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2 Kings 16:4 Cross References
And he sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places, and on the hills, and under every green tree.
Uncover the Rich Themes and Topics of This Bible Verse
Listed below are the Bible themes associated with 2 Kings 16:4. We invite you to explore each theme to gain deeper insights into the Scriptures.
2 Kings 16:4 Cross Reference Verses
This section features a detailed cross-reference designed to enrich your understanding of the Scriptures. Below, you will find carefully selected verses that echo the themes and teachings related to 2 Kings 16:4 KJV. Click on any image to explore detailed analyses of related Bible verses and uncover deeper theological insights.
Deuteronomy 12:2 (KJV) »
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:
1 Kings 14:23 (KJV) »
For they also built them high places, and images, and groves, on every high hill, and under every green tree.
2 Kings 14:4 (KJV) »
Howbeit the high places were not taken away: as yet the people did sacrifice and burnt incense on the high places.
Isaiah 66:17 (KJV) »
They that sanctify themselves, and purify themselves in the gardens behind one tree in the midst, eating swine's flesh, and the abomination, and the mouse, shall be consumed together, saith the LORD.
Isaiah 65:4 (KJV) »
Which remain among the graves, and lodge in the monuments, which eat swine's flesh, and broth of abominable things is in their vessels;
Isaiah 57:5 (KJV) »
Enflaming yourselves with idols under every green tree, slaying the children in the valleys under the clifts of the rocks?
Jeremiah 17:2 (KJV) »
Whilst their children remember their altars and their groves by the green trees upon the high hills.
Ezekiel 20:28 (KJV) »
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.
2 Kings 16:4 Verse Analysis and Similar Verses
Understanding 2 Kings 16:4
Verse Reference: 2 Kings 16:4
Verse (KJV): "And he sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places, and on the hills, and under every green tree."
Overview of 2 Kings 16:4
The verse recounts the actions of King Ahaz of Judah, highlighting his idolatrous practices which included sacrifices and offerings in various high places and groves. This was a significant deviation from the worship practices established in the Mosaic law, which emphasized centralized worship at the Temple in Jerusalem.
Commentary Insights
Matthew Henry's Commentary
Henry remarks on the warning against idolatry shown by Ahaz's actions. He points out that sacrificing in high places, as Ahaz did, exemplifies a rejection of God's ordained worship. Instead of following divine direction, Ahaz embraced pagan practices, which serve as a cautionary example for all believers regarding the tendency to stray from God's commandments.
Albert Barnes' Notes
Barnes emphasizes that Ahaz's actions are indicative of a larger trend of disobedience among the rulers of Judah. The burning of incense in these locations symbolizes a turning away from God and directly contributes to the spiritual decline of the nation. He also connects this act to prior warnings given to the Israelites about straying from true worship.
Adam Clarke's Commentary
Clarke provides detailed observations on the significance of the high places and their association with pagan worship. He notes that the ‘every green tree’ referenced often represents places of fertility worship, further illustrating Ahaz’s blatant idolatry. This not only reflects the character of Ahaz but also the impact of such corruption on the kingdom of Judah.
Thematic Connections
The verse offers pivotal connections to various biblical themes including idolatry, worship practices, and the consequences of turning away from God. Following are relevant themes and cross-references:
- Idolatry: Ezekiel 20:30-31 - God expresses His anger toward Israel for offering sacrifices to idols.
- Rejection of true worship: Deuteronomy 12:2-4 - Instruction about worshiping in the places designated by God.
- Pagan practices: 2 Chronicles 28:2-3 - Further account of Ahaz's wicked acts, including child sacrifice.
- God’s judgment: 2 Kings 21:2 - A reminder of the consequences faced by those who practice evil.
- Faithfulness to God: James 4:4 - Warnings against friendship with the world implying enmity with God.
- Spiritual decline: Hosea 4:6 - God laments the lack of knowledge among His people which leads them astray.
- Worship in high places: 1 Kings 14:23 - Acknowledgment of high places in Israel indicative of idolatry.
- Consequences of disobedience: Isaiah 31:1 - The futility of seeking help from foreign nations rather than God.
- Call to return: Jeremiah 3:12-14 - God's call to His wayward people to return to Him.
- Central worship: John 4:21-24 - Jesus redefining true worship in spirit and truth away from physical locations.
Importance of Cross-Referencing in Biblical Study
Exploring biblical verse cross-references can enrich one's understanding of scripture. By engaging in cross-referencing biblical texts, one can observe the intricate connections across both the Old and New Testaments. Here are some key considerations and methods:
- Tools for Bible cross-referencing: Utilizing a bible concordance and bible cross-reference guide can help navigate related passages.
- Identifying connections: Examining how themes such as idolatry are treated throughout scripture illustrates God's unchanging nature.
- Comparative analysis: Engaging in a comparative Bible verse analysis allows for deeper insight into how various biblical writers address similar themes.
- Inter-Biblical dialogue: Recognizing bible verses that relate to each other promotes a fuller understanding of the message.
- Cross-referenced prayers: Reflect on how prayers or psalms can have both implications and applications in different contexts across the scriptures.
- Cumulative understanding: Engaging in cross-referencing Bible study methods can produce a cumulative understanding of the divine narrative.
- Emphasizing themes: Exploring cross-referenced themes in the Bible such as judgment and grace can highlight the comprehensive nature of God’s character.
Conclusion
In examining 2 Kings 16:4, it is essential to grasp the seriousness of Ahaz's actions and their consequences on Judah's spiritual state. The examination of idolatry versus true worship, as articulated throughout the Bible, offers believers a clear directive on maintaining fidelity to God. Furthermore, effective use of bible cross-reference systems enhances our study and leads to greater understanding, drawing connections between various texts that deepen our faith and comprehension of the scriptures.