Old Testament
2 Kings 23:7
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 significant action taken by King Josiah as he cleanses the worship practices around the temple.
- Author
- Author unknown; possibly Jeremiah
- Written
- Around 560 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
He tore down the houses of the sodomites that were by the house of the LORD, where the women wove hangings for the grove.
And he brake down the houses of the sodomites, that were by the house of the LORD, where the women wove hangings for the grove.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, we see a significant action taken by King Josiah as he cleanses the worship practices around the temple. He removes the houses associated with the sodomites, which were places of immoral practices. This act symbolizes a return to pure worship and a rejection of corrupt influences. The women who wove hangings for the grove were likely involved in rituals that were not aligned with the true worship of God. By tearing down these houses, Josiah is making a bold statement about the importance of maintaining a sacred space for worship. It reflects a desire to restore integrity and holiness in the community. This moment serves as a reminder of the need to evaluate what influences we allow in our lives and to take action against those that lead us away from our values. Josiah's actions encourage us to seek purity in our own lives and to stand against practices that compromise our beliefs and integrity. His commitment to God’s standards challenges us to reflect on our own choices and their impact on our spiritual journey.
Related Bible verses
How to apply 2 Kings 23:7 to your life
Consider what influences surround you and how they align with your values. Just as Josiah took action to remove corrupt practices, think about what you might need to change in your life. This could involve distancing yourself from negative influences or seeking out positive ones that encourage your growth. Make a commitment to uphold your beliefs in your daily life. Your choices matter and can lead to a more fulfilling path forward.
Curated for this public verse page. 2 Kings Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 2 Kings 23:7 mean by 'houses of the sodomites'?
In 2 Kings 23:7, 'houses of the sodomites' refers to places associated with immoral practices, likely linked to ritual prostitution and idolatry. King Josiah's actions to tear down these houses signify a strong rejection of corrupt worship practices that had infiltrated the temple area, emphasizing the need for purity in worship.
Why did King Josiah tear down the houses near the temple?
King Josiah tore down the houses near the temple to cleanse the worship practices in Jerusalem. His actions were part of a broader reform to eliminate idolatry and restore true worship of God. By removing these corrupt influences, Josiah aimed to create a sacred space dedicated solely to the worship of the Lord.
What can we learn from Josiah's actions in this verse?
Josiah's actions teach us the importance of evaluating and removing negative influences in our lives. Just as he took a stand against corrupt practices, we are encouraged to identify and eliminate anything that compromises our values and beliefs. This commitment to purity and integrity can lead to a more authentic spiritual journey.
How does this verse relate to the theme of worship?
This verse highlights the theme of worship by illustrating the need for a pure and dedicated space for honoring God. Josiah's reforms were aimed at restoring true worship by removing distractions and corrupt practices that detracted from the holiness of the temple. It serves as a reminder that our worship should be free from influences that do not align with our faith.
The Book of 2 Kings
2 Kings 1: Elijah’s Final Prophecy
The book of 2 Kings opens with the reign of Ahaziah, Ahab’s son and successor, who continues his father’s wicked ways. After falling through a lattice in his upper chamber, Ahaziah is seriously injured. Instead of inquiring of the Lord of Israel, he sends messengers to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron, whether he will recover. The prophet Elijah is sent by an angel to intercept the messengers. He confronts them with the question, “Is it not because there is not a God in Israel, that ye go to enquire of Baal-zebub the god of Ekron?” and delivers a message of judgment: Ahaziah will not recover but will surely die.
Unlock the full 2 Kings summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of 2 Kings — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 25 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of 2 Kings 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.