2 Kings 23

Last updated
2 Kings 23
  chapter 22
chapter 24  
Leningrad-codex-09-kings.pdf
The pages containing the Books of Kings (1 & 2 Kings) Leningrad Codex (1008 CE).
Book Second Book of Kings
Hebrew Bible part Nevi'im
Order in the Hebrew part4
Category Former Prophets
Christian Bible part Old Testament
Order in the Christian part12

2 Kings 23 is the twenty-third chapter of the second part of the Books of Kings in the Hebrew Bible or the Second Book of Kings in the Old Testament of the Christian Bible. [1] [2] The book is a compilation of various annals recording the acts of the kings of Israel and Judah by a Deuteronomic compiler in the seventh century BCE, with a supplement added in the sixth century BCE. [3] This chapter records the events during the reign of Josiah, Jehoahaz and Jehoiakim, kings of Judah. [4]

Contents

Text

This chapter was originally written in the Hebrew language. It is divided into 37 verses.

Textual witnesses

Some early manuscripts containing the text of this chapter in Hebrew are of the Masoretic Text tradition, which includes the Codex Cairensis (895), Aleppo Codex (10th century), and Codex Leningradensis (1008). [5]

There is also a translation into Koine Greek known as the Septuagint, made in the last few centuries BCE. Extant ancient manuscripts of the Septuagint version include Codex Vaticanus (B; B; 4th century) and Codex Alexandrinus (A; A; 5th century). [6] [lower-alpha 1] The extant palimpsest AqBurkitt contains verses 11–27 in Koine Greek translated by Aquila of Sinope approximately in the early or mid-second century CE. [8]

Old Testament references

Analysis

A parallel pattern of sequence is observed in the final sections of 2 Kings between 2 Kings 11-20 and 2 Kings 21–25, as follows: [10]

A. Athaliah, daughter of Ahab, kills royal seed (2 Kings 11:1)
B. Joash reigns (2 Kings 1112)
C. Quick sequence of kings of Israel and Judah (2 Kings 1316)
D. Fall of Samaria (2 Kings 17)
E. Revival of Judah under Hezekiah (2 Kings 1820)
A'. Manasseh, a king like Ahab, promotes idolatry and kills the innocence (2 Kings 21)
B'. Josiah reigns (2 Kings 22–23)
C'. Quick succession of kings of Judah (2 Kings 24)
D'. Fall of Jerusalem (2 Kings 25)
E'. Elevation of Jehoiachin (2 Kings 25:27–30)

2 Kings 22–23:30 mainly contains the story of Josiah's actions of his eighteenth year (22:3; 23:23) and the discovery of the book of the law (22:8-10; 23:24) as grouped based on five royal initiatives (using distinct verbs "send" and "command"): [11]

  1. Discovery of the book (22:3-11; "sent," 22:3)
  2. Inquiry about the book (22:12-20; "commanded," 22:12)
  3. Covenant and the book (23:1-3; "sent," 23:1)
  4. Reforms from the book (23:4-20; "commanded," 23:4)
  5. Passover from the book (23:21-24; "commanded," 23:21) [11]

2 Kings 23–24 contain a 'neat scheme' within the chaos at the end of the kingdom of Judah: [12]

2 Kings 23:31-24:22 Kings 24:8-25:1
Jehoahaz reigned for three monthsJehoiachin reigned for three months
Jehoahaz was imprisoned by Pharaoh NechoJehoiachin was imprisoned by Nebuchadnezzar
Necho placed Eliakim on throne and changed his name to JehoiakimNebuchadnezzar placed Mattaniah on throne and changed his name to Zedekiah
Necho took Jehoahaz to Egypt; Jehoahaz died in EgyptNebuchadnezzar took Jehoiachin to Babylon; Jehoiachin was eventually elevated in Babylon

