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.

Study Bible

And his heart took delight in the ways of the LORD;
This phrase highlights King Jehoshaphat's genuine devotion to God, contrasting with the often wayward hearts of other kings of Judah and Israel. The "heart" in biblical terms refers to the center of one's being, encompassing will, emotions, and intellect. Jehoshaphat's delight in God's ways suggests a deep, personal commitment to following God's commandments and statutes, reminiscent of David's heart for God (1 Samuel 13:14). This delight is not merely an obligation but a joyful pursuit, aligning with Psalm 1:2, which speaks of delighting in the law of the Lord. Jehoshaphat's reign is marked by religious reforms and a return to the worship of Yahweh, setting a standard for godly leadership.

furthermore, he removed the high places and Asherah poles from Judah.
The removal of high places and Asherah poles signifies Jehoshaphat's commitment to purifying worship in Judah. High places were often sites of idol worship, including Canaanite deities, which were contrary to the worship of Yahweh. Asherah poles were associated with the goddess Asherah, a symbol of fertility and a common object of worship in the region. By removing these, Jehoshaphat was not only obeying the first commandment (Exodus 20:3) but also following the example of his father, Asa, who also sought to rid the land of idolatry (2 Chronicles 14:3). This action reflects a broader biblical theme of removing sin and idolatry to restore true worship, as seen in the reforms of other kings like Hezekiah (2 Kings 18:4). Jehoshaphat's actions foreshadow the ultimate cleansing and restoration brought by Jesus Christ, who calls for worship in spirit and truth (John 4:24).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jehoshaphat
The king of Judah during this time, known for his devotion to God and efforts to reform the nation spiritually.

2. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, where Jehoshaphat reigned and implemented religious reforms.

3. High Places
Elevated sites often used for idol worship, which Jehoshaphat sought to remove to purify worship practices.

4. Asherah Poles
Wooden symbols associated with the worship of the Canaanite goddess Asherah, which were also removed by Jehoshaphat.

5. The LORD
The God of Israel, whom Jehoshaphat served with a devoted heart, leading to his reforms.

Teaching Points

Devotion to God
Jehoshaphat's heart was devoted to the ways of the LORD, demonstrating the importance of sincere commitment to God in our lives.

Spiritual Reformation
Removing high places and Asherah poles signifies the need for spiritual cleansing and reform in our personal lives and communities.

Obedience to God's Commands
Jehoshaphat's actions reflect obedience to God's commands, reminding us of the importance of aligning our actions with Scripture.

Leadership and Influence
As a leader, Jehoshaphat used his influence to guide his nation towards God, illustrating the impact of godly leadership.

Courage in Faith
Removing entrenched idol worship required courage, encouraging us to stand firm in our faith even when it challenges societal norms.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Jehoshaphat's devotion to God challenge us to evaluate our own commitment to the ways of the LORD?

2. In what ways can we identify and remove "high places" or idols in our own lives today?

3. How does Jehoshaphat's leadership inspire us to influence others towards spiritual reformation?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure our actions align with God's commands, as Jehoshaphat did?

5. How can we demonstrate courage in our faith when faced with societal pressures that contradict biblical teachings?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 22:43
This verse parallels Jehoshaphat's actions in removing high places, highlighting his commitment to God.

Deuteronomy 12:2-3
These verses command the Israelites to destroy places of idol worship, which Jehoshaphat fulfills.

Psalm 119:2
Speaks of the blessing of those who seek God with all their heart, similar to Jehoshaphat's devotion.

2 Chronicles 15:17
Although high places were not removed by Asa, Jehoshaphat's father, Jehoshaphat took further steps in his reign.

Exodus 34:13
Commands the destruction of Asherah poles, which Jehoshaphat obeys.