2 Chronicles 31:1-2·~1 min

The Destruction of Idols

The people destroy sacred objects throughout Judah and beyond, then return home. Hezekiah follows this cleansing by restoring the priestly and Levitical divisions for sacrifice, thanksgiving, and praise.

W¹hen all this had ended, the Israelites in attendance went out to the cities of Judah and broke up the sacred pillars, chopped down the Asherah poles, and tore down the high places and altars throughout Judah and Benjamin, as well as in Ephraim and Manasseh, until they had utterly destroyed them all. Then all the Israelites returned to their cities, each to his own property. ²Hezekiah reestablished the divisions of the priests and Levites — each of them according to their duties as priests or Levites — for the burnt offerings and peace offerings, for ministry, for giving thanks, and for singing praises at the gates of the LORD’s dwelling.

Section summaryThe gathering’s response continues beyond the festival itself as the people go out and remove idols across the land. Hezekiah then restores the priests and Levites to their proper service, so zeal is joined to ordered worship.

Role in the chapterThis opening section carries the previous chapter’s renewal into action. It clears away rival worship and reestablishes the temple’s daily order, setting the pattern for everything that follows.