2 Chronicles 19:3

KJV

Nevertheless there are good things found in thee, in that thou hast taken away the groves out of the land, and hast prepared thine heart to seek God.

KJV (with Strong's)

Nevertheless {H61} there are good {H2896} things {H1697} found {H4672} in thee, in that thou hast taken away {H1197} the groves {H842} out of the land {H776}, and hast prepared {H3559} thine heart {H3824} to seek {H1875} God {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Still, there is some good in you, in that you have removed the sacred poles from the land and have set your heart on seeking God."

Berean Standard Bible

However, some good is found in you, for you have removed the Asherah poles from the land and have set your heart on seeking God.”

American Standard Version

Nevertheless there are good things found in thee, in that thou hast put away the Asheroth out of the land, and hast set thy heart to seek God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse offers a profound glimpse into God's character, revealing His meticulous discernment and gracious recognition of genuine righteousness amidst human frailty. Following a severe rebuke for King Jehoshaphat's unholy alliance with King Ahab, the Lord, through the prophet Jehu, immediately balances judgment with commendation. God acknowledges "good things" in Jehoshaphat, specifically his active removal of pagan "groves" from the land and, more significantly, the internal disposition of having "prepared thine heart to seek God." This passage underscores that while God holds His people accountable for their failures, He also sees and affirms sincere efforts toward obedience and devotion, demonstrating a divine balance of justice and mercy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed immediately after the prophet Jehu's sharp condemnation of King Jehoshaphat for his ill-advised alliance with the wicked King Ahab of Israel and his participation in the disastrous battle of Ramoth-Gilead ([2 Chronicles 18](/2_chronicles/18 "2 Chronicles 18 - Jehoshaphat's Alliance with Ahab")). Jehu's rebuke in [2 Chronicles 19:2](/2_chronicles/19-2 "2 Chronicles 19:2 - Jehu's Rebuke to Jehoshaphat") warns of divine wrath, stating, "Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the LORD? therefore is wrath upon thee from before the LORD." The very next verse, [2 Chronicles 19:3](/2_chronicles/19-3 "2 Chronicles 19:3 - God's Commendation of Jehoshaphat"), provides an immediate counterpoint, showcasing God's balanced judgment. It transitions from a pronouncement of "wrath" to an affirmation of "good things," demonstrating that God's justice is always tempered with mercy and a recognition of sincere devotion, preventing utter despair and encouraging repentance. This literary juxtaposition highlights the complexity of divine assessment and the possibility of redemption even after significant moral failures.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah (c. 870-846 BC) and was generally considered one of the more righteous kings, following in the footsteps of his father Asa. His reign was marked by significant religious reforms, judicial organization, and military strength. The "groves" mentioned refer to `asherim` (plural of `asherah`), which were cultic poles or wooden images dedicated to the Canaanite goddess Asherah, often worshipped in conjunction with Baal. These pagan practices were deeply entrenched in the land, representing a constant temptation for Israel and Judah to syncretize their worship of Yahweh with local idolatry. Kings like Jehoshaphat were expected to uphold the covenant with Yahweh by eradicating such idolatry. His earlier efforts to remove these foreign altars and high places are noted in [2 Chronicles 17:6](/2_chronicles/17-6 "2 Chronicles 17:6 - Jehoshaphat's Early Reforms"). His alliance with Ahab, however, was a grave political and spiritual misstep, as Ahab was notorious for promoting Baal worship in Israel. The prophet Jehu's confrontation reflects the ongoing tension between covenant fidelity and political expediency in ancient Israelite kingship.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within 2 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Discernment and Justice**, showing that God's judgment is not simplistic or solely punitive. He sees the full spectrum of a person's life and actions, acknowledging both their failures and their genuine efforts toward righteousness. Secondly, the verse highlights the critical importance of **Action Against Idolatry**. Jehoshaphat's removal of the "groves" was a tangible expression of his commitment to exclusive worship of Yahweh, a recurring theme throughout the Deuteronomistic history where kings are often judged by their stance on idolatry. This act of purification was a fundamental duty for a godly king, as seen in the commands given in [Deuteronomy 12:2-3](/deuteronomy/12-2 "Deuteronomy 12:2-3 - Destroying Pagan Sites"). Finally, and perhaps most profoundly, the phrase "prepared thine heart to seek God" underscores the theme of **Heartfelt Devotion**. It points beyond mere external obedience to the inner disposition and sincere intent that God values. This internal readiness to pursue God is foundational to true worship and obedience, aligning with the call to seek God with all one's heart found in passages like [Jeremiah 29:13](/jeremiah/29-13 "Jeremiah 29:13 - Seeking God with All Your Heart").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Groves (Hebrew, _ʾăšērîm'_):** This term refers to the cultic poles or wooden images associated with the worship of the Canaanite goddess Asherah, often erected alongside altars to Baal. Their removal signified a deliberate and significant act of religious reform, a rejection of syncretism, and a commitment to the exclusive worship of Yahweh. The presence of `asherim` indicated pagan influence and a departure from the Mosaic Law, which strictly forbade such idolatry. Jehoshaphat's action demonstrated his adherence to the covenant and his role as a king who sought to purify the land from foreign religious practices.
