2 Chronicles 17:6

KJV

And his heart was lifted up in the ways of the LORD: moreover he took away the high places and groves out of Judah.

KJV (with Strong's)

And his heart {H3820} was lifted up {H1361} in the ways {H1870} of the LORD {H3068}: moreover he took away {H5493} the high places {H1116} and groves {H842} out of Judah {H3063}.

Complete Jewish Bible

In his heart he highly regarded ADONAI's ways; moreover, he removed the high places and sacred poles from Y'hudah.

Berean Standard Bible

And his heart took delight in the ways of the LORD; furthermore, he removed the high places and Asherah poles from Judah.

American Standard Version

And his heart was lifted up in the ways of Jehovah: and furthermore he took away the high places and the Asherim out of Judah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 17:6 masterfully encapsulates the foundational principles of King Jehoshaphat's righteous reign: a profound internal spiritual elevation that propelled him toward decisive external religious reform. The verse highlights that his heart was not merely inclined but "lifted up" in resolute devotion to the Lord's ways, leading him to actively dismantle the pervasive idolatrous "high places" and "groves" that had long corrupted the worship of God throughout Judah. This commitment to both personal piety and national purification established the spiritual bedrock for his remarkably successful and divinely blessed rule.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically positioned early in the chronicler's account of Jehoshaphat's reign (2 Chronicles 17:1-19), immediately following the initial description of his ascendance to power and the Lord's favor upon him (2 Chronicles 17:1-5). It serves as a crucial theological explanation for *why* God blessed Jehoshaphat, demonstrating that his seeking of the Lord was not a passive inclination but manifested in concrete, God-honoring actions of religious purification. The narrative flow progresses from Jehoshaphat's personal commitment (v. 6) to his active reforms, then to his extensive educational initiatives (2 Chronicles 17:7-9), and finally to the resulting peace, prosperity, and military strength that characterized his kingdom (2 Chronicles 17:10-19). This verse acts as a linchpin, establishing a clear cause-and-effect relationship in the Deuteronomistic history, where internal obedience leads to external blessing and national flourishing.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Divided Monarchy, following the split of Israel and Judah, was perpetually marked by a struggle against syncretism and idolatry, particularly in Judah. "High places" (Hebrew: *bâmôt*) were elevated cultic sites, often on hills or artificial mounds, where various forms of worship took place. While some may have been used for Yahwistic worship, they fundamentally violated the Deuteronomic command for centralized worship at the Jerusalem Temple, often leading to corrupted practices. "Groves" (Hebrew: *ʼăshêrîm*) specifically referred to sacred poles or wooden images associated with the worship of Asherah, a prominent Canaanite fertility goddess, whose rituals frequently involved sexual immorality and even child sacrifice. These practices were explicitly forbidden by Mosaic Law, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 12:2-4](/deuteronomy/12-2-4 "Deuteronomy 12:2-4 - Destruction of Idolatrous Sites"). Despite repeated prophetic warnings and the reforms of earlier kings like Asa (Jehoshaphat's father), these idolatrous elements persistently plagued Judah. Jehoshaphat's actions here represent a significant and courageous step towards national spiritual purity, directly confronting deeply entrenched cultural and religious norms that had become commonplace.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully illustrates several enduring themes central to the Chronicler's theology. First, it underscores the theme of **Wholehearted Devotion**, emphasizing that true faith is not merely intellectual assent but a profound, active commitment of the entire being to God's "ways." This internal disposition is the wellspring of righteous action, echoing the call to love the Lord with all one's heart, soul, and might found in [Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - Love the Lord Your God"). Second, it highlights **Active Religious Reform**, demonstrating that godly leadership involves proactive, decisive measures to eradicate evil and promote purity within the community. Jehoshaphat didn't just avoid idolatry personally; he purged it from the land, fulfilling the Deuteronomic call for exclusive worship of Yahweh, a principle foundational to the covenant relationship (cf. [Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - No Other Gods Before Me")). Finally, the verse implicitly connects to the theme of **Divine Blessing and Establishment**, as Jehoshaphat's obedience directly precedes the account of God strengthening his kingdom and causing surrounding nations to fear him (e.g., [2 Chronicles 17:10](/2_chronicles/17-10 "2 Chronicles 17:10 - Fear of the Lord on Surrounding Kingdoms")). This reinforces the biblical principle that obedience to God's commands often leads to flourishing, security, and divine favor, a pattern seen throughout the historical books and epitomized by kings like David (cf. [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - God's Covenant with David")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **"lifted up" (Hebrew, _gâbahh'_):** This verb (H1361) typically means "to soar" or "be lofty." While it can denote pride or haughtiness in some contexts, here, coupled with "heart" (H3820, _lêb_), it carries a profoundly positive connotation. It signifies a heart that is encouraged, strengthened, resolute, and elevated in its commitment to the Lord's path. It suggests Jehoshaphat's spirit was not merely willing but enthusiastically dedicated and emboldened to follow God's commands, rising above the spiritual lethargy, compromise, or fear common among other rulers. It speaks to a courageous and unwavering resolve.
