In the time of Josiah, the kingdom of Judah had strayed far from the worship of God, embracing various forms of idolatry. Josiah, as a reforming king, took decisive steps to cleanse the land of these practices. By smashing the sacred stones and cutting down the Asherah poles, he was not only removing physical objects but also confronting the spiritual corruption they represented. These objects were associated with Canaanite religious practices that were contrary to the worship of Yahweh.
Josiah's actions were radical and symbolic. By covering the sites with human bones, he was making them ritually unclean, ensuring that they could not be used for worship again. This was a common practice in ancient times to desecrate a site, thereby preventing its reuse for religious purposes. His reforms were part of a broader effort to restore the covenant relationship between God and His people, emphasizing the need for purity in worship and a return to the laws given to Moses. This story serves as a reminder of the importance of removing obstacles that hinder a true and faithful relationship with God.