Most of 2 Kings 23 particularly focuses on Josiah's response to the Book of Law, being grammatically the subject of all the verbs used throughout verses 1–30. [13] 2 Kings 23:4-20 records twelve actions by Josiah, which in numerological view is signified by his 'twelvefold purging' of idolatry, reformation of all twelve tribes of Israel and the renewal of the kingdom from Bethel to Beersheba. [13] He is the eighth king commended for "doing right" in the eyes of God, who began his reign in his eighth year of age (2 Kings 22:1) and the only king who actually heard and read the book of Torah. [14] However, Josiah could not prevent the destruction of Judah, as the promise and threat of Torah would be seen as fulfilled in the whole book of Kings. [15] By the end of 2 Kings, everything established during the golden age of Solomon, promised to David, became unraveled: Under Solomon, Egypt entered a marriage alliance with Judah, but after Josiah, Egypt conquered Judah (23:31-37), and whereas Solomon received tribute, his descendants paid it to other nations. [15]

Josiah's implementation of religious reforms (23:1–24)

Valley of Hinnom, c. 1900. Ge-Hinnom.jpg
Valley of Hinnom, c. 1900.

This section records the religious reform by Josiah that he had performed together with all the people in a covenant (verse 4). [16] The actions cover three areas: [16]

  1. The temple of Jerusalem was cleansed of idols and given the 'designated central role' (verses 4–7, 11–12).
  2. The cult sites in the Judean provinces were desecrated (verses 8–10, 13–14) and those in the former northern kingdom were eradicated, especially the "altar of Bethel" established by Jeroboam (verses 12–20). The destruction of the altar in Bethel (verses 15–18) had clear references to 1 Kings 13
  3. The communal passover feast was celebrated according to the covenant (verses 21–23, cf. Deuteronomy 16:5–6). [16]

Verse 10

And he defiled Topheth, which is in the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, that no man might make his son or his daughter pass through the fire to Molech. [17]

Verse 11

And he removed the horses that the kings of Judah had dedicated to the sun, at the entrance to the house of the LORD, by the chamber of Nathan-melech the chamberlain, which was in the precincts. And he burned the chariots of the sun with fire. [19]

Josiah's death (23:25–30)

A kneeling bronze statuette, likely Necho II, now in the Brooklyn Museum. Necho-KnellingStatue BrooklynMuseum.png
A kneeling bronze statuette, likely Necho II, now in the Brooklyn Museum.

In death, there is a parallel between Josiah and Ahab as both were killed during battles with foreign powers, and both were brought from the battlefield to the capital city to be buried (1 Kings 22:34-37; 2 Kings 23:28-30). Both of them learned about the prophecy of doom on their dynasties that would happen not during their lifetimes, but during the reign of their sons (1 Kings 21:20-29; 2 Kings 22:15-20), with two sons of Ahab (Ahaziah in 2 Kings 1 and Jehoram in 2 Kings 3:1; 9:14-16) to reign over Israel, before the whole dynasty was eliminated by Jehu (2 Kings 910), and two generations (three sons—Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Zedekiah—and one grandson, Jehoiachin) succeeding Josiah to reign over Judah before the kingdom was destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar. [12] The huge difference is that Josiah receives the highest praise from the editors of the book of Kings for his religious reforms (verse 25), which was also confirmed by Jeremiah, who describes him as a popular king who was 'modest and socially just' (Jeremiah 22:15–16). [16]

Verse 25

And like unto him was there no king before him, that turned to the Lord with all his heart, and with all his soul, and with all his might, according to all the law of Moses; neither after him arose there any like him. [23]

Jehoahaz ben Josiah king of Judah (23:31–35)

The regnal account of Jehoahaz consists of an introductory regnal part (verses 31–32) and his replacement with Jehoaikim by Pharaoh Necho (verses 33–35) without the typical concluding part. [25] The waw-consecutive syntactical sequence employed in the account of Necho's action (verses 33–34a) shifts to a 'conjunctive waw sequence in verses 34b–35 for the statements of Jehoahaz's death in Egypt and Jehoiakim's taxation to pay tribute to Necho. [25]

