2 Chronicles 17:6 – “His heart was devoted to the ways of the Lord; furthermore, he removed the high places and the Asherah poles from Judah.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse highlights the spiritual commitment of King Jehoshaphat. His devotion to God wasn’t just about outward success or political stability; it was deeply personal and heart-driven. Jehoshaphat’s heart was fully committed to following God’s ways, leading him to take concrete actions in purifying the land. By removing the “high places” and “Asherah poles”—objects associated with idol worship—Jehoshaphat demonstrated his desire to lead Judah back to true worship of God. These reforms showed that his rule was not only about military or political strength but about aligning the nation with God’s will.
Historical Context
Jehoshaphat became king of Judah during a time of spiritual instability. His father Asa had also worked to rid the land of idols, but idol worship remained prevalent in Judah. The “high places” were locations often used for pagan worship, and the “Asherah poles” were symbols of the Canaanite goddess Asherah. These practices were against God’s command for His people to worship Him alone. Jehoshaphat followed in his father’s footsteps but went further in his zeal to cleanse the land of these practices. His reforms were part of a broader effort to bring Judah back to faithful worship of God.
At the same time, Jehoshaphat lived in a divided kingdom. Israel, the northern kingdom, was steeped in idol worship and rebellion against God, while Judah, the southern kingdom, was trying to maintain a closer relationship with God. Jehoshaphat’s reforms were crucial for setting Judah apart as a nation dedicated to God, distinct from Israel’s disobedience.
Theological Implications
This verse carries significant theological meaning. First, it emphasizes the importance of a heart that is “devoted to the ways of the Lord.” Genuine devotion to God goes beyond outward religious practices—it’s a matter of the heart. Jehoshaphat’s commitment led him to take bold steps in reforming Judah. This shows us that when our hearts are fully dedicated to God, it impacts our actions and the way we live.
Second, the removal of idols from Judah reminds us of the biblical principle that God alone deserves worship. In a time when the surrounding nations were steeped in idolatry, Jehoshaphat’s actions served as a clear declaration that the people of Judah were to worship God alone. It also highlights the need for ongoing spiritual vigilance, as idolatry tends to creep back into the lives of God’s people if not dealt with decisively.
Literary Analysis
This verse uses strong and intentional language to emphasize both Jehoshaphat’s inner devotion and his outer actions. The phrase “his heart was devoted” reflects the deep, personal nature of Jehoshaphat’s relationship with God. It wasn’t just about following religious rules; it was a genuine commitment that influenced every part of his life. The second part of the verse, where Jehoshaphat removes the high places and Asherah poles, highlights the practical outcomes of his devotion. The removal of these objects shows a leader willing to take a stand against widespread cultural practices that dishonored God.
Biblical Cross-References
- Deuteronomy 12:2-3 – “Destroy completely all the places on the high mountains, on the hills and under every spreading tree, where the nations you are dispossessing worship their gods. Break down their altars, smash their sacred stones and burn their Asherah poles in the fire.” Jehoshaphat’s actions directly obeyed this command given by God to the Israelites.
- 1 Kings 15:14 – While Asa, Jehoshaphat’s father, also sought to remove idols, this verse notes that he did not fully eliminate the high places, showing that Jehoshaphat took the reforms even further.
- Exodus 20:3 – “You shall have no other gods before me.” Jehoshaphat’s actions align with the core commandment that God alone is to be worshiped.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Jehoshaphat’s actions offer a powerful lesson about personal and corporate devotion to God. It’s not enough to go through the motions of faith; our hearts must be fully committed to God’s ways. Just as Jehoshaphat was willing to confront idolatry in Judah, Christians are called to remove anything from their lives that competes with their devotion to God. This could be materialism, self-centeredness, or any other modern “idol” that distracts us from following God wholeheartedly.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse shows God’s love in action through a leader who is willing to remove the obstacles that stood between the people and their relationship with God. Jehoshaphat’s reforms were not about harshness or legalism; they were about restoring true worship and drawing the people back to the loving God who desired their full attention. God’s love is evident in His desire to be in a relationship with His people, and this means removing anything that hinders that relationship. Jehoshaphat’s actions can be seen as a reflection of God’s love for His people, as they lead to a deeper connection with Him.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jehoshaphat’s devotion to removing idols points forward to Jesus Christ, who came to cleanse not just the physical places of worship, but the hearts of His people. Jesus calls His followers to a pure and undivided heart, free from the idols of this world. In Matthew 6:24, Jesus teaches, “No one can serve two masters,” which echoes the principle that God alone should be worshiped. Jesus’ mission was to reconcile people to God and to remove the barriers—whether sin or idolatry—that stand in the way of a relationship with the Father. Just as Jehoshaphat sought to purify Judah, Jesus purifies our hearts, making us wholly devoted to God (Titus 2:14).
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What “high places” or “idols” in your life might be competing with your devotion to God?
- How does Jehoshaphat’s example inspire you to be more fully committed to following God’s ways in your daily life?
- What practical steps can you take to remove distractions or temptations that hinder your relationship with God?
- How does this verse deepen your understanding of God’s love and His desire for a personal relationship with you?
- How does Jehoshaphat’s leadership and reforms point to the work that Jesus does in purifying our hearts today?
Jehoshaphat’s story offers a powerful example of what it means to be fully devoted to God, challenging us to evaluate our own hearts and to live out our faith with integrity and commitment.