* **"high places" (Hebrew, _bâmâh'_):** This noun (H1116) refers to an "elevation" or "height," specifically cultic sites, often on hills. These *bâmôt* were generally condemned in Israelite theology because they violated the Deuteronomic command for centralized worship at the Jerusalem Temple (cf. [Deuteronomy 12](/deuteronomy/12 "Deuteronomy 12 - Centralized Worship")). More often, they were associated with pagan Canaanite deities, serving as altars for idolatrous sacrifices and rituals that directly contravened the exclusive worship of Yahweh. Their removal was a critical, tangible step in purifying the land and restoring proper, covenantal worship.
* **"groves" (Hebrew, _ʼăshêrâh'_):** This term (H842) refers to sacred poles or wooden images dedicated to Asherah, a prominent Phoenician/Canaanite goddess of fertility, often worshipped alongside Baal. The worship of Asherah frequently involved sexual immorality and child sacrifice, making these "groves" particularly offensive and abominable to the exclusive worship of Yahweh. The command to destroy Asherah poles was a recurring divine mandate throughout the Pentateuch (e.g., [Exodus 34:13](/exodus/34-13 "Exodus 34:13 - Command to Destroy Asherah Poles")), and their removal by Jehoshaphat underscored his commitment to eradicating deep-seated syncretism and restoring the purity of Israelite faith.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And his heart was lifted up in the ways of the LORD":** This initial clause profoundly describes Jehoshaphat's internal spiritual state. The "lifting up" of his heart (H3820, _lêb_, combined with H1361, _gâbahh_) signifies not pride or arrogance, but a profound and resolute commitment, a courageous resolve, and an enthusiastic dedication to God's prescribed path. "The ways of the LORD" (H1870, _derek_, combined with H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh_) refer to the divine statutes, commandments, and principles revealed in the Law, which dictate righteous living and proper worship. This indicates that Jehoshaphat's devotion was active, intentional, and centered on obedience to God's revealed will, forming the internal impetus for his subsequent actions.
* **"moreover he took away the high places and groves out of Judah":** This second clause details the external, tangible action that directly resulted from his internal devotion. The phrase "took away" (H5493, _çûwr_) implies a decisive, thorough, and active removal. By purging the "high places" (H1116, _bâmâh_) and "groves" (H842, _ʼăshêrâh_), Jehoshaphat actively dismantled the physical infrastructure of idolatry and syncretism that had plagued Judah for generations. This reform was comprehensive, encompassing the entire territory of "Judah" (H3063, _Yᵉhûwdâh_), demonstrating a national commitment to spiritual purity under his leadership, a direct manifestation of his "lifted up" heart.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices to convey its powerful message. There is clear **Parallelism** between the first and second clauses, where Jehoshaphat's internal disposition ("his heart was lifted up in the ways of the LORD") is directly followed by and causally linked to his external action ("moreover he took away the high places and groves out of Judah"). This structure emphasizes that true piety is not merely a feeling or a passive inclination but manifests in tangible, decisive obedience. The "high places" and "groves" function as powerful **Symbolism**, representing the pervasive nature of idolatry, spiritual corruption, and the syncretistic practices that constantly threatened Judah's covenant relationship with God. Their removal symbolizes a purification, a return to exclusive worship of Yahweh, and a re-establishment of covenant fidelity. Furthermore, the narrative implicitly uses **Contrast** by presenting Jehoshaphat as a king distinct from many of his predecessors and successors who either tolerated or actively promoted idolatry, highlighting his unique devotion and the positive impact of his reforms in a period often marked by spiritual decline.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jehoshaphat's unwavering commitment to the Lord and his active purging of idolatry in Judah resonates deeply with core biblical theology concerning God's holiness and His demand for exclusive worship. This verse underscores the principle that true worship demands exclusivity and purity, reflecting God's own holy character and His covenant demand for undivided allegiance. The internal "lifting up" of the heart is not an end in itself but the necessary wellspring for external righteous action, demonstrating that genuine faith is always active, transformative, and seeks to honor God in every sphere of life. His actions prefigure the ultimate cleansing work of Christ and emphasize the ongoing call for believers to remove "idols" from their lives, whether physical or spiritual, ensuring that God alone holds supreme authority. This commitment to purity and obedience is foundational for experiencing God's blessing and for the flourishing of His people, illustrating the consistent biblical pattern that righteousness leads to divine favor.