After defeating Josiah at Megiddo in 609 BCE, Necho had no time to interfere Judah's affair because he had to quickly go to help his Assyrian allies in the last stand against Babylonia in Harran. The battle with Josiah hindered Necho to arrive in time, so he could only attempt in vain for several months to bring back Assuruballit (his Assyrian ally) on the throne. Meanwhile, the anti-Egyptian people in Judah crowned Jehoahaz, a younger son of Josiah, only to be dethroned three months later by Necho, who also penalized the inhabitants with heavy taxation. [26] Necho placed as his puppet king Jehoahaz's older brother, Eliakim (Jehoiakim), who was earlier rejected by the people of Judah and whose mother's family was from the northern part of Israel (verse 36), so it could provide a base of support against the threat of Babylonia. [27]

Verse 30

And his servants carried him dead in a chariot from Megiddo and brought him to Jerusalem and buried him in his own tomb.
And the people of the land took Jehoahaz the son of Josiah, and anointed him, and made him king in his father's place. [28]

Verse 31

Jehoahaz was twenty and three years old when he began to reign; and he reigned three months in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Hamutal, the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah. [30]

Verse 33

Now Pharaoh Necho put him in prison at Riblah in the land of Hamath, that he might not reign in Jerusalem; and he imposed on the land a tribute of one hundred talents of silver and a talent of gold. [33]

Verse 34

And Pharaoh Neco made Eliakim the son of Josiah king in the place of Josiah his father, and changed his name to Jehoiakim. But he took Jehoahaz away, and he came to Egypt and died there. [36]

Jehoiakim ben Josiah king of Judah (23:36–37)

This part contains the introductory regnal formula on the account of Jehoiakim's reign as king of Judah. The regnal account continues to the main part in 2 Kings 24:1–4 and the concluding regnal formula in 2 Kings 24:5–7 . [27]

Verse 36

Jehoiakim was twenty and five years old when he began to reign; and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Zebudah, the daughter of Pedaiah of Rumah. [38]

Illustration

See also

Notes

  1. The whole book of 2 Kings is missing from the extant Codex Sinaiticus. [7]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Zedekiah</span> Biblical figure; last monarch of the Kingdom of Judah

Zedekiah was the twentieth and final King of Judah before the conquest of the kingdom by Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon. His birth name was Mattaniah/Mattanyahu.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jehoahaz of Judah</span> 17th King of Judah

Jehoahaz III of Judah, also called Shallum, was the seventeenth king of Judah and the fourth son of king Josiah whom he succeeded. His mother was Hamautal, daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah. He was born in 633/632 BC.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jehoiakim</span> 18th king of Judah

Jehoiakim, also sometimes spelled Jehoikim was the eighteenth and antepenultimate King of Judah from 609 to 598 BC. He was the second son of King Josiah and Zebidah, the daughter of Pedaiah of Rumah. His birth name was Eliakim.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Josiah</span> Biblical King of Judah

Josiah or Yoshiyahu was the 16th King of Judah. According to the Hebrew Bible, he instituted major religious reforms by removing official worship of gods other than Yahweh. Until the 1990s, the biblical description of Josiah’s reforms were usually considered to be more or less accurate, but that is now heavily debated. According to the Bible, Josiah became king of the Kingdom of Judah at the age of eight, after the assassination of his father, King Amon and reigned for 31 years, from 641/640 to 610/609 BCE.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2 Kings 24</span> 24th chapter of the second part of the Book of Kings in the Hebrew Bible and Old Testament

2 Kings 24 is the twenty-fourth chapter of the second part of the Books of Kings in the Hebrew Bible or the Second Book of Kings in the Old Testament of the Christian Bible. The book is a compilation of various annals recording the acts of the kings of Israel and Judah by a Deuteronomic compiler in the seventh century BCE, with a supplement added in the sixth century BCE. This chapter records the events during the reigns of Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin and Zedekiah, kings of Judah.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2 Chronicles 36</span> Second Book of Chronicles, chapter 36

2 Chronicles 36 is the thirty-sixth chapter of the Second Book of Chronicles the Old Testament of the Christian Bible or of the second part of the Books of Chronicles in the Hebrew Bible. The book is compiled from older sources by an unknown person or group, designated by modern scholars as "the Chronicler", and had the final shape established in late fifth or fourth century BCE. This chapter belongs to the section focusing on the kingdom of Judah until its destruction by the Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar and the beginning of restoration under Cyrus the Great of Persia. It contains the regnal accounts of the last four kings of Judah - Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin and Zedekiah - and the edict of Cyrus allowing the exiled Jews to return to Jerusalem.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1 Chronicles 3</span> First Book of Chronicles, chapter 3

1 Chronicles 3 is the third chapter of the Books of Chronicles in the Hebrew Bible or the First Book of Chronicles in the Old Testament of the Christian Bible. The book is compiled from older sources by an unknown person or group, designated by modern scholars as "the Chronicler", and had the final shape established in late fifth or 4th century BCE. This chapter contains the genealogy of unbroken Davidic line from the time of David to the post-exilic period, providing a possibility of the reinstatement of the Davidic monarchy in Jerusalem with its rightful heir, should circumstances allow. It is divided into three parts: (1) the sons of David ; (2) the kings in Jerusalem ; (3) the descendants during and after the exile period, verses 17–24. Together with chapters 2 and 4, it focuses on the descendants of Judah: chapter 2 deals with the tribes of Judah in general, chapter 3 lists the sons of David in particular and chapter 4 concerns the remaining families in the tribe of Judah and the tribe of Simeon. These chapters belong to the section focusing on the list of genealogies from Adam to the lists of the people returning from exile in Babylon.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jeremiah 39</span> Book of Jeremiah, chapter 39

Jeremiah 39 is the thirty-ninth chapter of the Book of Jeremiah in the Hebrew Bible or the Old Testament of the Christian Bible. It is numbered as Jeremiah 46 in the Septuagint. This book contains prophecies attributed to the prophet Jeremiah, and is one of the Books of the Prophets. This chapter is part of a narrative section consisting of chapters 37 to 44. Chapter 39 records the fall of Jerusalem, verses 1–10, and Jeremiah's fate, verses 11–18.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2 Kings 25</span> Final chapter of the second part of the Book of Kings in the Hebrew Bible and Old Testament

2 Kings 25 is the twenty-fifth and final chapter of the second part of the Books of Kings in the Hebrew Bible or the Second Book of Kings in the Old Testament of the Christian Bible. The book is a compilation of recorded acts of the kings of Israel and Judah by a Deuteronomic compiler in the seventh century BCE; a supplement was added in the sixth century BCE. This chapter records the events during the reign of Zedekiah, the last king of Judah, the fall of Jerusalem, the governorship of Gedaliah, and the release of Jehoiachin from prison in Babylon.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ezekiel 19</span> Book of Ezekiel, chapter 19

Ezekiel 19 is the nineteenth chapter of the Book of Ezekiel in the Hebrew Bible or the Old Testament of the Christian Bible. This book contains the prophecies attributed to the prophet/priest Ezekiel, and is one of the Books of the Prophets. This chapter contains a kinah or lamentation for the rulers of Israel. Two princes are lamented, one captured and carried to Egypt, i.e. Jehoahaz, son and successor of Josiah, and another carried to Babylon, who must be Jehoiachin.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jeremiah 22</span> Book of Jeremiah, chapter 22

Jeremiah 22 is the twenty-second chapter of the Book of Jeremiah in the Hebrew Bible or the Old Testament of the Christian Bible. This book contains prophecies attributed to the prophet Jeremiah, and is one of the Books of the Prophets.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jeremiah 26</span> Book of Jeremiah, chapter 26

Jeremiah 26 is the twenty-sixth chapter of the Book of Jeremiah in the Hebrew Bible or the Old Testament of the Christian Bible. It is numbered as Jeremiah 33 in the Septuagint. This book contains prophecies attributed to the prophet Jeremiah, and is one of the Books of the Prophets. This chapter contains an exhortation to repentance, causing Jeremiah to be apprehended and arraigned ; he gives his apology, resulting the princes to clear him by the example of Micah and of Urijah, and by the care of Ahikam.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jeremiah 37</span> Chapter of the biblical book of Jeremiah

Jeremiah 37 is the thirty-seventh chapter of the Book of Jeremiah in the Hebrew Bible or the Old Testament of the Christian Bible. It is numbered as Jeremiah 44 in the Septuagint. This book contains prophecies attributed to the prophet Jeremiah, and is one of the Books of the Prophets. This chapter is the start of a narrative section consisting of chapters 37 to 44. Chapter 37 records King Zedekiah's request for prayer, Jeremiah's reply to the king, and Jeremiah's arrest and imprisonment.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2 Kings 14</span> 2 Kings, chapter 14

2 Kings 14 is the fourteenth chapter of the second part of the Books of Kings in the Hebrew Bible or the Second Book of Kings in the Old Testament of the Christian Bible. The book is a compilation of various annals recording the acts of the kings of Israel and Judah by a Deuteronomic compiler in the seventh century BCE, with a supplement added in the sixth century BCE. This chapter records the events during the reigns of Amaziah the son of Joash, king of Judah, as well as of Joash, and his son, Jeroboam (II) in the kingdom of Israel. The narrative is a part of a major section 2 Kings 9:1–15:12 covering the period of Jehu's dynasty.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2 Kings 15</span> 2 Kings, chapter 15

2 Kings 15 is the fifteenth chapter of the second part of the Books of Kings in the Hebrew Bible or the Second Book of Kings in the Old Testament of the Christian Bible. The book is a compilation of various annals recording the acts of the kings of Israel and Judah by a Deuteronomic compiler in the seventh century BCE, with a supplement added in the sixth century BCE. This chapter records the events during the reigns of Azariah (Uzziah) and his son, Jotham, the kings of Judah, as well as of Zechariah, Shallum, Menahem, Pekahiah and Pekah, the kings of Israel. Twelve first verses of the narrative belong to a major section 2 Kings 9:1–15:12 covering the period of Jehu's dynasty.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2 Kings 11</span> 2 Kings, chapter 11

2 Kings 11 is the eleventh chapter of the second part of the Books of Kings in the Hebrew Bible or the Second Book of Kings in the Old Testament of the Christian Bible. The book is a compilation of various annals recording the acts of the kings of Israel and Judah by a Deuteronomic compiler in the seventh century BCE, with a supplement added in the sixth century BCE. This chapter records the reign of Athaliah and Joash as the rulers of Judah.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2 Kings 12</span> 2 Kings, chapter 12

2 Kings 12 is the twelfth chapter of the second part of the Books of Kings in the Hebrew Bible or the Second Book of Kings in the Old Testament of the Christian Bible. The book is a compilation of various annals recording the acts of the kings of Israel and Judah by a Deuteronomic compiler in the seventh century BCE, with a supplement added in the sixth century BCE. This chapter records the reign of Joash as the king of Judah.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2 Kings 21</span> 2 Kings, chapter 21

2 Kings 21 is the twenty-first chapter of the second part of the Books of Kings in the Hebrew Bible or the Second Book of Kings in the Old Testament of the Christian Bible. The book is a compilation of various annals recording the acts of the kings of Israel and Judah by a Deuteronomic compiler in the seventh century BCE, with a supplement added in the sixth century BCE. This chapter records the events during the reign of Manasseh and Amon, the kings of Judah.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2 Kings 22</span> 2 Kings, chapter 22

2 Kings 22 is the twenty-second chapter of the second part of the Books of Kings in the Hebrew Bible or the Second Book of Kings in the Old Testament of the Christian Bible. The book is a compilation of various annals recording the acts of the kings of Israel and Judah by a Deuteronomic compiler in the seventh century BCE, with a supplement added in the sixth century BCE. This chapter records the events during the reign of Josiah, the king of Judah, especially the discovery of the Book of the Law (Torah) during the renovation of the Temple in Jerusalem.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2 Chronicles 35</span> Second Book of Chronicles, chapter 35

2 Chronicles 35 is the thirty-fifth chapter of the Second Book of Chronicles in the Old Testament of the Christian Bible or of the second part of the Books of Chronicles in the Hebrew Bible. The book was compiled from older sources by an unknown person or group, designated by modern scholars as "the Chronicler", and had the final shape established in late fifth or fourth century BCE. This chapter belongs to the section focusing on the kingdom of Judah until its destruction by the Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar and the beginning of restoration under Cyrus the Great of Persia. It contains the regnal accounts of Josiah the king of Judah.

References

  1. Halley 1965, p. 211.
  2. Collins 2014, p. 288.
  3. McKane 1993, p. 324.
  4. Sweeney 2007, pp. 446–454.
  5. Würthwein 1995, pp. 35–37.
  6. Würthwein 1995, pp. 73–74.
  7. Wikisource-logo.svg This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Herbermann, Charles, ed. (1913). "Codex Sinaiticus". Catholic Encyclopedia . New York: Robert Appleton Company.
  8. Burkitt, Francis Crawford (1897). Fragments of the Books of Kings According to the Translation of Aquila. Cambridge: University Press. p. 10. ISBN   1117070484. OCLC   5222981.
  9. 1 2 3 4 5 6 2 Kings 23, Berean Study Bible
  10. Leithart 2006, p. 266.
  11. 1 2 Nelson 1987, p. 254.
  12. 1 2 Leithart 2006, p. 273.
  13. 1 2 Leithart 2006, p. 269.
  14. Leithart 2006, pp. 269–270.
  15. 1 2 Leithart 2006, p. 272.
  16. 1 2 3 4 Dietrich 2007, p. 263.
  17. 2 Kings 23:10 NKJV
  18. Hermann L. Strack and Paul Billerbeck, Kommentar zum Neuen Testament aus Talmud and Midrasch, 5 vols., Munich: Beck, 1922–1956, 4:2:1030
  19. 2 Kings 23:11 ESV
  20. Weiss, Bari.The Story Behind a 2,600-Year-Old Seal Who was Natan-Melech, the king’s servant?. New York Times. March 30, 2019
  21. 2,600-year old seal discovered in City of David. Jerusalem Post. April 1, 2019
  22. Nagtegaal, Brent. Archaeology Verifies the Reign of Judah's Youngest King: New archaeological discovery in Jerusalem adds to evidence of King Josiah’s reign. Watch Jerusalem. May 28, 2019.
  23. 2 Kings 23:25 KJV
  24. 1 2 3 Exell, Joseph S.; Spence-Jones, Henry Donald Maurice (Editors). On "2 Kings 23". In: The Pulpit Commentary . 23 volumes. First publication: 1890. Accessed 24 April 2019.
  25. 1 2 3 Sweeney 2007, p. 451.
  26. Sweeney 2007, pp. 451–452.
  27. 1 2 3 4 Sweeney 2007, p. 452.
  28. 2 Kings 23:30 ESV
  29. 1 2 Coogan 2007, p. 572.
  30. 2 Kings 23:31 KJV
  31. Edwin Thiele, The Mysterious Numbers of the Hebrew Kings , (1st ed.; New York: Macmillan, 1951; 2d ed.; Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1965; 3rd ed.; Grand Rapids: Zondervan/Kregel, 1983). ISBN   0-8254-3825-X, 9780825438257, 217.
  32. Thiele 1951, pp. 182, 184-185.
  33. 2 Kings 23:33 NKJV
  34. Kobayashi, Y. Riblah, ABD 5:721; apud Sweeney 2007, p. 452
  35. Note on 2 Kings 23:33 in ESV and MEV
  36. 2 Kings 23:34 ESV
  37. Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges. 2 Kings 23. Accessed 28 April 2019.
  38. 2 Kings 23:36 KJV
  39. Nelson, Thomas. NIV, Chronological Study Bible, EBook: Holy Bible, New International Version. Brazil: Thomas Nelson, 2014, p. 713
  40. Sweeney 2007, pp. 451–452, 454.

Sources