Book of 2 Chronicles - Chapter 34 - Verse 5

In this verse, we see a demonstration of King Josiah's commitment to purifying Judah and Jerusalem from the idolatrous practices that had crept in. By burning the bones of the priests upon their altars, he was making a bold statement against the false worship that had been taking place. This symbolic act was meant to cleanse the land of the defilement caused by the idolatrous practices of the priests. King Josiah's actions were in line with his efforts to reform the religious practices of Judah and bring the people back to the worship of the one true God. Through these drastic measures, he sought to restore righteousness and purity to the land, ensuring that the people of Judah and Jerusalem turned their hearts back to God and away from the false gods that had led them astray.

One theological interpretation of the verse "And he burnt the bones of the priests upon their altars, and cleansed Judah and Jerusalem" can be understood as a symbolic act of purifying the land from the defilement caused by the false priests who had led the people astray. By burning the bones of the priests on their altars, King Josiah was sending a strong message that the practices and teachings of these individuals were no longer acceptable in the eyes of God. This drastic measure was seen as a way to cleanse Judah and Jerusalem from the corruption that had taken root within the religious institutions. It can also be seen as a demonstration of God's judgment upon those who had turned away from Him and His commandments. Through this act, King Josiah sought to restore true worship and devotion to God in the hearts of the people, showing the importance of staying faithful to God's word and rejecting all forms of idolatry.