Old Testament
2 Chronicles 34:7
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this passage, we see a king who is determined to rid his land of false worship and idolatry.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Ezra
- Written
- Around 430 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Post-exilic Jews
After he had demolished the altars and the Asherah poles, crushed the carved images into powder, and cut down all the idols throughout the entire land of Israel, he returned to Jerusalem.
And when he had broken down the altars and the groves, and had beaten the graven images into powder, and cut down all the idols throughout all the land of Israel, he returned to Jerusalem.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, we see a king who is determined to rid his land of false worship and idolatry. He takes decisive action by destroying altars and sacred poles that were used for worshiping other gods. This act symbolizes a return to true faith and devotion. By breaking down these idols and grinding them to powder, he demonstrates a commitment to purity and righteousness. His actions reflect a desire to restore the spiritual integrity of his people and lead them back to a genuine relationship with God. After completing this significant task, he returns to Jerusalem, likely to continue his reforms and strengthen the faith of his people. This moment is pivotal, as it marks a turning point in the spiritual history of Israel, emphasizing the importance of removing distractions that lead us away from what truly matters. It serves as a reminder that sometimes we must take bold steps to eliminate the things in our lives that hinder our connection with our beliefs and values.
Related Bible verses
How to apply 2 Chronicles 34:7 to your life
Consider what distractions or negative influences you might need to remove from your life. Just as the king took action to eliminate idols, you can identify and address anything that pulls you away from your core values. This could involve setting boundaries or making difficult choices to prioritize what truly matters to you. Embrace the journey of personal growth and renewal!
Curated for this public verse page. 2 Chronicles Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 2 Chronicles 34:7 teach about idolatry?
2 Chronicles 34:7 illustrates the importance of removing idolatry from one's life. The king's actions of destroying altars and idols signify a commitment to true worship and devotion to God. This passage emphasizes that idolatry can distract us from our faith and relationship with God, urging believers to eliminate anything that competes for their devotion.
How can I apply the message of 2 Chronicles 34:7 in my life?
To apply the message of 2 Chronicles 34:7, reflect on what distractions or negative influences may be hindering your spiritual growth. Identify these 'idols' in your life, whether they are habits, relationships, or material possessions, and take proactive steps to remove them. This could mean setting boundaries, making lifestyle changes, or seeking support to prioritize your faith and values.
What is the significance of the king returning to Jerusalem in this verse?
The king's return to Jerusalem after destroying the idols signifies a commitment to restoring true worship and spiritual integrity among his people. Jerusalem was the center of worship for the Israelites, and his return likely indicates a desire to continue reforms and strengthen the faith of the community. It highlights the importance of leadership in guiding others back to a genuine relationship with God.
What does the act of grinding idols to powder symbolize?
Grinding the idols to powder symbolizes the complete destruction of false worship and the rejection of anything that opposes true faith. It represents a thorough cleansing of spiritual impurities and a commitment to purity in worship. This act serves as a powerful reminder that believers must actively remove anything that detracts from their devotion to God.

The Book of 2 Chronicles
2 Chronicles 1: Solomon's Wisdom and Wealth
Solomon, the son of David, is now firmly established in his kingdom, and the Lord his God is with him, magnifying him exceedingly. Solomon speaks to all Israel—the commanders, judges, and leaders—and the entire assembly goes with him to the high place at Gibeon, where the Tabernacle of the Lord that Moses had made in the wilderness is located. The Ark of God, however, is in Jerusalem, in the tent that David had pitched for it. At Gibeon, Solomon goes up to the bronze altar before the Lord and offers a thousand burnt offerings upon it.
Unlock the full 2 Chronicles summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of 2 Chronicles — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 36 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of 2 Chronicles summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.