* **Prepared thine heart (Hebrew, _hăḵînōṯā ləḇāḇəḵā'_):** This phrase speaks to an intentional, deliberate, and sustained inner disposition. It implies a conscious decision and effort to orient one's innermost being—thoughts, affections, will—towards God. The Hebrew verb `kûn` (to prepare, establish, make firm) suggests a stable and committed orientation, not a fleeting emotion. This "preparation" is foundational, indicating that Jehoshaphat's external actions (like removing groves) stemmed from a genuine internal desire and commitment to follow God, distinguishing him from kings whose reforms were merely superficial or politically motivated.
* **To seek God (Hebrew, _liḏrōš ʾĕlōhîm'_):** The verb `dāraš` (to seek, inquire of, consult, frequent a place) implies an active, persistent pursuit of God's presence, will, and favor. It suggests a life characterized by prayer, study of the Law, and obedience. For a king, "seeking God" also involved consulting prophets, relying on divine guidance in governance, and promoting righteousness throughout the kingdom. This phrase, coupled with "prepared thine heart," highlights a holistic devotion—an internal readiness that translates into an active, lifelong pursuit of God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Nevertheless there are good things found in thee,"**: This opening clause acts as a powerful divine counterpoint to the preceding rebuke. The word "nevertheless" (Hebrew: `ʾăḇāl`) introduces a strong adversative, signaling a shift from condemnation to commendation. It demonstrates God's nuanced judgment, acknowledging positive aspects of Jehoshaphat's character and reign despite his significant error. This highlights God's justice being tempered with grace, recognizing sincere efforts and past faithfulness.
* **"in that thou hast taken away the groves out of the land,"**: This specifies one of the "good things." The removal of the "groves" (Asherah poles) was a visible and concrete act of religious reform. It signified Jehoshaphat's commitment to eradicating idolatry and purifying the worship of Yahweh in Judah. This action was a direct fulfillment of the Deuteronomic commands to destroy pagan altars and images, showcasing his obedience to the covenant.
* **"and hast prepared thine heart to seek God."**: This second "good thing" goes beyond external actions to the internal disposition. It reveals that Jehoshaphat's reforms were not merely superficial or politically expedient but stemmed from a genuine inner commitment and desire to pursue God. This phrase emphasizes the sincerity of his devotion, indicating that his heart was oriented and dedicated to God, which God saw and commended as a foundational virtue.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices that enrich its meaning. Most notably, there is a striking **Contrast** between the severe rebuke Jehoshaphat receives in the preceding verse ([2 Chronicles 19:2](/2_chronicles/19-2 "2 Chronicles 19:2 - Jehu's Rebuke")) and the immediate commendation in [2 Chronicles 19:3](/2_chronicles/19-3 "2 Chronicles 19:3 - God's Commendation"). This juxtaposition highlights God's balanced character, demonstrating that divine justice is always accompanied by divine mercy and a discerning recognition of genuine righteousness. Furthermore, the verse uses **Juxtaposition** or a form of **Merism** by pairing an external action ("taken away the groves") with an internal disposition ("prepared thine heart to seek God"). This emphasizes the holistic nature of true faithfulness, where outward obedience is rooted in an inward commitment. It suggests that God values both the visible acts of righteousness and the sincere motivation behind them. The passage also showcases **Divine Discernment**, portraying God as one who sees beyond immediate failures to the deeper character and past good deeds of an individual, offering hope and a path to restoration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse offers profound theological insights into the nature of God and the essence of true piety. It reveals that God's judgment is not vindictive but discerning, always taking into account the full scope of a person's life, including their genuine intentions and past faithfulness. Despite Jehoshaphat's grave error in allying with the wicked, God's grace shines through as He acknowledges the "good things" that stemmed from a heart committed to Him. This demonstrates that God is not only just in holding us accountable for our sins but also merciful in recognizing and commending our sincere efforts to obey and seek Him. It underscores the biblical principle that while actions matter, the condition of the heart is paramount to God, for it is the wellspring of all true worship and obedience. This divine balance encourages believers to pursue righteousness wholeheartedly, knowing that even in moments of failure, God's grace can lead to restoration when there is a prepared heart to seek Him.

