2 Kings 18:4New American Standard Bible (NASB ©1995) [2]
— He removed the high places and broke down the [sacred] pillars and cut down the Asherah. He also broke in pieces the bronze serpent that Moses had made, for until those days the sons of Israel burned incense to it; and it was called Nehushtan.
King James Version (KJV 1769) [2]
— He removed the high places, and brake the images, and cut down the groves, and brake in pieces the brasen serpent that Moses had made: for unto those days the children of Israel did burn incense to it: and he called it Nehushtan.
English Revised Version (ERV 1885)
— He removed the high places, and brake the pillars, and cut down the Asherah: And he brake in pieces the brasen serpent that Moses had made; for unto those days the children of Israel did burn incense to it; and he called it Nehushtan.
American Standard Version (ASV 1901) [2]
— He removed the high places, and brake the pillars, and cut down the Asherah: and he brake in pieces the brazen serpent that Moses had made; for unto those days the children of Israel did burn incense to it; and he called it Nehushtan.
Webster's Revision of the KJB (WEB 1833)
— He removed the high places, and broke the images, and cut down the groves, and broke in pieces the brazen serpent that Moses had made: for till those days the children of Israel burnt incense to it: and he called it Nehushtan.
Darby's Translation (DBY 1890)
— He removed the high places, and broke the columns, and cut down the Asherahs, and broke in pieces the serpent of brass that Moses had made; for to those days the children of Israel burned incense to it: and he called it Nehushtan.
Rotherham's Emphasized Bible (EBR 1902)
— He, removed the high places, and brake in pieces the pillars, and cut down the Sacred Stem,—and beat in pieces the serpent of bronze that, Moses, had made, because, until those days, had the sons of Israel been burning incense thereunto, so he called it Nehushtan.
Young's Literal Translation (YLT 1898)
— he hath turned aside the high places, and broken in pieces the standing-pillars, and cut down the shrine, and beaten down the brazen serpent that Moses made, for unto these days were the sons of Israel making perfume to it, and he calleth it 'a piece of brass.'
Douay-Rheims Challoner Revision (DR 1750)
— He destroyed the high places, and broke the statues in pieces, and cut down the groves, and broke the brazen serpent, which Moses had made: for till that time the children of Israel burnt incense to it: and he called its name Nohestan.
Geneva Bible (GNV 1560)
— He tooke away the hie places, and brake the images, and cut downe the groues, and brake in pieces the brasen serpent that Moses had made: for vnto those dayes the children of Israel did burne incense to it, and hee called it Nehushtan.
Original King James Bible (AV 1611) [2]
— He remooued the high places, and brake the images, and cut downe the groues, and brake in pieces the brasen serpent that Moses had made: for vnto those dayes the children of Israel did burne incense to it: and he called it Nehushtan.
Lamsa Bible (1957)
— He removed the high places and broke the images and cut down the idols and broke in pieces the bronze serpent that Moses had made; for the children of Israel had gone astray after it, and until those days they did burn incense to it; and they called it Nehushtan.
Brenton Greek Septuagint (LXX, Restored Names)
— He removed the high places, and broke in pieces the pillars, and utterly destroyed the groves, and the brazen serpent which Mosheh{gr.Moses} made: because until those days the children of Israel burnt incense to it: and he called it Neesthan.
Full Hebrew Names / Holy Name KJV (2008) [2] [3]
— He removed the high places, and brake the images, and cut down the groves, and brake in pieces the brasen serpent that Mosheh had made: for unto those days the children of Yisrael did burn incense to it: and he called it Nechushtan. |
He
x1931 (1931) Complementהוּאhuw'{hoo}
The second form is the feminine beyond the Pentateuch; a primitive word, the third person pronoun singular, he ( she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demonstrative) this or that; occasionally (instead of copula) as or are.
removed
5493 {5493} Primeסוּרcuwr{soor}
A primitive root; to turn off (literally or figuratively).
