Topical Bible: High Places: Asa Destroys

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High places, known in Hebrew as "bamot," were elevated sites often used for worship and religious rituals in ancient Israel and surrounding regions. These sites were typically located on hills or raised platforms and were associated with both the worship of Yahweh and the idolatrous practices of neighboring peoples. The use of high places was a recurring issue in the history of Israel, as they often became centers for syncretistic worship, blending the worship of the God of Israel with pagan practices.

King Asa of Judah, who reigned from approximately 911 to 870 BC, is noted for his religious reforms and efforts to purify the worship practices of his kingdom. Asa's reign is documented in the books of 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles, where his commitment to the exclusive worship of Yahweh is highlighted.

In 1 Kings 15:11-14 , it is recorded: "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. Although he did not remove the high places, Asa’s heart was fully devoted to the LORD all his days."

This passage indicates that while Asa took significant steps to rid Judah of idolatry, he did not completely remove the high places. However, his heart was fully devoted to the LORD, and he made substantial efforts to reform the religious practices of his people.

Further details of Asa's reforms are found in 2 Chronicles 14:2-5 : "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."

This account in 2 Chronicles provides a more comprehensive view of Asa's actions, suggesting that he did indeed remove high places, at least those associated with foreign gods and idolatrous practices. Asa's reforms were part of a broader effort to lead Judah back to the covenantal faithfulness required by the law of Moses.

Asa's actions reflect the ongoing struggle in Israel's history to maintain pure worship of Yahweh amidst the pervasive influence of surrounding pagan cultures. His efforts to destroy high places and other idolatrous symbols demonstrate a commitment to the first commandment, which calls for exclusive devotion to the LORD. Asa's reign is often viewed as a period of religious renewal and reform, setting a standard for future kings of Judah.

Despite his reforms, the persistence of high places in Judah and Israel remained a challenge for subsequent rulers, highlighting the deep-rooted nature of syncretism and the difficulty of eradicating entrenched religious practices. Asa's legacy, however, is marked by his dedication to the LORD and his efforts to lead his people in faithful worship.

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2 Chronicles 14:3
For he took away the altars of the strange gods, and the high places, and broke down the images, and cut down the groves:
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Library

Book ii.
... and spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places fight against ... is the changing
of the right hand of the Most High. ... Asa, though a good man, was faulty. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book ii.htm

Homilies on the Gospel of John.
... by the Spirit, [84]82; taught high doctrines gradually ... Asa, his gout a punishment
for sin, [117]132 ... and Nicodemus, [288]99; why frequented crowded places, [289]ib ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homilies on the gospel of.htm