1 Kings 22:43

KJV

And he walked in all the ways of Asa his father; he turned not aside from it, doing [that which was] right in the eyes of the LORD: nevertheless the high places were not taken away; [for] the people offered and burnt incense yet in the high places.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he walked {H3212} in all the ways {H1870} of Asa {H609} his father {H1}; he turned not aside {H5493} from it, doing {H6213} that which was right {H3477} in the eyes {H5869} of the LORD {H3068}: nevertheless the high places {H1116} were not taken away {H5493}; for the people {H5971} offered {H2076} and burnt incense {H6999} yet in the high places {H1116}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He lived in the manner of Asa his father and did not turn away from it, doing what was right from ADONAI's perspective;

Berean Standard Bible

And Jehoshaphat walked in all the ways of his father Asa; he did not turn away from them, but did what was right in the eyes of the LORD. The high places, however, were not removed; the people still sacrificed and burned incense on the high places.

American Standard Version

And he walked in all the way of Asa his father; he turned not aside from it, doing that which was right in the eyes of Jehovah: howbeit the high places were not taken away; the people still sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 22:43 encapsulates the paradoxical reign of King Jehoshaphat of Judah, portraying him as a monarch largely committed to covenant faithfulness, walking in the righteous footsteps of his father Asa. Despite his commendable devotion and general adherence to divine standards, the verse highlights a significant, persistent flaw: the failure to dismantle the unauthorized "high places," where the people continued to offer sacrifices and burn incense, revealing a tension between the king's righteous intentions and the deep-seated, often compromised, religious practices of the populace.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a concluding summary statement for Jehoshaphat's reign in the book of 1 Kings, immediately following the account of the battle of Ramoth-gilead where King Ahab of Israel died and Jehoshaphat narrowly escaped. It provides a concise theological assessment of his rule before the narrative shifts to his son Jehoram. While 1 Kings offers this brief summary, the book of 2 Chronicles provides a much more expansive and generally positive portrayal of Jehoshaphat's reign, including details of his administrative, judicial, and religious reforms, as well as military campaigns, often presenting a more thorough removal of high places than suggested here. The assessment in [1 Kings 22:43](/1_kings/22-43 "1 Kings 22:43 - Jehoshaphat's Reign Summary") thus acts as a bridge, concluding one narrative arc while setting the stage for future developments in the kingdom of Judah.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jehoshaphat reigned in Judah (the Southern Kingdom) during a period when the Northern Kingdom of Israel was characterized by profound idolatry and political instability, particularly under the Omride dynasty (Ahab and Jezebel). The "high places" (Hebrew: _bamot_) were ancient cultic sites, often on elevated ground, which pre-dated Israelite settlement and were originally used by Canaanites for pagan worship. Over time, Israelites adopted these sites, sometimes dedicating them to Yahweh, but often blending true worship with unauthorized or syncretistic practices. Mosaic Law strictly commanded centralized worship at the tabernacle and later the Temple in Jerusalem (e.g., [Deuteronomy 12:5-7](/deuteronomy/12-5 "Deuteronomy 12:5-7 - Centralized Worship Command")). The persistence of high places indicated a failure to fully eradicate pagan influences and a resistance to the divinely ordained central worship system, reflecting a deep-seated popular piety that often prioritized convenience or tradition over strict adherence to God's commands.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Kings 22:43](/1_kings/22-43 "1 Kings 22:43 - Jehoshaphat's Reign Summary") significantly contributes to several key themes within the books of Kings. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of **righteous leadership** by commending Jehoshaphat for "doing that which was right in the eyes of the LORD," a recurring evaluative formula for kings who largely adhered to the covenant. This places him among the more faithful kings of Judah, contrasting sharply with the consistently wicked kings of Israel. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **incomplete reform**, as his failure to remove the high places echoes the partial reforms of his father, King Asa, mentioned in [1 Kings 15:14](/1_kings/15-14 "1 Kings 15:14 - Asa's Incomplete Reform"). This illustrates the persistent challenge of fully purifying the nation's worship from syncretistic elements. Finally, the verse underscores the tension between **divine standard and popular religious practice**, demonstrating that even a righteous king faced significant obstacles in enforcing God's complete will when confronted with deeply ingrained popular traditions and preferences for worship outside the Temple.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Walked (Hebrew, _halakh'_):** This verb, often translated as "walked," is used metaphorically in biblical Hebrew to describe one's manner of life, conduct, or adherence to a particular path. When applied to kings, "walking in the ways of" a predecessor or "walking in the ways of the LORD" signifies following a specific pattern of behavior, whether righteous or wicked. Here, it indicates Jehoshaphat's consistent lifestyle and policy of obedience, mirroring the generally positive reign of his father Asa.
* **Right in the eyes of the LORD (Hebrew, _hayyashar be'eyney Yahweh'_):** This is a crucial theological and evaluative formula used repeatedly throughout the books of Kings and Chronicles to assess the spiritual and moral quality of a king's reign. It signifies that the king's actions and policies were in alignment with God's covenant demands and ethical standards. Its application to Jehoshaphat marks him as one of the few kings of Judah who received divine commendation, distinguishing him from many of his contemporaries, especially those in the Northern Kingdom.