z8689 <8689> Grammar
Stem - Hiphil (See H8818) Mood - Perfect (See H8816) Count - 2675
x853 (0853) Complementאֵת'eth{ayth}
Apparently contracted from H0226 in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely).
the high places,
1116 {1116} Primeבָּמָהbamah{bam-maw'}
From an unused root (meaning to be high); an elevation.
and brake
7665 {7665} Primeשָׁבַרshabar{shaw-bar'}
A primitive root; to burst (literally or figuratively).
z8765 <8765> Grammar
Stem - Piel (See H8840) Mood - Perfect (See H8816) Count - 2121
x853 (0853) Complementאֵת'eth{ayth}
Apparently contracted from H0226 in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely).
the images,
4676 {4676} Primeמַצֵּבָהmatstsebah{mats-tsay-baw'}
Feminine (causative) participle of H5324; something stationed, that is, a column or (memorial stone); by analogy an idol.
and cut down
3772 {3772} Primeכָּרַתkarath{kaw-rath'}
A primitive root; to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication to destroy or consume; specifically to covenant (that is, make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutting flesh and passing between the pieces).
z8804 <8804> Grammar
Stem - Qal (See H8851) Mood - Perfect (See H8816) Count - 12562
x853 (0853) Complementאֵת'eth{ayth}
Apparently contracted from H0226 in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely).
the groves,
842 {0842} Primeאֲשֵׁרָה'asherah{ash-ay-raw'}
From H0833; happy; asherah (or Astarte) a Phoenician goddess; also an image of the same.
and brake in pieces
3807 {3807} Primeכְּתַתkathath{kaw-thath'}
A primitive root; to bruise or violently strike.
z8765 <8765> Grammar
Stem - Piel (See H8840) Mood - Perfect (See H8816) Count - 2121
the brasen
5178 {5178} Primeנְחֹשֶׁתn@chosheth{nekh-o'-sheth}
For H5154; copper; hence, something made of that metal, that is, coin, a fetter; figuratively base (as compared with gold or silver).
serpent
5175 {5175} Primeנָחָשׁnachash{naw-khawsh'}
From H5172; a snake (from its hiss).
that
x834 (0834) Complementאֲשֶׁר'asher{ash-er'}
A primitive relative pronoun (of every gender and number); who, which, what, that; also (as adverb and conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.
Möšè
מֹשֶׁה
4872 {4872} PrimeמֹשֶׁהMosheh{mo-sheh'}
From H4871; drawing out (of the water), that is, rescued; Mosheh, the Israelitish lawgiver.
had made:
6213 {6213} Primeעָשָׂה`asah{aw-saw'}
A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.
z8804 <8804> Grammar
Stem - Qal (See H8851) Mood - Perfect (See H8816) Count - 12562
for
x3588 (3588) Complementכִּיkiy{kee}
A primitive particle (the full form of the prepositional prefix) indicating causal relations of all kinds, antecedent or consequent; (by implication) very widely used as a relative conjugation or adverb; often largely modified by other particles annexed.
unto
x5704 (5704) Complementעַד`ad{ad}
Properly the same as H5703 (used as a preposition, adverb or conjugation; especially with a preposition); as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space ( even unto) or time ( during, while, until) or degree ( equally with).
those
x1992 (1992) Complementהֵםhem{haym}
Masculine plural from H1931; they (only used when emphatic).
days
3117 {3117} Primeיוֹםyowm{yome}
From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day (as the warm hours), whether literally (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figuratively (a space of time defined by an associated term), (often used adverbially).
the children
1121 {1121} Primeבֵּןben{bane}
From H1129; a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition, etc., (like H0001, H0251, etc.).
of
Yiŝrä´ël
יִשׂרָאֵל
3478 {3478} PrimeיִשְׂרָאֵלYisra'el{yis-raw-ale'}
From H8280 and H0410; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also (typically) of his posterity.
did
x1961 (1961) Complementהָיָהhayah{haw-yaw'}
A primitive root (compare H1933); to exist, that is, be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary).
