Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Old Testament, "groves" often refer to places of idolatrous worship associated with the Canaanite goddess Asherah. These sites typically included wooden poles or trees, which were considered sacred and were used in various pagan rituals. The presence of these groves was a significant concern for the Israelites, as they were contrary to the worship of Yahweh, the one true God of Israel.Jehoshaphat, the fourth king of the Kingdom of Judah, is noted for his religious reforms and efforts to rid the land of idolatry. His reign is characterized by a return to the worship of Yahweh and a concerted effort to eliminate pagan practices, including the destruction of the groves dedicated to Asherah. The biblical account of Jehoshaphat's reforms is found in 2 Chronicles 17:6, which states, "And his heart took delight in the ways of the LORD; moreover, he removed the high places and Asherah poles from Judah" . This verse highlights Jehoshaphat's commitment to purifying the religious practices of his kingdom by removing these symbols of idolatry. Jehoshaphat's actions were in line with the commands given to the Israelites in the Mosaic Law, which explicitly prohibited the worship of other gods and the establishment of idolatrous sites. Deuteronomy 16:21-22 instructs, "Do not set up any wooden Asherah pole beside the altar you build for the LORD your God, and do not set up for yourselves a sacred stone, for these the LORD your God hates" . Jehoshaphat's destruction of the groves was a direct response to these divine commands, reflecting his desire to lead Judah in faithful adherence to God's laws. The removal of the groves was part of a broader effort by Jehoshaphat to strengthen the spiritual and moral fabric of his kingdom. He appointed judges and Levites to teach the people the Law of the Lord, as recorded in 2 Chronicles 19:4-7. This initiative was aimed at ensuring that the people of Judah understood and followed the commandments of God, thereby fostering a society rooted in righteousness and justice. Jehoshaphat's reforms were significant in the history of Judah, as they represented a return to the covenantal relationship between God and His people. By destroying the groves and other idolatrous sites, Jehoshaphat sought to eliminate the influences that led the Israelites away from their exclusive devotion to Yahweh. His actions serve as a testament to the importance of upholding the worship of the one true God and rejecting all forms of idolatry. Nave's Topical Index 2 Chronicles 17:6And his heart was lifted up in the ways of the LORD: moreover he took away the high places and groves out of Judah. Nave's Topical Index 2 Chronicles 19:3 Library Jehoshaphat The Kingdom Op Judah. National Apostasy Elijah the Great Heart of Israel. Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus 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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