New International Version There is, however, some good in you, for you have rid the land of the Asherah poles and have set your heart on seeking God.” New Living Translation Even so, there is some good in you, for you have removed the Asherah poles throughout the land, and you have committed yourself to seeking God.” English Standard Version Nevertheless, some good is found in you, for you destroyed the Asheroth out of the land, and have set your heart to seek 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.” Berean Literal Bible But good things are found in you, in that you have removed the Asherah poles from the land, and you have established your heart to seek God.” King James Bible 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. New King James Version Nevertheless good things are found in you, in that you have removed the wooden images from the land, and have prepared your heart to seek God.” New American Standard Bible But there is some good in you, for you have removed the Asheroth from the land and you have set your heart to seek God.” NASB 1995 “But there is some good in you, for you have removed the Asheroth from the land and you have set your heart to seek God.” NASB 1977 “But there is some good in you, for you have removed the Asheroth from the land and you have set your heart to seek God.” Legacy Standard Bible But some good has been found in you, for you have purged the Asheroth from the land and you have set your heart to seek God.” Amplified Bible But there are some good things found in you, for you have removed the Asherim (idols) from the land and you have set your heart to seek God [with all your soul’s desire].” Berean Annotated Bible However, some good is found in you, for you have removed the Asherah poles (goddess) from the land and have set your heart on seeking God {Elohim}.” Christian Standard Bible However, some good is found in you, for you have eradicated the Asherah poles from the land and have determined in your heart to seek God.” Holman Christian Standard Bible However, some good is found in you, for you have removed the Asherah poles from the land and have decided to seek 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. Contemporary English Version But not everything about you is bad. You destroyed the sacred poles used in worshiping the goddess Asherah--that shows you have tried to obey the LORD. English Revised Version Nevertheless there are good things found in thee, in that thou hast put away the Asheroth out of the land, and hast set thine heart to seek God. GOD'S WORD® Translation However, you've done some good things: You've burned the Asherah poles in this country, and you've wholeheartedly dedicated your life to serving God." Good News Translation But even so, there is some good in you. You have removed all the symbols of the goddess Asherah which people worshiped, and you have tried to follow God's will." International Standard Version Nevertheless, a few good things have been found in you, in that you have removed the Asheroth from the land and you have disciplined yourself to seek God." NET Bible Nevertheless you have done some good things; you removed the Asherah poles from the land and you were determined to follow the LORD." New Heart English Bible Nevertheless there are good things found in you, in that you have put away the Asheroth out of the land, and have set your heart to seek God." Webster's Bible Translation Nevertheless, there are good things found in thee, in that thou hast taken away the groves out of the land, and hast prepared thy heart to seek God. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleHowever, some good is found in you, for you have removed the Asherah poles from the land and have set your heart on seeking God.” World English Bible Nevertheless there are good things found in you, in that you have put away the Asheroth out of the land, and have set your heart to seek God.” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionbut good things have been found with you, for you have put away the Asheroth out of the land, and have prepared your heart to seek God.” Berean Literal Bible But good things are found in you, in that you have removed the Asherah poles from the land, and you have established your heart to seek God.” Young's Literal Translation but good things have been found with thee, for thou hast put away the shrines out of the land, and hast prepared thy heart to seek God.' Smith's Literal Translation But good words were found with thee, for thou didst burn the images from the land, and didst prepare heart to seek God. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBut good works are found in thee, because thou hast taken away the groves out of the land of Juda, and hast prepared thy heart to seek the Lord the God of thy fathers. Catholic Public Domain Version But good works have been found in you. For you have taken away the sacred groves from the land of Judah. And you have prepared your heart, so as to seek the Lord, the God of your fathers.” New American Bible Yet some good has been found in you, since you have removed the asherahs from the land and have set your heart to seek God.” New Revised Standard Version Nevertheless, some good is found in you, for you destroyed the sacred poles out of the land, and have set your heart to seek God.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBut I believe good reports have been heard about you, in that you have not shed innocent blood in the land and have prepared your heart to pray before the LORD in truth. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated But I believe that good words have been declared of you, because you have not shed innocent blood in the earth, and you have prepared your heart to pray before LORD JEHOVAH in the truth!” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Nevertheless 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.' Brenton Septuagint Translation Nevertheless some good things have been found in thee, forasmuch as thou didst remove the groves from the land of Juda, and didst direct thine heart to seek after the Lord. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context Jehoshaphat Reproved by Jehu…2Jehu son of Hanani the seer went out to confront him and said to King Jehoshaphat, “Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the LORD? Because of this, the wrath of the LORD is upon you. 3However, some good is found in you, for you have removed the Asherah poles from the land and have set your heart on seeking God.” Cross References However, some good is found in you, 1 Kings 14:13 All Israel will mourn for him and bury him. For this is the only one belonging to Jeroboam who will receive a proper burial, because only in him has the LORD, the God of Israel, found any good in the house of Jeroboam. 2 Kings 20:3 “Please, O LORD, remember how I have walked before You faithfully and with wholehearted devotion; I have done what is good in Your sight.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly. 2 Kings 22:19 because your heart was tender and you humbled yourself before the LORD when you heard what I spoke against this place and against its people, that they would become a desolation and a curse, and because you have torn your clothes and wept before Me, I have heard you,’ declares the LORD. for you have removed the Asherah poles from the land 2 Chronicles 17:6 And his heart took delight in the ways of the LORD; furthermore, he removed the high places and Asherah poles from Judah. 2 Chronicles 14:3 He removed the foreign altars and high places, shattered the sacred pillars, and chopped down the Asherah poles. 2 Kings 18:4 He removed the high places, shattered the sacred pillars, and cut down the Asherah poles. He also demolished the bronze snake called Nehushtan that Moses had made, for up to that time the Israelites had burned incense to it. and have set your heart on seeking God.” 2 Chronicles 11:16 Those from every tribe of Israel who had set their hearts to seek the LORD their God followed the Levites to Jerusalem to sacrifice to the LORD, the God of their fathers. 1 Chronicles 22:19 Now set your heart and soul to seek the LORD your God. Begin building the sanctuary of the LORD God, so that you may bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD and the holy articles of God into the temple that will be built for the Name of the LORD.” Ezra 7:10 For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, to practice it, and to teach its statutes and ordinances in Israel. 2 Chronicles 12:12 Because Rehoboam humbled himself, the anger of the LORD turned away from him, and He did not destroy him completely. Indeed, conditions were good in Judah. 2 Chronicles 15:17 The high places were not removed from Israel, but Asa’s heart was fully devoted all his days. 2 Chronicles 17:3-4 Now the LORD was with Jehoshaphat because he walked in the earlier ways of his father David. He did not seek the Baals, / but he sought the God of his father and walked by His commandments rather than the practices of Israel. 2 Chronicles 20:32-33 And Jehoshaphat walked in the way of his father Asa and did not turn away from it; he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD. / The high places, however, were not removed; the people had not yet set their hearts on the God of their fathers. 2 Chronicles 30:18-20 A large number of the people—many from Ephraim, Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun—had not purified themselves, yet they ate the Passover, contrary to what was written. But Hezekiah interceded for them, saying, “May the LORD, who is good, provide atonement for everyone / who sets his heart on seeking God—the LORD, the God of his fathers—even if he is not cleansed according to the purification rules of the sanctuary.” / And the LORD heard Hezekiah and healed the people. 2 Chronicles 31:20-21 So this is what Hezekiah did throughout Judah. He did what was good and upright and true before the LORD his God. / He acted with all his heart in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, and in the law and the commandments, in order to seek his God. And so he prospered. 2 Chronicles 32:26 Then Hezekiah humbled the pride of his heart—he and the people of Jerusalem—so that the wrath of the LORD did not come upon them during the days of Hezekiah. Treasury of Scripture Nevertheless there are good things found in you, in that you have taken away the groves out of the land, and have prepared your heart to seek God. good things 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. 2 Chronicles 17:3-6 And the LORD was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and sought not unto Baalim; … 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. prepared 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. 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. Jump to Previous Asherah Asherahs Asheroth Destroyed Directed Found Good Groves Heart However Nevertheless Pillars Poles Prepared Removed Rid Seek Shrines Wood WorshipJump to Next Asherah Asherahs Asheroth Destroyed Directed Found Good Groves Heart However Nevertheless Pillars Poles Prepared Removed Rid Seek Shrines Wood Worship2 Chronicles 19 1. Jehoshaphat, reproved by Jehu, visits his kingdom5. His instructions to the judges 8. to the priests and Levites However, some good is found in you, Jehu’s rebuke did not overlook Jehoshaphat’s genuine devotion to the Lord. Though he had made an unwise alliance with Ahab, he had also led Judah toward reform and sought to govern in the fear of God. 1Ki 14:13 All Israel will mourn for him and bury him.… for you have removed the Asherah poles from the land Jehoshaphat had acted against the idolatry that remained in Judah. Asherah poles were objects connected with Canaanite worship, and their removal showed his determination to restore covenant faithfulness among the people. 