Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, "groves" often refer to places associated with idolatrous worship, particularly in the context of ancient Israel and Judah. These sites, typically located on high places or in wooded areas, were used for the worship of foreign deities, including Asherah, a Canaanite goddess. The presence of groves was a significant concern for the faithful in Israel, as they represented a departure from the worship of Yahweh, the God of Israel.King Asa of Judah, who reigned from approximately 911 to 870 BC, is noted for his religious reforms, which included the destruction of these groves. Asa's actions are recorded in the biblical books of 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles, where his commitment to purging idolatry from the land is highlighted. In 1 Kings 15:11-13 , it is written: "And Asa did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, as his father David had done. He banished the male shrine prostitutes from the land and removed all the idols that his fathers had made. He also deposed his grandmother Maacah from her position as queen mother because she had made a repulsive Asherah pole. Asa cut down the pole and burned it in the Kidron Valley." This passage underscores Asa's dedication to restoring the worship of Yahweh by eliminating the symbols and sites of idolatry. His actions were not only a political move to consolidate his rule but also a spiritual endeavor to align the kingdom of Judah with the covenantal laws given to Israel. 2 Chronicles 14:2-5 further elaborates on Asa's reforms: "Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God. He removed the foreign altars and high places, shattered the sacred pillars, and chopped down the Asherah poles. He commanded Judah to seek the LORD, the God of their fathers, and to observe the law and the commandments. He also removed the high places and incense altars from all the cities of Judah, and under him, the kingdom was at peace." Asa's removal of the groves and other idolatrous elements was a significant step in his efforts to lead Judah back to exclusive worship of Yahweh. His reforms were comprehensive, targeting not only the physical symbols of idolatry but also encouraging the people to return to the observance of the law and commandments. The destruction of the groves by Asa is emblematic of the ongoing struggle within Israel and Judah to maintain religious purity and fidelity to the covenant with God. Asa's actions are often viewed as a model of righteous leadership, demonstrating the importance of eradicating idolatry and promoting true worship. His reign is marked by a period of peace and prosperity, attributed to his faithfulness to God and his efforts to lead the nation in accordance with divine commandments. Nave's Topical Index 2 Chronicles 14:3For he took away the altars of the strange gods, and the high places, and broke down the images, and cut down the groves: Nave's Topical Index Library Asa National Apostasy The Kingdom Op Judah. Jehoshaphat A Discourse The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... Resources Who was Asherah / Ashtoreth? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Gehazi in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Groves for Idol Worship Planted by Ahab Groves for Idol Worship Planted by Israelites Groves for Idol Worship Planted by Manasseh Groves of Canaanites, to be Destroyed Groves: Destroyed by Jehoshaphat Groves: Fondness of Israel For Groves: Forbidden to be Established Groves: God Promised to Wean Israel From Groves: Idols Were Worshipped In Groves: Not to be Planted Near God's Altar Groves: Often on Tops of Hills Groves: Often Used As Resting Places Groves: Punishment for Making and Serving Groves: Worshiped by Israelites Related Terms |
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