What steps did Jehoshaphat take to remove "high places and Asherah poles"? Setting the Scene • Jehoshaphat comes to the throne of Judah about sixty years after the kingdom split (cf. 1 Kings 15–22). • Israel to the north is immersed in idolatry, and remnants of that compromise linger in Judah. • God’s law is clear: “You shall tear down their altars, smash their sacred stones, and burn their Asherah poles” (Deuteronomy 12:3). Jehoshaphat sets out to obey this command literally. The Key Verse 2 Chronicles 17:6: “His heart was devoted to the ways of the LORD; moreover, he removed the high places and Asherah poles from Judah.” Jehoshaphat’s Practical Steps • Personal devotion first – “His heart was devoted to the ways of the LORD.” Before reforming the nation, he surrendered his own heart. • Public courage – The Hebrew implies he “lifted up” (strengthened) his heart; he resolved publicly to act, even when idol worship was popular. • Physical removal of idols – He “removed the high places and Asherah poles.” These were hilltop shrines and carved wooden symbols of the fertility goddess. He ordered them dismantled, cut down, and likely burned (cf. Exodus 34:13). • Systematic sweep through the land – 2 Chronicles 19:4: “Jehoshaphat… went out again among the people from Beersheba to the hill country of Ephraim and turned them back to the LORD.” He personally inspected the nation to be sure the job was thorough. • Teaching the Word to prevent relapse – 2 Chronicles 17:7-9: he sent officials, Levites, and priests “to teach in the cities of Judah; they had the Book of the Law of the LORD with them.” Idols were uprooted, and truth was planted. • Appointing godly judges to guard ongoing obedience – 2 Chronicles 19:5-7: he stationed judges in every fortified city and charged them “to judge carefully, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice.” This created a legal framework that discouraged rebuilding high places. Why These Steps Matter • Genuine reform always starts in the heart (Proverbs 4:23). • Idolatry must be dealt with decisively; partial measures invite return (2 Chronicles 20:33 notes later lapses). • Teaching and righteous leadership sustain revival (Psalm 119:11; 2 Timothy 2:2). Living it Out Today • Examine the heart first—remove anything competing with wholehearted devotion to Christ (Colossians 3:5). • Act courageously—identify and tear out today’s “high places,” whether public or private. • Replace lies with truth—immerse yourself and those you influence in Scripture to prevent idolatry from re-establishing itself. |
    |