2Ch 17:6 And his heart took delight in the ways of the LORD;… and have set your heart on seeking God.” Jehoshaphat’s reforms flowed from a settled purpose to seek the Lord. His failures were real, but the overall direction of his reign was toward obedience, worship, and dependence on God. 2Ch 11:16 Those from every tribe of Israel who had set their hearts… Persons / Places / Events 1. JehoshaphatThe king of Judah who is being addressed in this verse. He is known for his efforts to bring the people of Judah back to the worship of Yahweh. 2. Asherah Poles These were wooden symbols associated with the worship of the Canaanite goddess Asherah. Jehoshaphat's removal of these poles signifies his commitment to purging idolatry from Judah. 3. Judah The southern kingdom of Israel, over which Jehoshaphat reigned. It was often challenged by idolatry and needed reform. 4. Prophet Jehu Although not directly mentioned in this verse, he is the one delivering God's message to Jehoshaphat, highlighting both his faults and his commendable actions. 5. The Heart In Hebrew, the word "heart" (lev) often refers to the inner self, including one's mind, will, and emotions. Jehoshaphat's heart was set on seeking God, indicating a sincere and deep commitment. Teaching Points Commitment to Godly ReformJehoshaphat's removal of the Asherah poles demonstrates the importance of actively removing sin and idolatry from our lives. We must identify and eliminate anything that competes with our devotion to God. The Heart's Pursuit Setting one's heart to seek God is a deliberate and ongoing choice. It involves aligning our desires, thoughts, and actions with God's will, much like Jehoshaphat did. Acknowledging Mixed Legacies Jehoshaphat's life shows that even those with a heart for God can have areas needing correction. We should be open to God's correction and strive to grow in righteousness. Influence of Leadership As a leader, Jehoshaphat's actions had a significant impact on the spiritual direction of Judah. Our influence, whether in family, work, or community, should lead others toward God. God's Recognition of Good Despite Jehoshaphat's imperfections, God acknowledged the good in him. This encourages us that God sees and values our efforts to seek Him, even when we fall short. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Chronicles 19:3?2. How can we "set our hearts to seek God" in daily life? 3. What does removing "Asherah poles" symbolize in our spiritual journey today? 4. How does 2 Chronicles 19:3 connect with the first commandment in Exodus 20:3? 5. In what ways can we demonstrate repentance like Jehoshaphat in our communities? 6. How can we encourage others to seek God wholeheartedly, as Jehoshaphat did? 7. How does 2 Chronicles 19:3 reflect God's mercy despite Jehoshaphat's previous alliances? 8. What does 2 Chronicles 19:3 reveal about God's expectations for leaders? 9. How does the verse demonstrate the importance of repentance in leadership? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Chronicles 19? (3) Nevertheless.--Yet the Divine wrath will not pursue thee to destruction, for there are good things found in thee. (So 2Chronicles 12:12; comp. also 1Kings 14:13.) Thou hast taken away the groves.--Thou hast consumed (or exterminated ) the Ash?rahs. (Deuteronomy 13:6; 2Kings 23:24.) So Asa had done (2Chronicles 17:4). (Ash?roth, as equivalent to Ash?rim, recurs in 2Chronicles 33:3 and in Judges 3:7 only.) . . . Verse 3. - Nevertheless; Hebrew, אֲכָל one of the few particles that were affirmative in the earlier Hebrew (Genesis 42:21), but adversative in the later (2 Chronicles 1:4; Daniel 10:7, 21). It may be well rendered, "on the other hand." The expression here recalls the less favourable "notwithstanding" of Revelation 2:20. There are good things found in thee (see 2 Chronicles 17:1-9). 2 Chronicles 19:3 shows God’s gracious ability to acknowledge genuine faith amid failure. Jehoshaphat’s deliberate removal of idolatry and determined pursuit of the Lord demonstrated “some good” that God honored. The verse urges believers today to pair wholehearted devotion with practical elimination of anything that competes with God, confident that He both corrects and commends His children.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew However,אֲבָ֕ל (’ă·ḇāl) Adverb Strong's 61: Verily, of a truth some דְּבָרִ֥ים (də·ḇā·rîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause good טוֹבִ֖ים (ṭō·w·ḇîm) Adjective - masculine plural Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good is found נִמְצְא֣וּ (nim·ṣə·’ū) Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 4672: To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present in you, עִמָּ֑ךְ (‘im·māḵ) Preposition | second person feminine singular Strong's 5973: With, equally with for כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction you have removed בִעַ֤רְתָּ (ḇi·‘ar·tā) Verb - Piel - Perfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 1197: To kindle, consume, to be, brutish the Asherah poles הָאֲשֵׁרוֹת֙ (hā·’ă·šê·rō·wṯ) Article | Noun - feminine plural Strong's 842: A Phoenician goddess, also an image of the same from מִן־ (min-) Preposition Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of the land הָאָ֔רֶץ (hā·’ā·reṣ) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 776: Earth, land and have set וַהֲכִינ֥וֹתָ (wa·hă·ḵî·nō·w·ṯā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 3559: To be erect your heart לְבָבְךָ֖ (lə·ḇā·ḇə·ḵā) Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 3824: Inner man, mind, will, heart to seek לִדְרֹ֥שׁ (liḏ·rōš) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 1875: To tread, frequent, to follow, to seek, ask, to worship God.” הָֽאֱלֹהִֽים׃ (hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative Additonal Resources 2 Chronicles 19:3 Blue Letter Bible2 Chronicles 19:3 Bible Gateway 2 Chronicles 19:3 Bible.com 2 Chronicles 19:3 NIV |
    |