burn incense
6999 {6999} Primeמֻקְטָרqatar{kaw-tar'}
A primitive root (rather identical with H7000 through the idea of fumigation in a close place and perhaps thus driving out the occupants); to smoke, that is, turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship).
z8764 <8764> Grammar
Stem - Piel (See H8840) Mood - Participle (See H8813) Count - 685
to it: and he called
7121 {7121} Primeקָרָאqara'{kaw-raw'}
A primitive root (rather identical with H7122 through the idea of accosting a person met); to call out to (that is, properly address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications).
z8799 <8799> Grammar
Stem - Qal (See H8851) Mood - Imperfect (See H8811) Count - 19885
it
Næçuštän
נְחֻשׁתָּן.
5180 {5180} PrimeנְחֻשְׁתָּןN@chushtan{nekh-oosh-tawn'}
From H5178; something made of copper, that is, the copper serpent of the Desert. |
2 Kings 18:4
_ _ 2 Kings 18:4-37. He destroys idolatry.
_ _ He removed the high places and brake the images, etc. — The methods adopted by this good king for extirpating idolatry, and accomplishing a thorough reformation in religion, are fully detailed (2 Chronicles 20:3; 2 Chronicles 31:19). But they are indicated very briefly, and in a sort of passing allusion.
_ _ brake in pieces the brazen serpent — The preservation of this remarkable relic of antiquity (Numbers 21:5-10) might, like the pot of manna and Aaron’s rod, have remained an interesting and instructive monument of the divine goodness and mercy to the Israelites in the wilderness: and it must have required the exercise of no small courage and resolution to destroy it. But in the progress of degeneracy it had become an object of idolatrous worship and as the interests of true religion rendered its demolition necessary, Hezekiah, by taking this bold step, consulted both the glory of God and the good of his country.
_ _ unto those days the children of Israel did burn incense to it — It is not to be supposed that this superstitious reverence had been paid to it ever since the time of Moses, for such idolatry would not have been tolerated either by David or by Solomon in the early part of his reign, by Asa or Jehoshaphat had they been aware of such a folly. But the probability is, that the introduction of this superstition does not date earlier than the time when the family of Ahab, by their alliance with the throne of Judah, exercised a pernicious influence in paving the way for all kinds of idolatry. It is possible, however, as some think, that its origin may have arisen out of a misapprehension of Moses’ language (Numbers 21:8). Serpent-worship, how revolting soever it may appear, was an extensively diffused form of idolatry; and it would obtain an easier reception in Israel because many of the neighboring nations, such as the Egyptians and Phoenicians, adored idol gods in the form of serpents as the emblems of health and immortality. |
2 Kings 18:4
Serpent — The most of them, or such as the people most frequented: for all were not taken away, 2 Kings 23:13-14, tho' his own father had set them up. We must never dishonour God, in honour to our earthly parents. Brazen serpent — Which had been hitherto kept as a memorial of God's mercy; but being now commonly abused to superstition, was destroyed. To it — Not doubtless as to a god, but only as to an instrument of God's mercy, by and through which, their adoration was directed to God, and given to that only for God's sake. Nehushtan — He said, this serpent, howsoever formerly honoured, and used by God as a sign of his grace, yet now it is nothing but a piece of brass which can do you neither good nor hurt. |
2 Kings 18:4
He removed the high places, and brake the images, and cut down the groves, and brake in pieces the brasen serpent that Moses had made: for unto those days the children of Israel did burn incense to it: and he called it (b) Nehushtan.
(b) That is "a piece of brass": thus he calls the serpent by contempt, which even though it was set up by the word of God, and miracles were wrought by it, when it was used for idolatry this good king destroyed it, not thinking it worthy to be called a serpent, but a piece of brass. |
- removed:
2 Kings 12:3 But the high places were not taken away: the people still sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places.
2 Kings 14:4 Howbeit the high places were not taken away: as yet the people did sacrifice and burnt incense on the high places.
