:4; 2 Kings 17:16; Psalms 106:19.

Study Notes — 2 Chronicles 34:3

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Context
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2 Chronicles 34:3 Summary
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Context — Josiah Destroys Idolatry

1Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem thirty-one years. 2And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD and walked in the ways of his father David; he did not turn aside to the right or to the left.

3In the eighth year of his reign, while he was still young, Josiah began to seek the God of his father David, and in the twelfth year he began to cleanse Judah and Jerusalem of the high places, the Asherah poles, the carved idols, and the cast images.

4Then in his presence the altars of the Baals were torn down, and he cut to pieces the incense altars that were above them. He shattered the Asherah poles, the carved idols, and the cast images, crushed them to dust, and scattered them over the graves of those who had sacrificed to them. 5Then he burned the bones of the priests on their altars. So he cleansed Judah and Jerusalem.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	2 Chronicles 33:22	And he did evil in the sight of the LORD, as his father Manasseh had done. Amon served and sacrificed to all the idols that his father Manasseh had made,
2	2 Chronicles 15:2	So he went out to meet Asa and said to him, “Listen to me, Asa and all Judah and Benjamin. The LORD is with you when you are with Him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you, but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you.
3	Proverbs 8:17	I love those who love me, and those who seek me early shall find me.
4	2 Chronicles 33:17	Nevertheless, the people still sacrificed at the high places, but only to the LORD their God.
5	2 Chronicles 30:14	They proceeded to remove the altars in Jerusalem and to take away the incense altars and throw them into the Kidron Valley.
6	Matthew 6:33	But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.
7	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.
8	2 Kings 23:4	Then the king commanded Hilkiah the high priest, the priests second in rank, and the doorkeepers to remove from the temple of the LORD all the articles made for Baal, Asherah, and all the host of heaven. And he burned them outside Jerusalem in the fields of Kidron and carried their ashes to Bethel.
9	Ecclesiastes 12:1	Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of adversity come and the years approach of which you will say, “I find no pleasure in them,”
10	Psalms 119:9	How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to Your word.

2 Chronicles 34:3 Summary

[This verse tells us that Josiah, who was a young king, started seeking God and trying to do what was right in His eyes. He removed the idols and false worship sites from Judah and Jerusalem, which shows that he was serious about following God's laws (Deuteronomy 12:2-3). As we read this, we can reflect on our own lives and think about what things we need to 'cleanse' in order to seek God more fully, just like Josiah did. By seeking God and following His laws, we can demonstrate our love for Him, just as Josiah did (Matthew 22:37-38).]

Frequently Asked Questions

What was significant about Josiah's age when he began to seek God?

Josiah was still young when he began to seek the God of his father David, which demonstrates that it's never too early to start following God, as seen in the example of Timothy who was instructed by his mother and grandmother from a young age (2 Timothy 1:5, 3:15).

What were the high places, Asherah poles, carved idols, and cast images that Josiah removed?

These were objects of idol worship that the Israelites had set up in defiance of God's command to worship only Him (Exodus 20:3-5, Deuteronomy 12:2-3), and Josiah's removal of them shows his commitment to following God's laws.

How did Josiah's actions reflect his heart towards God?

Josiah's actions demonstrate a heart that was truly seeking after God, as he not only removed the idols but also sought to follow God's laws, which is in line with the teaching of Deuteronomy 6:5 to love God with all our heart, soul, and might.

What can we learn from Josiah's example of seeking God at a young age?

We can learn that seeking God is not limited by age, and that even at a young age, we can start to follow God and make a significant impact for His kingdom, as seen in the examples of young leaders like Joseph, Samuel, and David (Genesis 37:2, 1 Samuel 3:1, 1 Samuel 16:11).

Reflection Questions

What are some things in my life that I need to 'cleanse' in order to seek God more fully?
How can I, like Josiah, demonstrate my commitment to following God's laws and seeking after Him?
What are some ways that I can seek God at my current stage of life, whether young or old?
In what ways can I remove the 'high places' and 'idols' from my heart and life, and seek to worship God alone?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Chronicles 34:3

For in the eighth year of his reign, while he was yet young,.... Being in the sixteenth year of his age; though Kimchi thinks it was the very year he began to reign, which was the eighth of his age;

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Chronicles 34:3

For in the eighth year of his reign, while he was yet young, he began to seek after the God of David his father: and in the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem from the high places,

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 34:3

While he was yet young; in the sixteenth year of his age, when he was entering into the age and state of temptations and youthful lusts, and had the administration of his kingdom wholly in his own hand and power and none to rebuke or restrain him; yet even then he begins to be religious in good earnest.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 34:3