* [Psalm 103:10](/psalms/103-10 "God's Mercy and Justice")
* [Jeremiah 29:13](/jeremiah/29-13 "Seeking God with All Your Heart")
* [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "God Looks at the Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 19:3 offers timeless lessons for every believer. It serves as a powerful reminder that our spiritual journey is rarely a straight line of perfect obedience. We, like Jehoshaphat, are prone to missteps and grave errors. Yet, God's character, as revealed here, is one of profound discernment and grace. He sees beyond our failures to the underlying condition of our hearts and the genuine efforts we make towards righteousness. This should be an immense source of encouragement, preventing us from succumbing to despair when we stumble. Instead, it calls us to a deeper, more honest self-examination: are our external actions of faith rooted in a truly "prepared heart" that genuinely seeks God? Are we diligent in removing the "groves"—the modern idols of comfort, success, approval, or self-reliance—that subtly compete for God's rightful place in our lives? This verse challenges us to cultivate an inner disposition of sincere devotion, knowing that it is this heart-level commitment that God truly values and commends, leading to ongoing repentance, restoration, and growth in grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be making "unholy alliances" or compromises that displease God, similar to Jehoshaphat's error?**
* **What "groves" or idols, whether obvious or subtle, do I need to identify and actively remove from my life to ensure God has exclusive worship?**
* **How can I more intentionally "prepare my heart to seek God" daily, moving beyond mere external religious practices to a deeper, more sincere devotion?**
* **How does God's balanced judgment, acknowledging "good things" despite failures, encourage me in my own walk of faith and repentance?**

### FAQ
**Does God truly see the good in us even when we fail significantly?**

Answer: Yes, absolutely. 2 Chronicles 19:3 is a clear biblical example of God's discerning nature. Despite Jehoshaphat's severe misjudgment in allying with the wicked King Ahab, God, through the prophet Jehu, immediately acknowledges the "good things" found in him—specifically his past reforms against idolatry and, more importantly, his genuine heart to seek God. This passage demonstrates that God's judgment is not merely punitive; He sees the full picture of a person's life, including their sincere efforts, past faithfulness, and underlying heart disposition. This truth should offer immense comfort and encouragement, reminding us that while God holds us accountable for our sins, His grace and mercy are always present, recognizing and affirming genuine righteousness even amidst human failings. It encourages us to repent and continue striving for obedience, knowing that God's perspective is holistic and gracious.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
King Jehoshaphat's story, particularly the divine commendation in [2 Chronicles 19:3](/2_chronicles/19-3 "2 Chronicles 19:3 - God's Commendation of Jehoshaphat"), finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Jehoshaphat, despite his "good things," remained a flawed human king who made significant errors, Jesus is the perfectly righteous King whose heart was always, without deviation, "prepared... to seek God." He perfectly embodied the internal disposition of seeking God and the external action of removing "groves" – not literal pagan poles, but the spiritual idolatry of sin and death. Jesus' life was a seamless tapestry of perfect obedience, a heart always aligned with the Father's will ([John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Pleases the Father")). He came not only to expose the "groves" of human sin but to utterly dismantle their power through His atoning sacrifice on the cross ([Colossians 2:14-15](/colossians/2-14 "Colossians 2:14-15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Through His death and resurrection, Jesus provides the means for our hearts to be truly "prepared" to seek God, replacing our stony hearts with hearts of flesh ([Ezekiel 36:26](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26 - A New Heart and Spirit")) and enabling us to genuinely pursue Him by the power of the Holy Spirit. He is the ultimate Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), making it possible for us, despite our failures, to be found "good" in God's sight through His perfect righteousness imputed to us ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")).

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 12:12

And when he humbled himself, the wrath of the LORD turned from him, that he would not destroy [him] altogether: and also in Judah things went well.

Ezra 7:10

For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do [it], and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.

1 Kings 14:13

And all Israel shall mourn for him, and bury him: for he only of Jeroboam shall come to the grave, because in him there is found [some] good thing toward the LORD God of Israel in the house of Jeroboam.

2 Chronicles 12:14

And he did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the LORD.

2 Chronicles 30:19

[That] prepareth his heart to seek God, the LORD God of his fathers, though [he be] not [cleansed] according to the purification of the sanctuary.

Romans 7:18

For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but [how] to perform that which is good I find not.

Psalms 57:7

¶ My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise.