2 Chronicles 17:6

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

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}.

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

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

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

Understanding 2 Chronicles 17:6 (KJV) - King Jehoshaphat's Devotion

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."

Context of King Jehoshaphat's Reign

This verse introduces a pivotal aspect of King Jehoshaphat's reign over Judah, following his father Asa. Unlike many kings who wavered in their commitment to God, Jehoshaphat's reign began with a strong devotion to the Lord. The preceding verses (2 Chronicles 17:1-5) establish that Jehoshaphat walked in the early ways of his father, King Asa, who had initiated some reforms, and that God was with him, strengthening his kingdom because he sought the Lord. This verse highlights a key action that demonstrated his sincere commitment: the active removal of idolatrous practices that had long plagued Israel and Judah.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Wholehearted Devotion: The phrase "his heart was lifted up in the ways of the LORD" signifies Jehoshaphat's genuine and resolute commitment to God's commands. This "lifting up" is not pride, but a positive sense of being encouraged, strengthened, and resolute in following God's path. It speaks to a heart fully engaged in obedience and seeking God's will. This kind of devotion is a recurring theme for blessed leadership in the Bible.
  • Active Religious Reform: Jehoshaphat didn't merely avoid idolatry himself; he actively sought to purify the land of Judah. His removal of "high places" and "groves" demonstrates a proactive stance against pagan worship, a crucial step for spiritual purity and adherence to the first commandment to have no other gods before the Lord.
  • Consequences of Obedience: This verse, when read with its surrounding context, illustrates the principle that obedience to God often leads to blessing and strength. Because Jehoshaphat's heart was set on the Lord and he acted decisively against idolatry, God greatly blessed and established his kingdom, as seen in 2 Chronicles 17:10.

Linguistic Insights

  • "lifted up" (גָּבַהּ - gavah): In this context, the Hebrew word *gavah* carries a positive connotation, meaning to be courageous, strong, or resolute. It indicates a heart that was elevated or encouraged in God's ways, rather than a heart haughty with pride. This contrasts with other uses of the word where it denotes arrogance.
  • "high places" (בָּמָה - bamah): These were elevated altars or shrines, often on hilltops, used for pagan worship of Canaanite deities, though sometimes also misused for worship of Yahweh outside the Temple. Their removal was essential for centralizing true worship at the Temple in Jerusalem.
  • "groves" (אֲשֵׁרָה - asherah): This term refers to sacred poles or trees dedicated to Asherah, a prominent Canaanite goddess of fertility. Worship involving Asherah poles often included immoral practices and was a significant affront to the exclusive worship of the one true God. The command to destroy these elements is found throughout the Old Testament, such as in Deuteronomy 12:3.

Practical Application

Jehoshaphat's example is highly relevant today. Just as he removed physical idols from Judah, believers are called to examine their own lives for "high places" and "groves"—anything that competes for ultimate devotion and attention that belongs only to God. This could include materialism, career ambition, entertainment, or even relationships that subtly draw our hearts away from the Lord. A heart "lifted up in the ways of the LORD" means actively choosing to follow God's principles, seeking His will, and diligently working to remove anything that hinders a deeper relationship with Him. This proactive spiritual cleansing leads to a life blessed by God's presence and power, echoing the wisdom found in Proverbs 4:23 to guard one's heart.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Hosea 14:9 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

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

  • 2 Chronicles 20:33 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    But the high places were not taken away out of Israel: nevertheless the heart of Asa was perfect all his days.

  • Psalms 18:21 (3 votes)

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

  • Psalms 18:22 (3 votes)

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

  • Psalms 138:5 (3 votes)

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