Topical Bible: High Places: Destroyed: Asa, Partially

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High places in the biblical context refer to elevated sites where worship, often idolatrous, was conducted. These locations were frequently associated with the worship of foreign gods and were a persistent issue in the religious life of ancient Israel and Judah. The high places were often equipped with altars, sacred stones, and Asherah poles, and they were used for sacrifices and other religious rituals that were contrary to the worship of Yahweh.

King Asa of Judah, who reigned from approximately 911 to 870 BC, is noted for his religious reforms and efforts to restore the worship of the LORD. Asa is recognized for his commitment to the LORD and his attempts to rid the land of idolatry. The biblical account of Asa's reign is found in 1 Kings 15 and 2 Chronicles 14-16.

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 highlights Asa's dedication to purging Judah of idolatrous practices. He took significant steps by removing male shrine prostitutes and idols, and even went so far as to remove his grandmother from her influential position due to her involvement in idolatry. However, the text notes that Asa did not remove the high places, indicating that his reforms, while substantial, were incomplete in this regard.

Further insight is provided 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 suggests that Asa did indeed take action against the high places, at least in some areas, and emphasizes his efforts to lead Judah back to the worship of the LORD. The apparent discrepancy between the accounts in Kings and Chronicles may reflect the complexity of Asa's reforms or the persistence of high places in certain regions despite his efforts.

Asa's reign is characterized by a sincere attempt to restore true worship and obedience to the LORD, yet the partial destruction of the high places indicates the challenges faced in fully eradicating entrenched idolatrous practices. His reign serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle against idolatry and the importance of wholehearted devotion to God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Chronicles 14:3,5
For he took away the altars of the strange gods, and the high places, and broke down the images, and cut down the groves:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Chronicles 15:17
But the high places were not taken away out of Israel: nevertheless the heart of Asa was perfect all his days.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... Moab, Dibon, Medeba, Heshbon, Elealeh"and destroyed them all ... xvi.6), where "King
Asa made a proclamation unto ... to build altars on their high places, as they ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

The General Conference of 1836
... chastened, we are not in despair, " though cast down, not destroyed. ... cannot be
misunderstood, reminds us of our high obligations to ... "In many places we fear ...
/.../chapter 13 the general conference.htm

Covenanting a Duty.
... They cannot be reformed, but are to be destroyed. ... to the design of it, should be
kept from places of power and ... by the vow or oath to the Most High God, binding ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter iii covenanting a duty.htm

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... The name of his successor is destroyed in the ... which possesses several vineyards held
in high estimation. ... for the reading of this name, places the country ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm