2 Chronicles 20:33

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

Howbeit the high places were not taken away: for as yet the people had not prepared their hearts unto the God of their fathers.

Complete Jewish Bible:

although the high places were not taken away, and the people had not yet set their hearts toward the God of their ancestors.

Berean Standard Bible:

The high places, however, were not removed; the people had not yet set their hearts on the God of their fathers.

American Standard Version:

Howbeit the high places were not taken away; neither as yet had the people set their hearts unto the God of their fathers.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

Howbeit the high places^{H1116} were not taken away^{H5493}: for as yet the people^{H5971} had not prepared^{H3559} their hearts^{H3824} unto the God^{H430} of their fathers^{H1}.

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Commentary for 2 Chronicles 20:33

2 Chronicles 20:33 is a verse set within the larger historical narrative of the Kingdom of Judah. This verse specifically addresses the religious reforms undertaken by King Jehoshaphat, who reigned circa 872-848 BCE. Despite Jehoshaphat's efforts to bring about religious and judicial reforms, and his success in leading Judah through a period of prosperity and military victory, the verse notes a significant shortcoming: "the high places were not taken away: for as yet the people had not prepared their hearts unto the God of their fathers."

The "high places" were locations, often on hills, where pagan gods were worshipped alongside or instead of Yahweh, the God of Israel. These sites were a persistent problem in the religious life of ancient Israel and Judah, as they were associated with idolatry and pagan rituals that were forbidden by the Mosaic Law. The verse indicates that although Jehoshaphat had made some positive changes, the deeper issue of idolatry and the people's lack of wholehearted devotion to God remained.

The theme here is the ongoing struggle with idolatry and the need for complete dedication to God. It highlights the tension between external religious observance and internal spiritual commitment. The historical context suggests that while political and military stability were important, the ultimate success of the nation was tied to its fidelity to the covenant with God. This verse serves as a reminder that true worship is not just about outward actions but requires an inward transformation of the heart, a theme that resonates throughout the Bible. It also foreshadows the eventual downfall of Judah, as the failure to eliminate idolatry would lead to moral decay and ultimately to the nation's exile.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H1116
   There are 92 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: בָּמָה
   Transliteration: bâmâh
   Pronunciation: bam-maw'
   Description: from an unused root (meaning to be high); an elevation; height, high place, wave.
   
2. Strong's Number: H5493
   There are 283 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: סוּר
   Transliteration: çûwr
   Pronunciation: soor
   Description: or שׂוּר; (Hosea 9:12), a primitive root; to turn off (literal or figurative); be(-head), bring, call back, decline, depart, eschew, get (you), go (aside), [idiom] grievous, lay away (by), leave undone, be past, pluck away, put (away, down), rebel, remove (to and fro), revolt, [idiom] be sour, take (away, off), turn (aside, away, in), withdraw, be without.
   
3. Strong's Number: H5971
   There are 1654 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: עַם
   Transliteration: ʻam
   Pronunciation: am
   Description: from עָמַם; a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of Israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock; folk, men, nation, people.
   
4. Strong's Number: H3559
   There are 210 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: כּוּן
   Transliteration: kûwn
   Pronunciation: koon
   Description: a primitive root; properly, to be erect (i.e. stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix, prepare, apply), or figurative (appoint, render sure, proper or prosperous); certain(-ty), confirm, direct, faithfulness, fashion, fasten, firm, be fitted, be fixed, frame, be meet, ordain, order, perfect, (make) preparation, prepare (self), provide, make provision, (be, make) ready, right, set (aright, fast, forth), be stable, (e-) stablish, stand, tarry, [idiom] very deed.
   
5. Strong's Number: H3824
   There are 230 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: לֵבָב
   Transliteration: lêbâb
   Pronunciation: lay-bawb'
   Description: from לָבַב; used also like לֵב; the heart (as the most interior organ); [phrase] bethink themselves, breast, comfortably, courage, ((faint), (tender-) heart(-ed), midst, mind, [idiom] unawares, understanding.
   
6. Strong's Number: H430
   There are 2334 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אֱלֹהִים
   Transliteration: ʼĕlôhîym
   Pronunciation: el-o-heem'
   Description: plural of אֱלוֹהַּ; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme God; occasionally applied by way of deference to magistrates; and sometimes as a superlative; angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty.
   
7. Strong's Number: H1
   There are 15773 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אָב
   Transliteration: ʼâb
   Pronunciation: awb
   Description: a primitive word; father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application; chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'.