2 Kings 15:4 Save that the high places were not removed: the people sacrificed and burnt incense still on the high places.
2 Kings 15:35 Howbeit the high places were not removed: the people sacrificed and burned incense still in the high places. He built the higher gate of the house of the LORD.
Leviticus 26:30 And I will destroy your high places, and cut down your images, and cast your carcases upon the carcases of your idols, and my soul shall abhor you.
1 Kings 3:2-3 Only the people sacrificed in high places, because there was no house built unto the name of the LORD, until those days. ... And Solomon loved the LORD, walking in the statutes of David his father: only he sacrificed and burnt incense in high places.
1 Kings 15:14 But the high places were not removed: nevertheless Asa's heart was perfect with the LORD all his days.
1 Kings 22:43 And he walked in all the ways of Asa his father; he turned not aside from it, doing [that which was] right in the eyes of the LORD: nevertheless the high places were not taken away; [for] the people offered and burnt incense yet in the high places.
Psalms 78:58 For they provoked him to anger with their high places, and moved him to jealousy with their graven images.
Ezekiel 20:28-29 [For] when I had brought them into the land, [for] the which I lifted up mine hand to give it to them, then they saw every high hill, and all the thick trees, and they offered there their sacrifices, and there they presented the provocation of their offering: there also they made their sweet savour, and poured out there their drink offerings. ... Then I said unto them, What [is] the high place whereunto ye go? And the name thereof is called Bamah unto this day.
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- brake:
2 Kings 23:4 And the king commanded Hilkiah the high priest, and the priests of the second order, and the keepers of the door, to bring forth out of the temple of the LORD all the vessels that were made for Baal, and for the grove, and for all the host of heaven: and he burned them without Jerusalem in the fields of Kidron, and carried the ashes of them unto Bethel.
Deuteronomy 7:5 But thus shall ye deal with them; ye shall destroy their altars, and break down their images, and cut down their groves, and burn their graven images with fire.
Deuteronomy 12:2-3 Ye shall utterly destroy all the places, wherein the nations which ye shall possess served their gods, upon the high mountains, and upon the hills, and under every green tree: ... And ye shall overthrow their altars, and break their pillars, and burn their groves with fire; and ye shall hew down the graven images of their gods, and destroy the names of them out of that place.
Judges 6:25 And it came to pass the same night, that the LORD said unto him, Take thy father's young bullock, even the second bullock of seven years old, and throw down the altar of Baal that thy father hath, and cut down the grove that [is] by it:
Judges 6:28 And when the men of the city arose early in the morning, behold, the altar of Baal was cast down, and the grove was cut down that [was] by it, and the second bullock was offered upon the altar [that was] built.
1 Kings 15:12-13 And he took away the sodomites out of the land, and removed all the idols that his fathers had made. ... And also Maachah his mother, even her he removed from [being] queen, because she had made an idol in a grove; and Asa destroyed her idol, and burnt [it] by the brook Kidron.
2 Chronicles 19:3 Nevertheless there are good things found in thee, in that thou hast taken away the groves out of the land, and hast prepared thine heart to seek God.
2 Chronicles 31:1 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.
2 Chronicles 33:3 For he built again the high places which Hezekiah his father had broken down, and he reared up altars for Baalim, and made groves, and worshipped all the host of heaven, and served them.
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- the brazen serpent:
Numbers 21:8-9 And the LORD said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live. ... And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived.
John 3:14-15 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: ... That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
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- unto those days:
2 Kings 16:15 And king Ahaz commanded Urijah the priest, saying, Upon the great altar burn the morning burnt offering, and the evening meat offering, and the king's burnt sacrifice, and his meat offering, with the burnt offering of all the people of the land, and their meat offering, and their drink offerings; and sprinkle upon it all the blood of the burnt offering, and all the blood of the sacrifice: and the brasen altar shall be for me to enquire [by].
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- Nehushtan:
- That is, a piece of brass.
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