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Book of 2 Chronicles - Chapter 31 - Verse 1

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.

Meaning

After the completion of the cleansing and restoration process in the land of Judah and Benjamin, the people of Israel went out to all the cities and regions to continue the work of removing false idols and shrines dedicated to other gods. The destruction of these idols and altars was a symbolic act of purifying the land and returning to the worship of the one true God. The people of Israel were dedicated to removing any obstacles that could lead them away from their faith in God. This act of tearing down idols and high places demonstrated their commitment to following the laws and commandments set forth by God. Once the cleansing was complete, the children of Israel returned to their own possessions, reaffirming their loyalty to God and their commitment to living in obedience to His will. This act of destruction and restoration marked a new beginning for the people of Israel, as they sought to walk in righteousness and holiness before the Lord.

Theological Overview

This verse from 2 Chronicles 31 describes a significant event in the history of Israel. After King Hezekiah's reforms in restoring the worship of the Lord, the people of Israel took action by destroying all the idols, high places, and altars dedicated to false gods in the land. This act was crucial in purifying the nation and turning their hearts back to God. The destruction of these pagan symbols signifies a commitment to worshiping the one true God and removing anything that might lead them astray. The word "images" in the verse refers to idols or graven images of other gods that the people used to worship. Similarly, the "groves" and "high places" were places of idolatrous worship that needed to be eliminated. By cutting down these groves, breaking the images, and destroying the altars, the people of Israel demonstrated their repentance and dedication to following God's commandments. As a result, the children of Israel were able to return to their possessions and cities, knowing that they had cleansed the land of idolatry and turned back to the worship of the true God.

American Standard Version

Now when all this was finished, all Israel that were present went out to the cities of Judah, and brake in pieces the pillars, and hewed down the Asherim, and brake down the high places and the altars out of all Judah and Benjamin, in Ephraim also and Manasseh, until they had destroyed them all. Then all the children of Israel returned, every man to his possession, into their own cities.
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