And he cried against the altar in the word of the LORD, and said, O altar, altar, thus saith the LORD; Behold, a child shall be born unto the house of David, Josiah by name; and upon thee shall he offer the priests of the high places that burn incense upon thee, and men’s bones shall be burnt upon thee.
He shouted out God's message against the altar, saying, 'O altar, altar, this is what the LORD says: A child will be born to David's family, and his name will be Josiah. On you he will sacrifice the priests of the pagan worship sites who burn incense on you, and human bones will be burned on you.'
The prophet is delivering God's message that a future king named Josiah will destroy this false altar and punish the priests who worship false gods there.
📚 Historical Context
In the divided kingdom of Israel after Solomon's reign, King Jeroboam of the northern kingdom had set up idolatrous altars, including one at Bethel, to prevent his people from worshiping at the legitimate temple in Jerusalem. A prophet sent by God confronted this altar and prophesied that a future king named Josiah would destroy it and desecrate it with the bones of false priests, emphasizing God's judgment on idolatry. This event occurred during a time of spiritual decline, highlighting the ongoing tension between faithful worship and rebellion against God's commands.
Explore Similar Verses
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.