Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, "groves" often refer to places associated with idolatrous worship, particularly the worship of Asherah, a Canaanite goddess. These groves were typically located on high places and were characterized by the presence of wooden poles or trees, which were considered sacred. The worship conducted in these groves was in direct violation of the commandments given to the Israelites, which prohibited idolatry and the worship of foreign gods.The destruction of these groves is notably recorded during the reign of King Josiah of Judah, a reformer king who sought to restore the worship of Yahweh and eliminate idolatry from the land. Josiah's actions are detailed in the books of 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles, where his reforms are highlighted as a significant turning point in the religious history of Judah. In 2 Kings 23:4-7 , it is recorded that Josiah ordered the removal of all the articles made for Baal, Asherah, and all the host of heaven from the temple of the LORD. He burned them outside Jerusalem in the fields of the Kidron Valley and carried their ashes to Bethel. Furthermore, Josiah tore down the quarters of the male shrine prostitutes that were in the temple of the LORD, where the women wove hangings for Asherah. Josiah's reforms extended beyond the temple precincts. In 2 Kings 23:13-14 , it is noted that he desecrated the high places east of Jerusalem, south of the Mount of Corruption, which Solomon king of Israel had built for Ashtoreth, Chemosh, and Milcom. Josiah smashed the sacred stones and cut down the Asherah poles, covering the sites with human bones to defile them. The account in 2 Chronicles 34:3-7 further emphasizes Josiah's zeal for purging idolatry from Judah and Jerusalem. In the twelfth year of his reign, he began to cleanse Judah and Jerusalem of the high places, Asherah poles, carved images, and cast idols. Under his direction, the altars of the Baals were torn down, and the incense altars above them were cut to pieces. The Asherah poles, carved images, and cast idols were broken and ground to powder, and the dust was scattered over the graves of those who had sacrificed to them. Josiah's destruction of the groves and other idolatrous sites was a fulfillment of the covenantal requirements set forth in the Law of Moses, which demanded exclusive worship of Yahweh and the eradication of idolatry. His actions were a return to the covenantal faithfulness that was expected of the kings of Israel and Judah, and they were seen as a necessary step in restoring the nation to a right relationship with God. The eradication of the groves by Josiah is a testament to his commitment to the spiritual renewal of his people and his determination to lead them back to the worship of the one true God. His reforms are remembered as a high point in the history of Judah, demonstrating the power of righteous leadership in turning a nation back to God. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 23:14And he broke in pieces the images, and cut down the groves, and filled their places with the bones of men. Nave's Topical Index 2 Chronicles 34:3,4 Library Josiah The Book of the Law How Amon Reigned Instead of Manasseh; and after Amon Reigned ... The Second Commandment Honour Your Youthful Bishop. The Wall Rebuilt. Book iii. --Of the Harmony of the Fathers of the Old and New ... A Discourse The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ... Resources Who was Asherah / Ashtoreth? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Gehazi in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Groves for Idol Worship Planted by Ahab Groves for Idol Worship Planted by Israelites Groves for Idol Worship Planted by Manasseh Groves of Canaanites, to be Destroyed Groves: Destroyed by Jehoshaphat Groves: Fondness of Israel For Groves: Forbidden to be Established Groves: God Promised to Wean Israel From Groves: Idols Were Worshipped In Groves: Not to be Planted Near God's Altar Groves: Often on Tops of Hills Groves: Often Used As Resting Places Groves: Punishment for Making and Serving Groves: Worshiped by Israelites Related Terms |
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