2 Chronicles 14:5

KJV

Also he took away out of all the cities of Judah the high places and the images: and the kingdom was quiet before him.

KJV (with Strong's)

Also he took away {H5493} out of all the cities {H5892} of Judah {H3063} the high places {H1116} and the images {H2553}: and the kingdom {H4467} was quiet {H8252} before {H6440} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

He removed the high places and pillars for sun-worship from all the cities of Y'hudah, and under him the kingdom was quiet.

Berean Standard Bible

He also removed the high places and incense altars from all the cities of Judah, and under him the kingdom was at peace.

American Standard Version

Also he took away out of all the cities of Judah the high places and the sun-images: and the kingdom was quiet before him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
King Asa of Judah initiated a profound spiritual reform early in his reign, comprehensively removing the "high places" and "images" of idolatrous worship from all cities of Judah. This decisive action, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to Yahweh, resulted in a period of remarkable peace and stability for the kingdom, serving as a clear testament to the divine blessing bestowed upon a nation that aligns itself with God's commands.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated early in the reign of King Asa, following an introductory statement in [2 Chronicles 14:2-4](/2-chronicles/14-2-4 "2 Chronicles 14:2-4 - Asa's Righteous Reign and Initial Reforms") that commends his righteous actions in the sight of the Lord. These initial reforms, including the command to seek the Lord and obey His law, directly precede the specific actions of removing idolatrous elements detailed in [2 Chronicles 14:5](/2-chronicles/14-5 "2 Chronicles 14:5 - Asa's Removal of Idolatry and Resulting Peace"). The subsequent verses in [2 Chronicles 14:6-8](/2-chronicles/14-6-8 "2 Chronicles 14:6-8 - Asa's Building and Army") describe a period of building and strengthening Judah's defenses, which is explicitly stated to have occurred during this time of peace. This chronological flow establishes a clear cause-and-effect relationship: Asa's spiritual purity led to national tranquility, which in turn allowed for internal development before a significant external conflict with Zerah the Cushite, detailed in [2 Chronicles 14:9-15](/2-chronicles/14-9-15 "2 Chronicles 14:9-15 - Asa's Victory Over Zerah").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "high places" (Hebrew: _bâmâh_) were elevated sites, often on hills or mounds, that served as centers for worship. While some may have initially been dedicated to Yahweh, they frequently became corrupted by syncretistic practices, blending true worship with Canaanite fertility rituals or outright paganism. The "images" (Hebrew: _chammân_) typically referred to sun-pillars or other cultic idols. Idolatry was a persistent problem throughout Israel's history, often leading to divine judgment, as seen in the warnings of [Deuteronomy 12:2-4](/deuteronomy/12-2-4 "Deuteronomy 12:2-4 - Destruction of Idolatrous Sites"). Even kings who were generally considered righteous, like Solomon, permitted high places, which eventually led to the kingdom's division ([1 Kings 11:7-8](/1-kings/11-7-8 "1 Kings 11:7-8 - Solomon's Idolatry")). Asa's comprehensive removal of these elements from "all the cities of Judah" signifies a radical and widespread commitment to purifying the nation's worship, a stark contrast to many of his predecessors and even some successors who failed to fully eradicate these deeply ingrained cultural practices.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes central to the book of Chronicles and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **religious purity and reform**, emphasizing the necessity of eradicating all forms of idolatry and syncretism for a nation to truly walk with God. Asa's actions underscore the principle that God demands exclusive worship, as articulated in the first commandment ([Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment")). Secondly, it demonstrates the theme of **obedience and divine blessing**, where the king's faithfulness directly results in tangible peace and stability for the kingdom. This aligns with the Deuteronomic covenant, which promises prosperity and security for obedience and curses for disobedience, as found in [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28-1-14 "Deuteronomy 28:1-14 - Blessings for Obedience"). Finally, the verse showcases the profound impact of **righteous leadership**. Asa's initiative, zeal, and commitment to God's commands had a transformative effect on the entire nation, bringing a period of internal peace and external security, thereby illustrating that the spiritual health of a people often mirrors the spiritual integrity of its leaders.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **high places (Hebrew, _bâmâh'_):** From an unused root meaning "to be high," this term refers to an elevation or cultic site. These elevated places were frequently used for religious worship, often becoming centers for syncretistic practices where the worship of Yahweh was blended with pagan Canaanite fertility rituals or outright idolatry. Their presence represented a compromise with paganism and a deviation from the centralized worship prescribed at the Jerusalem Temple, making their removal a critical step toward religious purity.