2 Chronicles 34:3 For in the eighth year of his reign, while he was yet young, he began to seek after the God of David his father: and in the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem from the high places, and the groves, and the carved images, and the molten images.Ver. 3. For in the eighth year of his reign.] So soon as he had the reins in his own hands, he began. He began to seek.] That is, Publicly to show his zeal for God; which was in him of a little child. And in the twelfth year.] See 2 Kings 23:4-5, &c.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 34:3

(3-7) Idolatry extirpated. This brief account is parallel to 2 Kings 23:4-20.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Chronicles 34:3

3–7 (cp. 2 Chronicles 34:33; 2 Kings 13:4-20). Josiah destroys the Symbols of Idolatry 3. in the eighth year … and in the twelfth] The two dates given in this verse seem to be “doublettes,” i.e. various readings both of which have been adopted and placed side by side in the text. Moreover it is probable that neither reading is original, for both seem to have been derived by some transcriptional error or other from 2 Kings 22:3, where the account of Josiah’s doings begins with the date, in the eighteenth year. Thus we get:— (a) 2 Kings 22:3 (= 2 Chronicles 34:8): bishĕ ?môneh esreh “eighteenth” (the original reading). (b) 2 Chronicles 34:3 a: bishĕ ?môneh “eighth” (defective reading; esreh having dropped out). (c) 2 Chronicles 34:3 b: bishtçym esreh, “twelfth” (attempted correction, perhaps from memory, of the defective reading). It should also be noticed that the order of the events of Josiah’s reign given in Chron. varies from that given in 2 Kin. Thus we have in 2 Chr.: (1) Destruction of idolatrous symbols throughout Jerusalem, Judah and Israel; 2 Chronicles 34:3-7. (2) Repair of the Temple and Finding of the Law; ib. 2 Chronicles 34:8-28. (3) Renewal of the Covenant with Jehovah; ib. 2 Chronicles 34:29-32. (4) Great Passover kept; 2 Chronicles 35:1-19. (5) Death of Josiah; ib. 2 Chronicles 35:20-27. In 2 Kin. on the other hand (2), (3) precede (1), and there can be little doubt that this order is right. while he was yet young] There is no clause corresponding to this in 2 Kin., and the statement rests on the probably faulty reading “eighth.” Yet his early piety is probably a fact, for though in 2 Kin. his reformation is dated in the eighteenth year of his reign, i.e. when he was 25 years of age (hardly “young” for a king), the favourable judgement passed on him (2 Kings 12:2) is unqualified by any suggestion that he was tardy in turning to Jehovah. in the twelfth year he began] The Chronicler spreads the cleansing of the land over six years, i.e. from the twelfth to the eighteenth; cp. 2 Chronicles 34:8. to purge] Josiah’s measures are more fully enumerated and described in 2 Kings 23; notice e.g. the removal of the Asherah from the Temple (2 Chronicles 34:6), the destruction of the houses of the Ḳ ?ĕ ?deshim (cp. Deuteronomy 23:17-18) which were in the House of the Lord (2 Chronicles 34:7), the deportation of priests from the cities of Judah into Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 34:8-9), and the defiling of Topheth and of Beth-el (2 Chronicles 34:10; 2 Chronicles 34:15-16). the groves] R.V. the Asherim; cp. 2 Chronicles 14:3 (note). carved images] R.V. graven, images; as 2 Chronicles 33:7; 2 Chronicles 33:22.

Barnes' Notes on 2 Chronicles 34:3

He began to purge Judah - Jeremiah’s first prophecies Jer. 2–3 appear to have been coincident with Josiah’s earlier efforts to uproot idolatry, and must have greatly strengthened his hands.

Sermons on 2 Chronicles 34:3

	Sermon	Description
	The Greatest Danger This World Faces Today by Keith Daniel	This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking God desperately for revival, drawing parallels from the stories of King Josiah and Ezra in the Bible. It highlights the need for th
	Hope in a Hopeless World by Shane Idleman	Shane Idleman emphasizes the importance of finding hope in a seemingly hopeless world, particularly for the youth. He discusses the overwhelming influence of social media and the n
	Josiah's Good Reign by C.I. Scofield	C.I. Scofield preaches on the inspiring story of King Josiah, a young man who sought after the God of David his father and embarked on a journey of purging Judah and Jerusalem of i
	Audio Sermon: Seeking God by Hans R. Waldvogel	This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking and finding God with our whole hearts, highlighting the transformative power of truly knowing God. It challenges listeners to not s
	(The Word for Today) Isaiah 20:1 - Part 3 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the importance of standing up for righteousness in a fallen world. He introduces his new book, "Standing Up in a Fallen World," which i
	Don't Take Away the Job From Jesus by Hans Peter Royer	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing that God is the master and we are His servants. He highlights the tendency for us to try to make God follow our
	(Through the Bible) 2 Chronicles 14-18 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God wants to use our lives and bless us abundantly. He highlights the importance of having a heart completely devoted to God, as He is