2 kings 23:18 - He said, “Let him be! Let no one move his bones.” So they let his bones alone, with the bones of the prophet who came out of Samaria.

Generated Verse: 2 kings 23:18

What does "2 kings 23:18" mean?


This verse is part of King Josiah's reforms in the Kingdom of Judah, where he's dismantling and destroying pagan shrines and idols to purify the land. Let's break down what it means:

Context: Josiah is destroying places of idolatrous worship, including tombs and graves.

"He said, 'Let him be! Let no one move his bones.'" This refers to a specific grave or tomb that Josiah comes across during his campaign. The context suggests it's a grave that has some significance.

"So they let his bones alone, with the bones of the prophet who came out of Samaria." The reason Josiah spares the bones is revealed here. This grave contains the bones of a prophet who had predicted Josiah's future actions against the idolatrous altar in Bethel (as recounted earlier in 1 Kings 13:1-5). The prophet from Samaria confirmed the prophecy. Because of the accuracy of the prophecy and Josiah's respect for true prophets of God, he orders that the bones in this particular tomb be left undisturbed.

In essence:

Josiah recognizes and honors a true prophet of God by sparing his tomb. The prophet had foretold Josiah's actions against idolatry, and Josiah acknowledges the prophet's divine authority by protecting his resting place. It demonstrates Josiah's reverence for God's word and the prophets who delivered it, and it highlights the fulfillment of prophecy as evidence of God's power.

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