* **images (Hebrew, _chammân'_):** Derived from a word meaning "sun," this term denotes a "sun-pillar" or cultic idol, often associated with sun worship or other pagan deities. These were prominent symbols of idolatrous worship and fertility cults, explicitly forbidden by God's law due to their association with false gods and immoral practices. Their removal was a direct assault on the spiritual strongholds of paganism in Judah, signifying a decisive break from polytheistic influences.
* **quiet (Hebrew, _shâqaṭ'_):** This primitive root verb signifies a state of being tranquil, at rest, undisturbed, or free from trouble and conflict. In this context, it implies a cessation of internal strife, external threats, or general unrest, indicating a period of profound peace and stability that was a direct consequence of God's favor and blessing upon Asa's obedient reign. It denotes a divinely granted repose for the kingdom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Also he took away out of all the cities of Judah":** This phrase emphasizes the comprehensive and nationwide scope of King Asa's reform. His actions were not limited to Jerusalem or a few key areas but extended throughout the entire territory of Judah, indicating a thorough and zealous commitment to purging idolatry from every corner of the kingdom. This demonstrates a level of dedication not always seen in previous kings, highlighting the depth of his spiritual commitment.
* **"the high places and the images":** These are the specific targets of Asa's spiritual cleansing. The "high places" represent the physical locations of illicit worship, often corrupted by syncretism, while the "images" (sun-pillars/idols) symbolize the pagan deities and practices that had infiltrated the worship of Yahweh. Their removal signifies a return to exclusive and pure worship of the one true God, Yahweh, in accordance with the Mosaic Law.
* **"and the kingdom was quiet before him":** This clause presents the immediate and profound consequence of Asa's obedient actions. The "quietness" implies a state of peace, stability, and freedom from internal or external disturbances. This was not merely a political calm but a divine blessing, a direct manifestation of God's favor upon a king who diligently sought to honor Him by purifying the land. It underscores the biblical principle that righteousness leads to blessing and peace, demonstrating God's covenant faithfulness.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Cause and Effect** is prominently featured, establishing a direct correlation between Asa's actions ("he took away...the high places and the images") and the resulting state of the nation ("the kingdom was quiet before him"). This highlights the theological principle that obedience to God brings divine blessing and peace. **Symbolism** is also evident: the "high places" and "images" symbolize the spiritual corruption and idolatry that plagued Judah, while the "quietness" symbolizes God's favor, peace, and the flourishing that comes from covenant faithfulness. Furthermore, there is an implicit **Contrast** with the reigns of previous kings who often failed to fully eradicate these idolatrous elements, thereby highlighting Asa's unique zeal and the positive outcome of his comprehensive reform.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The actions of King Asa in [2 Chronicles 14:5](/2-chronicles/14-5 "2 Chronicles 14:5 - Asa's Spiritual Reform and Peace") resonate deeply with core biblical truths about God's demand for exclusive worship, the nature of idolatry, and the blessings of obedience. God's covenant with Israel required absolute loyalty and the complete rejection of all pagan practices, as outlined in the Law. The presence of "high places" and "images" represented a fundamental breach of this covenant, inviting divine judgment. Asa's zealous removal of these abominations demonstrated a profound commitment to restoring covenant faithfulness, and God's immediate response of "quietness" underscores His faithfulness to bless those who honor Him. This period of peace allowed the kingdom to consolidate and thrive, illustrating that true security and prosperity are rooted not in military might or political maneuvering, but in spiritual alignment with the Almighty.

