2 Kings 18:4
He removed the high places, and brake the images, and cut down the groves, and 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.
2 Kings 18:4 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of 2 Kings in the Bible describes how King Hezekiah of Judah cleansed the land of idolatry by removing the high places, breaking the images, cutting down the groves, and destroying the brazen serpent that Moses had made. The brazen serpent, which was originally created by Moses at God's command to heal the Israelites from snake bites in the wilderness, had been turned into an object of worship by the people. They began burning incense to it, idolizing it as a god. Hezekiah recognized the idolatrous practices of the people and realized that the brazen serpent, known as Nehushtan, had become a stumbling block to true worship of God. Therefore, he destroyed it to put an end to the worship of false gods and to restore the Israelites' focus on the one true God. This verse serves as a reminder of the dangers of idolatry and the importance of pure worship in the eyes of God.
Theological Overview
One interpretation of this verse lies in its theological significance. The actions described, such as removing high places, breaking down images, cutting down groves, and destroying the brazen serpent made by Moses, highlight the importance of purging idolatry and false worship from the midst of God's people. The destruction of the brazen serpent, which had become an object of worship for the Israelites, serves as a reminder of the dangers of idolizing even seemingly holy relics. By denouncing the brazen serpent and referring to it as "Nehushtan" (a derogatory term meaning "a piece of brass"), King Hezekiah emphasized the need for sincere and exclusive worship of God alone. This theological interpretation underscores the significance of discerning true worship from false practices and the importance of upholding purity in devotion to God.
2 Kings 18:4 in other translations
American Standard Version
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.
World English Bible
He removed the high places, and broke the pillars, and cut down the Asherah: and he broke in pieces the bronze serpent that Moses had made; for in those days the children of Israel burned incense to it; and he called it Nehushtan.
Douay-Rheims
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 (1599)
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.