2 Kings 18:4

He removed the high places, shattered the sacred pillars, and cut down the Asherah poles. He also demolished the bronze snake called Nehushtan that Moses had made, for up to that time the Israelites had burned incense to it.

Study Bible

He removed the high places
High places were sites of worship often located on elevated ground. They were used for both pagan and Yahwistic worship, but God commanded centralized worship in Jerusalem (Deuteronomy 12:2-5). The removal of these sites by Hezekiah was a significant reform, aligning with God's command and distinguishing true worship from syncretism.

shattered the sacred pillars
Sacred pillars, or standing stones, were often associated with Canaanite religious practices and idolatry. These pillars were sometimes used in the worship of Baal and other deities. By shattering them, Hezekiah was purging the land of idolatrous symbols, in obedience to God's law (Exodus 23:24).

and cut down the Asherah poles
Asherah poles were wooden symbols representing the goddess Asherah, often placed near altars of Baal. Cutting them down was a direct attack on the fertility cults that had infiltrated Israelite worship. This act was in line with the command in Deuteronomy 16:21-22, which prohibited the planting of Asherah poles beside the altar of the Lord.

He also demolished the bronze snake called Nehushtan that Moses had made
The bronze snake was originally created by Moses (Numbers 21:8-9) as a means for the Israelites to be healed from snake bites. Over time, it became an object of idolatry. By destroying it, Hezekiah was removing a stumbling block to true worship, emphasizing that even objects with a godly origin can become idols if misused.

for up to that time the Israelites had burned incense to it
Burning incense was a form of worship, and the Israelites had turned the bronze snake into an idol. This practice violated the first and second commandments (Exodus 20:3-4). Hezekiah's reform was a return to monotheistic worship, focusing solely on Yahweh, and it prefigures the cleansing work of Christ, who calls for worship in spirit and truth (John 4:24).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Hezekiah
The king of Judah who initiated religious reforms to restore true worship of Yahweh by removing idolatrous practices.

2. High Places
Elevated sites where unauthorized worship and sacrifices were made, often associated with idolatry.

3. Sacred Pillars and Asherah Poles
Objects used in the worship of Canaanite deities, representing idolatrous practices that Hezekiah sought to eliminate.

4. Bronze Serpent (Nehushtan)
Originally created by Moses as a means of divine healing (Numbers 21:8-9), it had become an object of idolatrous worship.

5. Moses
The prophet and leader who made the bronze serpent at God's command during the Israelites' wilderness journey.

Teaching Points

The Dangers of Idolatry
Idolatry can arise even from objects or traditions initially intended for good. We must guard against allowing anything to take the place of God in our lives.

The Importance of Reform
Like Hezekiah, we should be willing to make difficult changes to align our lives with God's will, even if it means breaking with tradition.

Symbolism and Substance
The bronze serpent's transformation from a symbol of God's power to an idol warns us to focus on the substance of our faith rather than mere symbols.

Leadership and Courage
Hezekiah's actions demonstrate the courage required to lead others in spiritual renewal, a call for leaders today to stand firm in truth.

Historical Context and Modern Application
Understanding the historical context of biblical events helps us apply their lessons to contemporary issues of faith and practice.

Bible Study Questions

1. What are some modern "high places" or idols that can distract us from true worship of God, and how can we remove them from our lives?

2. How does the account of the bronze serpent illustrate the potential for good things to become idols, and what steps can we take to prevent this in our own spiritual practices?

3. In what ways can we demonstrate the same courage and commitment to reform as Hezekiah did in our personal and communal faith journeys?

4. How does the account of Hezekiah's reforms challenge us to evaluate the traditions and practices within our own churches or communities?

5. How can the transition from the bronze serpent to the cross of Christ (as referenced in John 3:14-15) deepen our understanding of salvation and the role of faith in our lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Numbers 21:8-9
Provides the background of the bronze serpent, highlighting its original purpose as a tool for God's deliverance.

Exodus 20:3-5
The Ten Commandments, which prohibit idolatry, underscore the importance of Hezekiah's reforms.

2 Chronicles 31:1
Describes Hezekiah's broader efforts to purify worship in Judah, complementing the account in 2 Kings.

John 3:14-15
Jesus references the bronze serpent as a foreshadowing of His crucifixion, illustrating the transition from physical to spiritual salvation.