2 Kings 23:5 Meaning: The Chemarim Priests and Star Worship Removed
He got rid of the idolatrous priests whom the kings of Judah had ordained to burn incense in the high places in the cities of Judah and in the places around Jerusalem; those also who burned incense to Baal, to the sun, to the moon, to the planets, and to all the army of the sky.
And he put down the idolatrous priests, whom the kings of Judah had ordained to burn incense in the high places in the cities of Judah, and in the places round about Jerusalem; them also that burned incense unto Baal, to the sun, and to the moon, and to the planets, and to all the host of heaven.
And he put down the idolatrous priests, whom the kings of Judah had ordained to burn incense in the high places in the cities of Judah, and in the places round about Jerusalem; them also that burned incense unto Baal, to the sun, and to the moon, and to the planets, and to all the host of heaven.
And he hath caused to cease the idolatrous priests whom the kings of Judah have appointed, (and they make perfume in high places, in cities of Judah and suburbs of Jerusalem,) and those making perfume to Baal, to the sun, and to the moon, and to the planets, and to all the host of the heavens.
And he abolished the idolatrous priests, whom the kings of Judah had ordained to burn incense on the high places in the cities of Judah, and the environs of Jerusalem; and them that burned incense to Baal, to the sun, and to the moon, and to the constellations, and to all the host of heaven.
Meaning in one sentence
Learn who the 'idolatrous priests' (Chemarim) were and what celestial objects they worshipped, and why Josiah removed them.
Context
This verse appears in the middle of Josiah's sweeping religious reform, recorded in 2 Kings 22, 23. After the Book of the Law was discovered in the temple, Josiah tore his clothes and made a covenant before the Lord to follow His commands wholeheartedly (2 Kings 23:1, 3). Immediately he began to cleanse the land of everything that contradicted that covenant. In verse 4 he ordered the removal of vessels made for Baal and the Asherah from the temple. Verse 5 turns to the people who led the worship, the idolatrous priests that earlier kings had appointed to burn incense at the high places. These priests had offered incense not only to Baal but also to the sun, moon, constellations, and all the heavenly bodies. Josiah's action was not merely destroying objects; he deposed the religious leaders themselves, shutting down the entire system of false worship that had taken root in Judah.
Key Words
Three terms stand out in this verse. First, the Hebrew word for idolatrous priests is kemarim (H3649). Commentators note this word may come from a root meaning black, perhaps because these priests wore dark robes, while the true priests of the Lord wore white linen. The same word appears in Hosea 10:5 for the priests of the golden calves. Second, the object of worship included the planets, from the Hebrew mazzaloth (H4208). This likely refers to constellations, possibly the signs of the zodiac, a form of astral worship that the Lord condemned. Third, the verb burn incense (qatar, H6999) appears twice, describing both the work of the priests at the high places and the actions of those who directly offered incense to celestial bodies. Incense was meant for the Lord alone. The force of the verse shows how deep the idolatry had spread: not just one false god but an entire pantheon of created things, sun, moon, stars, had stolen the worship that belonged to the Creator. Josiah stopped it all.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians across traditions have read this verse as a model of thorough reform. Matthew Henry (Reformed) emphasized that Josiah's zeal removed both the priests and the objects of false worship. Adam Clarke (Methodist) noted the unique term kemarim, observing that Jewish sources used it derisively for Christian ministers due to their black robes. The Cambridge Bible (Anglican) explains that kemarim likely referred to the priests of the calves in Israel, and the term came to be used for any irregular priests serving at high places. Gill (Baptist) contrasted their black clothing with the white linen of the Lord's priests. On the celestial objects, commentators vary: some see the five planets (Saturn, Jupiter, etc.), others the twelve signs of the zodiac. All agree that this star-worship was a borrowing from Assyrian and Canaanite religions that Josiah rightly eradicated.
A common misunderstanding
Some readers think the planets in this verse refer to the five planets visible to the naked eye (Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn). In fact, the Hebrew word mazzaloth likely means constellations or the signs of the zodiac, as many ancient translations and commentators suggest. The verse includes sun, moon, and then these constellations, covering all the heavenly bodies rather than just the planets.
Living This Out
This verse challenges us to examine what we look to for guidance or security beyond God. King Josiah removed not just the objects of false worship but the entire system, including the people who led it. This week, ask yourself: Is there any host of heaven in your life? It might be the daily horoscope, a habit of relying on lucky signs, or even an admiration of creation that crowds out the Creator. The verse doesn't suggest subtle adjustments; it calls for removal. Maybe that means unfollowing an astrologer on social media, or confessing to a friend that you have trusted in a good sign more than in God's promises. Josiah's reform began with hearing God's Word. Let that Word expose any hidden loyalties, and ask God to help you turn from them.
Main takeaway: True repentance removes false worship entirely, including the leaders and structures that promote it.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
King Josiah found the people who taught others to worship the sun, moon, and stars instead of God. He told them to stop and made them leave. He wanted everyone to worship only God.
For ages 9, 12
Josiah removed the priests who were leading the people to worship creation, the sun, moon, and constellations, instead of the Creator. This shows us that even good things like stars can become wrong if they take God's place in our hearts. We should admire God's creation, but worship only God who made it all.
Questions People Ask
What does "Chemarim" mean in 2 Kings 23:5?
The Hebrew word "chemari m" (H3649) is translated as "idolatrous priests." Many commentators think it comes from a root meaning "black," possibly because these priests wore black robes, unlike the white linen of the Lord's priests. The same term is used in Hosea 10:5 for the priests of the golden calves.
What are the "planets" or "constellations" mentioned in this verse?
The Hebrew word is mazzaloth (H4208), which likely refers to constellations, particularly the signs of the zodiac. Some ancient translations, like the Vulgate, render it as the "twelve signs." This shows that the worship of the stars and their patterns had become part of Judah's idolatry.
Did the kings of Judah appoint these idolatrous priests?
Yes, the verse says "whom the kings of Judah had ordained" (natanu, "appointed"). This likely refers to previous kings like Manasseh and Amon, who had reintroduced the high places and astral worship that Hezekiah had destroyed. Josiah reversed that by deposing those priests.
What is the "host of heaven" in this verse?
The "host of heaven" refers to the entire array of celestial bodies, sun, moon, stars, and planets. It was a common phrase in the ancient Near East for the objects of astral worship. Jeremiah 8:2 mentions that the people "loved, served, walked after, sought, and worshipped" the host of heaven, showing how deeply this idolatry had penetrated.
For pastors & researchers
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