* [Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment: No Other Gods")
* [Deuteronomy 6:4-5](/deuteronomy/6-4-5 "Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - The Shema: Love the Lord with All Your Heart")
* [Psalm 101:3](/psalm/101-3 "Psalm 101:3 - A King's Resolve Against Wickedness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jehoshaphat's example in [2 Chronicles 17:6](/2_chronicles/17-6 "2 Chronicles 17:6 - Jehoshaphat's Heart and Reforms") offers a profound challenge and encouragement for contemporary believers. His "lifted up" heart in the ways of the Lord calls us to examine the depth of our own devotion. Is our commitment to God merely superficial, a matter of outward compliance, or does it genuinely animate our entire being, leading to decisive, transformative action? Just as Jehoshaphat removed physical altars and symbols of pagan worship, we are called to identify and dismantle the "high places" and "groves" in our own lives—anything that subtly or overtly competes for the supreme affection and allegiance due only to God. This could manifest as an inordinate pursuit of wealth, status, comfort, entertainment, or even relationships that subtly draw our hearts away from Christ. True spiritual reform begins within, with a heart passionately committed to God's ways, and then extends outward in intentional acts of purification and obedience. This proactive spiritual cleansing, like Jehoshaphat's, positions us to experience God's favor and to live lives that genuinely reflect His glory, demonstrating that our faith is living and active.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might my heart *not* be fully "lifted up in the ways of the LORD"?**
* **What "high places" or "groves"—whether habits, desires, or pursuits—might be subtly competing for my ultimate devotion to God?**
* **What concrete, decisive action can I take this week to "take away" one of these competing influences from my life?**
* **How does my internal spiritual state influence my external actions and decisions, and how can I cultivate a more "lifted up" heart?**

### FAQ
**Did Jehoshaphat completely remove all high places, or were some still present later in his reign?**

Answer: This is a nuanced point in the biblical record, requiring careful interpretation. While [2 Chronicles 17:6](/2_chronicles/17-6 "2 Chronicles 17:6 - Jehoshaphat's Initial Reforms") states that Jehoshaphat "took away the high places and groves out of Judah," [2 Chronicles 20:33](/2_chronicles/20-33 "2 Chronicles 20:33 - Remaining High Places") later notes, "Howbeit the high places were not taken away: for as yet the people had not prepared their hearts unto the God of their fathers." This apparent contradiction can be reconciled by understanding the different types of "high places" or the scope of the reform. It is generally understood that Jehoshaphat thoroughly removed the *idolatrous* high places and Asherah poles—those explicitly dedicated to pagan deities and involving forbidden, abominable practices. The high places that remained, as mentioned in [2 Chronicles 20:33](/2_chronicles/20-33 "2 Chronicles 20:33 - People's Hearts Not Prepared"), were likely those where people still offered sacrifices to Yahweh, but outside of the centralized worship prescribed for the Jerusalem Temple. While not pagan, these still represented a deviation from the pure, unified worship God commanded, indicating a lack of full commitment to the Mosaic Law's stipulations. Thus, Jehoshaphat's initial reform was significant and effective against overt idolatry, but the deeper challenge of fully preparing the people's hearts for exclusive, centralized Yahweh worship remained, indicating that true spiritual reform requires more than just removing physical structures; it requires a transformed heart in the populace.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jehoshaphat's zealous removal of high places and groves, driven by a heart "lifted up in the ways of the LORD," powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and perfect cleansing accomplished by Jesus Christ. While Jehoshaphat could only purge physical structures and symbols of idolatry from a specific land, Christ, as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), cleanses the human heart itself, which is the true "high place" where idolatry originates (cf. [Matthew 15:19](/matthew/15-19 "Matthew 15:19 - Out of the Heart Come Evil Thoughts")). His singular, perfect sacrifice on the cross provides the definitive means by which sin, the ultimate form of spiritual idolatry and rebellion against God, is atoned for and removed (cf. [Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Sanctification Through Christ's Sacrifice")). Through the New Covenant established in His blood, believers become the very temple of God, indwelt by the Holy Spirit (cf. [1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit")), called to worship God not in specific physical locations or with outward rituals, but "in spirit and in truth" (cf. [John 4:23-24](/john/4-23-24 "John 4:23-24 - True Worshipers Worship in Spirit and Truth")). Christ's redemptive work enables us to truly have our hearts "lifted up in the ways of the Lord" by empowering us to put to death the "earthly nature" and its idolatrous desires (cf. [Colossians 3:5](/colossians/3-5 "Colossians 3:5 - Put to Death Earthly Things")) and to live lives of genuine holiness. He is the one who perfectly fulfills the longing for a pure heart and a land purged of all that offends God, establishing an eternal kingdom where true worship flourishes unhindered and God's people are truly consecrated.

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

Hosea 14:9

Who [is] wise, and he shall understand these [things]? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the LORD [are] right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein.

Psalms 119:1

¶ ALEPH. Blessed [are] the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.

2 Chronicles 20:33

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

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.

Psalms 18:21

For I have kept the ways of the LORD, and have not wickedly departed from my God.

Psalms 18:22

For all his judgments [were] before me, and I did not put away his statutes from me.

Psalms 138:5

Yea, they shall sing in the ways of the LORD: for great [is] the glory of the LORD.