Now when all this was finished, all Israel that were present went out to the cities of Judah, and brake the images in pieces, and cut down the groves, and threw down the high places and the altars out of all Judah and Benjamin, in Ephraim also and Manasseh, until they had utterly destroyed them all. Then all the children of Israel returned, every man to his possession, into their own cities.
When all this was finished, all the Israelites who were there went out to the cities of Judah and smashed the idols to pieces. They cut down the sacred poles, tore down the worship sites on hills, and destroyed the altars throughout all of Judah and Benjamin, and also in Ephraim and Manasseh, until they had completely destroyed them all. Then all the Israelites returned home, each person to their own property and cities.
The writer is describing how the Israelites, after celebrating Passover, went throughout the land and completely destroyed all the places and objects used for idol worship before returning to their homes.
📚 Historical Context
This verse follows King Hezekiah's great Passover celebration, which had renewed the people's commitment to God. The Israelites were removing all traces of idol worship that had accumulated during previous reigns when false gods were tolerated or even promoted. This religious reform extended beyond Judah into the northern territories of Ephraim and Manasseh, showing the widespread impact of this spiritual revival.
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.