* [Deuteronomy 12:2](/deuteronomy/12-2 "Deuteronomy 12:2 - Destroying Idolatrous Sites")
* [Joshua 24:14](/joshua/24-14 "Joshua 24:14 - Choose Whom You Will Serve")
* [Psalm 46:10](/psalm/46-10 "Psalm 46:10 - Be Still, and Know That I Am God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
King Asa's decisive actions in [2 Chronicles 14:5](/2-chronicles/14-5 "2 Chronicles 14:5 - Asa's Cleansing and Peace") serve as a timeless blueprint for spiritual purity and the pursuit of God's peace in our lives today. Just as Asa purged the physical symbols of idolatry from Judah, believers are called to identify and dismantle the "high places" and "images" that compete for ultimate devotion in their own hearts and lives. These modern idols may not be sun-pillars or Asherah poles, but they can manifest as an overreliance on wealth, status, personal achievements, comfort, or even self-righteousness—anything that subtly or overtly displaces God from His rightful, supreme position. When we actively and intentionally remove these competing affections and prioritize God above all else, aligning our lives with His will, we often experience a profound spiritual "quietness" or peace. This is not merely the absence of external turmoil, but an internal tranquility, a rest that comes from living in obedience and trusting in God's sovereign care, a peace that the world cannot give, as promised by Christ in [John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus' Promise of Peace"). It is a reminder that true security and flourishing, both individually and corporately, are found in unwavering devotion to God and the courageous pursuit of holiness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "high places" or "images" in my own life that might be competing for God's ultimate devotion?**
* **How does actively removing these spiritual impediments lead to a greater sense of peace and "quietness" in my soul?**
* **What practical steps can I take today to purify my heart and align my priorities more fully with God's will?**

### FAQ
**Why were "high places" such a persistent problem in Israel's history, even under righteous kings?**

Answer: The persistence of "high places" (בָּמָה, _bâmâh_) throughout Israel's history, even under kings like Asa who were largely righteous, stems from several factors. Culturally, they were deeply ingrained in the religious landscape of the ancient Near East, often predating Israel's arrival in Canaan. They served as convenient local centers of worship, making it difficult to centralize all worship at the Jerusalem Temple as commanded by the Law ([Deuteronomy 12:5-7](/deuteronomy/12-5-7 "Deuteronomy 12:5-7 - Centralized Worship")). Theologically, they became problematic because they were frequently corrupted by syncretism, blending the worship of Yahweh with pagan practices, or outright dedicated to foreign deities like Baal and Asherah. While some kings, like Asa, Hezekiah ([2 Kings 18:4](/2-kings/18-4 "2 Kings 18:4 - Hezekiah's Reforms")), and Josiah ([2 Kings 23:8](/2-kings/23-8 "2 Kings 23:8 - Josiah's Cleansing of High Places")), made concerted efforts to remove them, their deep cultural roots, local convenience, and the pervasive influence of pagan neighbors meant they often reappeared or were tolerated by less zealous rulers. This highlights the constant struggle against idolatry and the human tendency to compromise God's commands for convenience or cultural conformity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
King Asa's zealous removal of idolatry and the resulting "quietness" in Judah serve as a powerful Old Testament foreshadowing of the ultimate spiritual cleansing and peace brought about by Jesus Christ. Asa, as an earthly king, could only effect a temporary and external purification, leading to a limited, temporal peace. However, Christ, the true and eternal King, came to address the root cause of all spiritual unrest: sin itself. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Jesus "took away" the ultimate "high places" and "images" of our hearts—the idols of self-reliance, sin, and rebellion that separate us from God ([Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Sacrifice to Put Away Sin")). By His perfect obedience and the shedding of His blood, He has purified us from our sins, making us holy and blameless before God ([Colossians 1:22](/colossians/1-22 "Colossians 1:22 - Reconciled in Christ")). The "quietness" that Judah experienced under Asa's reign finds its ultimate and eternal fulfillment in the profound peace that believers now have with God through Christ ([Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Peace with God Through Christ")). He is our true rest, our Sabbath, who brings an end to the turmoil of sin and offers a lasting, spiritual tranquility that transcends all understanding ([Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")). Thus, Asa's reign points us to the greater King who not only purifies His kingdom but also establishes an everlasting peace within the hearts of all who believe.

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

2 Chronicles 34:4

And they brake down the altars of Baalim in his presence; and the images, that [were] on high above them, he cut down; and the groves, and the carved images, and the molten images, he brake in pieces, and made dust [of them], and strowed [it] upon the graves of them that had sacrificed unto them.

2 Chronicles 34:7

And when he had broken down the altars and the groves, and had beaten the graven images into powder, and cut down all the idols throughout all the land of Israel, he returned to Jerusalem.