This isn't just about tearing down bad altars; it's a powerful statement about reclaiming sacred space. King Josiah is actively dismantling structures built by Solomon, Israel's wisest king, showing that even the greatest achievements can become corrupted and must be purged to restore true worship. He's not just removing idols, but erasing the memory of a time when God's people mixed their devotion with pagan abominations, even at their nation's spiritual heart.
And the king defiled the high places that were east of Jerusalem, to the south of the mount of corruption, which Solomon the king of Israel had built for Ashtoreth the abomination of the Sidonians, and for Chemosh the abomination of Moab, and for Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites.
English Standard Version (ESV)
King Josiah is on a radical mission to purge Judah of idolatry, following God's commands after discovering the Book of the Law. He's already torn down the altars and smashed the Asherah poles in Jerusalem and surrounding towns, and now he's marching east of the city to destroy the last vestiges of foreign worship built by Solomon himself. This action culminates his sweeping reforms to re-establish true worship of Yahweh.
Josiah's reign saw a dramatic spiritual overhaul. It wasn't just about fixing things; it was about completely eradicating pagan practices that had infiltrated God's people.
King Josiah, upon discovering the Book of the Law, didn't just read it – he acted with fierce obedience. In 2 Kings 23, we see him go on a sweeping demolition campaign.
Targeted Destruction
He specifically targeted the 'high places' – sites dedicated to foreign gods. These weren't just minor offenses; they were deeply ingrained, syncretistic practices that blended worship of God with worship of other deities.
A Legacy of Compromise
What’s striking is that these shrines were built by none other than Solomon, the wisest king Israel had ever known! This highlights how even great leaders can compromise, and how sin can leave a lasting, corrupting legacy.
The specific gods mentioned here weren't just random deities; they represented deep-seated cultural and religious compromises that threatened Israel’s covenant relationship with God.
The text names Ashtoreth, Chemosh, and Milcom – each tied to specific nations surrounding Israel.
Ashtoreth: The Sidonian Goddess
Often associated with fertility and war, Ashtoreth worship was known for its sensuality and often involved cultic prostitution. Its presence symbolized Israel adopting the immoral practices of their neighbors.
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Chemosh: The Moabite Deity
Chemosh was the national god of Moab, and his worship was often linked to human sacrifice, particularly of children. This represents a horrifying deviation from God's merciful character.
Milcom: The Ammonite Abomination
Milcom, also known as Moloch, was similarly associated with the sacrifice of children, a practice utterly detestable to the LORD.
By building these shrines, Solomon didn't just allow foreign influence; he actively institutionalized worship that was fundamentally opposed to the LORD’s holiness and His people’s unique identity.
Understand the original words
bamah · Hebrew Noun
An elevated site, often natural or constructed, used for religious sacrifice. In the context of Israel, these were consistently condemned when used for worship outside of the designated place for the LORD’s presence.
shiqquwts · Hebrew Noun
Something detestable or loathsome, especially that which is morally or religiously unclean in the sight of God. In biblical usage, it is often applied to idols and the practices associated with them.
Ashtoreth · Hebrew Proper Noun
A pagan goddess of fertility and war, widely worshipped in the ancient Near East, often associated with Baal and representing the corrupting influence of Canaanite religion.
Kemosh · Hebrew Proper Noun
The chief god of the Moabites, associated with war and sometimes human sacrifice, representing the fierce opposition to the worship of Yahweh.
Milkom · Hebrew Proper Noun
The national god of the Ammonites, often associated with Molech, whose worship involved detestable practices and stood in direct rebellion against the covenant law.
This verse captures a pivotal moment in King Josiah's sweeping religious reforms, directly confronting the legacy of idolatry initiated by Solomon and continued by subsequent kings.
c. 970-931 BC
Solomon Builds Idolatrous Shrines
King Solomon, influenced by his foreign wives, constructs shrines to foreign gods like Ashtoreth, Chemosh, and Milcom on hills east of Jerusalem.
c. 874-853 BC
Ahab and Jezebel Promote Baal Worship
King Ahab and his Phoenician wife Jezebel actively encourage the worship of Baal and Asherah, leading to widespread religious corruption.
c. 730 BC
Hezekiah Cleanses the Land
King Hezekiah attempts a significant religious reform, removing idols and high places, though his reforms were not fully sustained.
c. 705-681 BC
Manasseh Reinstates Idolatry
King Manasseh reverses Hezekiah's reforms, re-establishing pagan altars and even placing an idol in the Temple, deeply offending God.
c. 640-609 BC— this verse
Josiah's Radical Reformation
During his reign, the Book of the Law is discovered, sparking a massive religious purge. Josiah tears down all idolatrous altars and shrines.
609 BC
Josiah Killed in Battle
King Josiah is killed fighting the Egyptians at Megiddo, marking a tragic end to his reforms and a turning point for Judah's spiritual decline.
This passage sets the stage for why Josiah's actions were so crucial, commanding the Israelites to tear down the altars and high places of the nations they would displace.
Jeremiah 19:13Jeremiah echoes the denunciation of Jerusalem's high places, directly referencing the idolatry established by Solomon and continuing through later kings, highlighting the deep-rooted nature of this sin.
1 Kings 11:7This passage directly identifies Solomon as the one who built these abominable high places for foreign gods, confirming the historical context and the gravity of his spiritual descent.
2 Chronicles 34:3-4This account provides a parallel narrative to 2 Kings 23, emphasizing Josiah's zealous destruction of idols and high places, reinforcing the theme of national repentance and purging of sin.
This isn't just about tearing down bad altars; it's a powerful statement about reclaiming sacred space. King Josiah is actively dismantling structures built by Solomon, Israel's wisest king, showing that even the greatest achievements can become corrupted and must be purged to restore true worship. He's not just removing idols, but erasing the memory of a time when God's people mixed their devotion with pagan abominations, even at their nation's spiritual heart.
King Josiah is on a radical mission to purge Judah of idolatry, following God's commands after discovering the Book of the Law. He's already torn down the altars and smashed the Asherah poles in Jerusalem and surrounding towns, and now he's marching east of the city to destroy the last vestiges of foreign worship built by Solomon himself. This action culminates his sweeping reforms to re-establish true worship of Yahweh.
King Josiah is on a radical mission to purge Judah of idolatry, following God's commands after discovering the Book of the Law. He's already torn down the altars and smashed the Asherah poles in Jerusalem and surrounding towns, and now he's marching east of the city to destroy the last vestiges of foreign worship built by Solomon himself. This action culminates his sweeping reforms to re-establish true worship of Yahweh.
"And the king defiled the high places that were east of Jerusalem, to the south of the mount of corruption, which Solomon the king of Israel had built for Ashtoreth the abomination of the Sidonians, and for Chemosh the abomination of Moab,…" — This isn't just about tearing down bad altars; it's a powerful statement about reclaiming sacred space. King Josiah is actively dismantling structures built by Solomon, Israel's wisest king, showin…
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Last reviewed October 2026
