Why were the high places not removed according to 2 Kings 12:3? Setting the Scene Joash’s forty–year reign over Judah began with promise. Guided by the godly priest Jehoiada, he repaired the temple and restored proper offerings. Yet one glaring issue lingered: What the Verse Says “Nevertheless, the high places were not removed; the people continued sacrificing and burning incense on the high places.” (2 Kings 12:3) Why the High Places Stayed • Deep-Rooted Popular Practice – For generations, the people mixed worship of the LORD with sacrifices on convenient local hilltop shrines. These customs felt “normal,” making reform hard (cf. 1 Kings 12:31; 2 Kings 14:4). • Partial Obedience from Leadership – Joash “did what was right in the eyes of the LORD” (12:2), but he stopped short of complete obedience. Accepting some godly reforms while tolerating lingering sin is a pattern seen in earlier kings (1 Kings 15:14; 22:43). • Political Prudence and Fear of Backlash – Removing high places meant confronting entrenched local leaders and upsetting regional worship centers. Joash may have feared destabilizing support or provoking revolt (cf. 2 Chron 24:17–18, which shows how quickly the nation turned once Jehoiada died). • Spiritual Apathy Among the People – Even with temple repairs, hearts were not fully surrendered. True revival requires inward change, not just structural improvements (Deuteronomy 12:2–5 outlines God’s original command to destroy such sites). • Influence of Jehoiada’s Passing – While Jehoiada lived, Joash stayed on course (2 Chron 24:2). Afterward, Joash drifted. The weakening of godly counsel likely prevented tougher reforms like dismantling high places. Supporting Passages • 2 Kings 15:4, 35 – Later kings faced the same problem. • 2 Kings 18:3–4 – Hezekiah finally removed high places, showing it could be done when faith outweighed fear. • 2 Kings 23:13–15 – Josiah’s thorough purge highlights what earlier kings neglected. • Exodus 34:13; Deuteronomy 12:2–5 – God’s clear command to destroy pagan altars. Take-Home Truths • Selective obedience is still disobedience. • Cultural norms must bow to God’s Word, not the other way around. • Godly leadership and wholehearted follow-through are essential for real reform. • Personal idols can linger until firmly, decisively removed. In a Sentence The high places remained because Joash’s reforms were sincere yet incomplete; societal pressure, political caution, and lingering spiritual compromise kept Judah from the full obedience God required. |
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