2 Chronicles 19:3

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.

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}.

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."

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.”

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

2 Chronicles 19:3 highlights God's gracious discernment, acknowledging the good found in King Jehoshaphat despite his significant misjudgment in allying with the wicked King Ahab. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that God sees and commends genuine efforts towards righteousness, even amidst human failings.

Context

This verse immediately follows the prophet Jehu's severe rebuke of King Jehoshaphat for his alliance with King Ahab of Israel and participating in the battle of Ramoth-Gilead (2 Chronicles 18). While Jehu condemns Jehoshaphat's unholy alliance and warns of divine wrath (2 Chronicles 19:2), the Lord, through the prophet, immediately balances this judgment with an affirmation of Jehoshaphat's positive actions. This demonstrates God's justice coupled with His mercy and recognition of sincere devotion.

Key Themes

  • Divine Discernment and Grace: God's judgment is never merely punitive; He always sees the full picture. Despite Jehoshaphat's grave error, God readily acknowledges the "good things" he had done. This reflects God's character of patience and grace, desiring to commend righteousness where it exists.
  • Action Against Idolatry: The removal of "groves" (Hebrew: asherim), which were cultic poles or images associated with the worship of the Canaanite goddess Asherah and other pagan deities, was a significant act of religious reform. This demonstrates Jehoshaphat's commitment to upholding the worship of Yahweh and purifying the land from pagan practices, a duty expected of a godly king. He had also done this earlier in his reign (2 Chronicles 17:6).
  • Heartfelt Devotion: The phrase "hast prepared thine heart to seek God" is crucial. It speaks to Jehoshaphat's inner disposition and genuine intent. It wasn't just external actions, but a sincere desire and commitment to follow God. This inner preparation is fundamental to true worship and obedience, as highlighted in other scriptures about seeking God with all one's heart.

Linguistic Insights

The term "groves" in KJV refers to the Hebrew word asherim (אֲשׁ֡רִים), which were wooden cult objects or poles used in the worship of the goddess Asherah, often alongside Baal. Their removal signified a deliberate rejection of syncretism and a commitment to exclusive worship of the Lord.

Practical Application

This verse offers several timeless lessons for believers today:

  • God Sees Our Efforts: Even when we stumble or make mistakes, God acknowledges our genuine attempts to obey and serve Him. This should encourage us not to give up when we fail, but to repent and continue striving for righteousness.
  • Importance of Heart Preparation: True spiritual growth involves not just outward actions but also an inner commitment to seek God. Our hearts must be "prepared" – ready and willing – to pursue Him consistently. This principle is echoed in 1 Samuel 7:3, where the people are called to prepare their hearts to the Lord.
  • Combating Idolatry: While literal "groves" may not be present today, modern "idols" can include anything that takes God's rightful place in our lives (e.g., money, power, comfort, self). This verse challenges us to identify and remove such spiritual "groves" from our hearts and lives.
  • Repentance and Restoration: Jehoshaphat's example shows that even after serious errors, God's grace allows for restoration when there is a sincere heart to seek Him and correct one's path.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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

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