* **High places (Hebrew, _bamot'_):** These were elevated cultic sites, often on hills or artificial mounds, used for religious worship. While some _bamot_ were associated with pagan deities and idolatry (e.g., Baal or Asherah), others were used for the worship of Yahweh, but in a manner not sanctioned by the Mosaic Law, which prescribed centralized worship at the Jerusalem Temple. Their persistence represented a compromise, a deviation from pure worship, and a lingering susceptibility to syncretism, even when ostensibly used for the LORD.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he walked in all the ways of Asa his father; he turned not aside from it, doing [that which was] right in the eyes of the LORD:"** This opening clause establishes Jehoshaphat's general character and the overall positive assessment of his reign. His conduct mirrored that of his father Asa, who, despite some personal failings, was largely considered a righteous king who initiated reforms. The phrase "doing that which was right in the eyes of the LORD" is a strong affirmation of Jehoshaphat's commitment to covenant faithfulness and obedience to God's commands, indicating a reign marked by integrity and devotion.
* **"nevertheless the high places were not taken away;"** This is the critical caveat, introducing a significant qualification to the otherwise glowing assessment. Despite Jehoshaphat's general righteousness, he failed to fully eradicate the high places. This indicates an incomplete reform, a persistent area of compromise or weakness in his religious policy. It suggests either an inability to enforce the full extent of Mosaic Law regarding worship centralization, or perhaps a pragmatic concession to popular religious practice.
* **"[for] the people offered and burnt incense yet in the high places."** This final clause provides the reason or explanation for the persistence of the high places. It was not necessarily the king's direct endorsement of them, but rather the deep-seated religious habits and preferences of the populace. The people continued to utilize these unauthorized sites for worship, highlighting the challenge of enforcing strict adherence to divine commands when confronted with popular custom and tradition. This reveals a tension between the ideal of centralized, pure worship and and the reality of popular piety.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs **Juxtaposition** to highlight the tension in Jehoshaphat's reign: his general righteousness is immediately contrasted with a significant failure. The positive assessment ("doing that which was right in the eyes of the LORD") is set against the negative reality ("nevertheless the high places were not taken away"). This creates a sense of qualified commendation. Furthermore, the use of **Formulaic Language** ("doing that which was right in the eyes of the LORD") is a recurring motif in the books of Kings, serving as a standardized theological judgment on the kings, lending a sense of authoritative divine assessment. Finally, the "for" clause acts as a **Parenthetical Explanation**, providing the underlying reason for the king's incomplete reform, attributing the persistence of the high places to the people's continued practice, rather than solely to the king's will.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 22:43 offers a profound theological insight into the nature of obedience and the challenges of spiritual reform. It demonstrates that even genuinely righteous individuals, highly commended by God, can have areas of incomplete obedience or persistent compromise. Jehoshaphat's failure to remove the high places, despite his otherwise exemplary conduct, underscores the difficulty of uprooting deeply ingrained cultural and religious practices, even when they deviate from God's explicit commands. This highlights the ongoing tension between divine standards for worship (centralized and pure) and the human tendency towards syncretism or convenient forms of piety. The verse serves as a reminder that true faithfulness demands not just general righteousness, but also diligent attention to specific commands and a willingness to confront popular deviations for the sake of God's glory and the purity of His worship.

* [1 Kings 15:14](/1_kings/15-14 "1 Kings 15:14 - Asa's Incomplete Reform")
* [2 Chronicles 17:6](/2_chronicles/17-6 "2 Chronicles 17:6 - Jehoshaphat's More Extensive Reforms")
* [Deuteronomy 12:2-4](/deuteronomy/12-2 "Deuteronomy 12:2-4 - Command to Destroy Pagan Sites")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jehoshaphat's story in 1 Kings 22:43 is a poignant reminder that even those earnestly seeking to follow God can harbor areas of compromise or incomplete obedience. While he was largely commended for "doing that which was right in the eyes of the LORD," the persistent presence of the high places reveals a significant blind spot or an area where popular custom outweighed divine command. For believers today, this serves as a powerful call to examine our own lives: are there "high places" – areas of unaddressed sin, cultural compromises, or traditional practices – that, while perhaps not overtly idolatrous, subtly dilute our devotion, divert our worship, or fall short of God's perfect will? True spiritual maturity involves not just general righteousness, but a relentless pursuit of holiness that seeks to dismantle every stronghold and bring every aspect of life into full conformity with Christ's Lordship, even when it means challenging deeply ingrained habits or popular norms.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "high places" might exist in my own life or in the collective practices of my community that, while perhaps not overtly sinful, subtly compromise true devotion to God?**
* **How does this verse challenge my understanding of "good enough" obedience versus a pursuit of complete and radical faithfulness to God's commands?**
* **In what ways might popular opinion or cultural norms influence my spiritual practices, potentially leading me away from God's ideal for worship and life?**
* **What steps can I take to identify and dismantle these "high places" in my personal walk with God, even if it requires significant effort or goes against prevailing trends?**

### FAQ

**Why were the high places a problem if people were worshipping the LORD there?**

Answer: While some high places were indeed used for the worship of Yahweh, they were problematic for several reasons. Firstly, they violated God's command for centralized worship at the Jerusalem Temple (e.g., [Deuteronomy 12:5-7](/deuteronomy/12-5 "Deuteronomy 12:5-7 - Command for Centralized Worship")). This centralization was intended to prevent syncretism and ensure the purity of worship, guarding against the adoption of pagan rituals or beliefs. Secondly, even when dedicated to Yahweh, these sites often retained elements of Canaanite worship practices, leading to a blending of true worship with idolatrous or unauthorized rituals. This syncretism could subtly corrupt the people's understanding of God's character and demands. Thirdly, the decentralized nature of high places made it difficult to regulate worship and ensure doctrinal purity, leaving the door open for spiritual compromise and the erosion of covenant faithfulness.

**How could Jehoshaphat be described as "doing that which was right in the eyes of the LORD" if he allowed the high places to remain?**

Answer: The biblical assessment of kings often reflects an overall character and general trajectory of their reign, rather than a flawless record. The phrase "doing that which was right in the eyes of the LORD" indicates a prevailing commitment to covenant faithfulness and a general alignment with God's will, especially when contrasted with the widespread idolatry of the Northern Kingdom. Jehoshaphat's reign was marked by significant positive reforms, including sending officials to teach the Law throughout Judah ([2 Chronicles 17:7-9](/2_chronicles/17-7 "2 Chronicles 17:7-9 - Jehoshaphat's Teaching Initiative")) and establishing a judicial system ([2 Chronicles 19:4-11](/2_chronicles/19-4 "2 Chronicles 19:4-11 - Jehoshaphat's Judicial Reforms")). His failure to completely remove the high places, while a significant blemish, may have been due to the deep-seated popular resistance mentioned in the verse, or perhaps a pragmatic compromise in a difficult political and religious landscape. It highlights that even the most righteous of human leaders are imperfect and that God's grace often assesses the heart's overall direction, even amidst specific shortcomings.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The partial obedience of Jehoshaphat, commendable yet flawed, points powerfully to the perfect and complete obedience of Jesus Christ. While Jehoshaphat struggled to fully purify the worship of his people from the "high places" of compromise, Jesus is the one who perfectly fulfilled all righteousness, never turning aside from doing "that which was right in the eyes of the LORD" ([Matthew 3:15](/matthew/3-15 "Matthew 3:15 - Jesus Fulfills All Righteousness")). He is the true Temple, the ultimate place where God's presence dwells and where worship in "spirit and truth" is offered, rendering all other "high places" obsolete ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts the Temple's Destruction and His Resurrection"); [John 4:23-24](/john/4-23 "John 4:23-24 - True Worship in Spirit and Truth")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ not only cleanses us from the defilement of sin but also empowers us to dismantle the "high places" within our own hearts—the idols of self, comfort, or cultural conformity—that compete for our ultimate allegiance. His perfect life, sacrificial death, and victorious resurrection provide the means for a truly complete and uncompromised worship, inviting us to walk in His ways, turning not aside, and living lives fully pleasing in the eyes of the Lord ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Blood Cleanses Conscience"); [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Kings 15:14

But the high places were not removed: nevertheless Asa's heart was perfect with the LORD all his days.

2 Kings 12:3

But the high places were not taken away: the people still sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places.

Proverbs 4:27

Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.

2 Kings 14:3

And he did [that which was] right in the sight of the LORD, yet not like David his father: he did according to all things as Joash his father did.

2 Kings 14:4

Howbeit the high places were not taken away: as yet the people did sacrifice and burnt incense on the high places.

2 Chronicles 15:17

But the high places were not taken away out of Israel: nevertheless the heart of Asa was perfect all his days.

2 Chronicles 14:2

And Asa did [that which was] good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God: