He also removed the high places and incense altarsThe removal of high places and incense altars signifies a commitment to purifying worship practices in Judah. High places were often sites of idolatrous worship, contrary to the centralized worship God commanded at the temple in Jerusalem. This action reflects a return to covenant faithfulness, aligning with
Deuteronomy 12:2-4, where God instructs the Israelites to destroy such places. The removal of these sites indicates a rejection of syncretism and a desire to restore true worship.
from all the cities of Judah
This phrase highlights the comprehensive nature of Asa's reforms. By targeting all cities, Asa ensures that the entire nation is unified in worshiping Yahweh alone. This widespread reform contrasts with the partial reforms of other kings, emphasizing Asa's dedication. It also reflects the geographical spread of idolatry, which had permeated throughout Judah, necessitating a thorough cleansing.
and under him the kingdom was at peace
The peace experienced under Asa's reign is seen as a divine blessing for his faithfulness and reforms. In the biblical narrative, peace often follows obedience to God's commands, as seen inLeviticus 26:3-6. This peace allowed for economic stability and security, enabling further religious and social reforms. It also prefigures the ultimate peace brought by Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, who reconciles humanity to God.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
AsaThe king of Judah who initiated religious reforms to bring the nation back to the worship of Yahweh. His actions are central to this verse.
2.
High PlacesThese were sites often used for idol worship and pagan rituals, which Asa removed to purify the worship practices in Judah.
3.
Incense AltarsStructures used for burning incense, often associated with idol worship, which Asa also removed.
4.
JudahThe southern kingdom of Israel, over which Asa reigned. It was the focus of his religious reforms.
5.
Peace in the KingdomThe result of Asa's reforms, indicating God's favor and blessing upon Judah during his reign.
Teaching Points
Commitment to Purity in WorshipAsa's removal of high places and altars underscores the importance of eliminating idolatry and ensuring that worship is directed solely to God.
Leadership and InfluenceAsa's actions demonstrate how godly leadership can influence a nation towards righteousness and peace.
Obedience Brings PeaceThe peace experienced in Judah under Asa's reign illustrates the blessings that come from obedience to God's commands.
Courage in ReformAsa's willingness to remove entrenched practices shows the courage needed to enact spiritual reforms, even when they are unpopular.
Legacy of FaithfulnessAsa's reforms left a legacy of faithfulness that impacted future generations, highlighting the long-term effects of godly decisions.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 2 Chronicles 14:5?
2.How did removing high places in 2 Chronicles 14:5 promote true worship of God?
3.What does Asa's action in 2 Chronicles 14:5 teach about obedience to God?
4.How can we apply Asa's reforms to remove modern-day idols in our lives?
5.What scriptural connections exist between Asa's reforms and the First Commandment?
6.How does 2 Chronicles 14:5 encourage us to pursue peace through godly leadership?
7.Why did Asa remove the high places in 2 Chronicles 14:5?
8.What do the high places represent in 2 Chronicles 14:5?
9.How does 2 Chronicles 14:5 reflect Asa's commitment to God?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Chronicles 14?
11.In 2 Chronicles 31:1, is there any archaeological evidence confirming the wholesale destruction of pagan altars and high places across Judah, Benjamin, Ephraim, and Manasseh?
12.(2 Chronicles 17:6) How is the claim that Jehoshaphat removed high places consistent with other passages stating they persisted under various kings?
13.How does the peaceful ten years of Asa's reign (2 Chronicles 14:1) align with other accounts of constant warfare in the region?
14.1 Chronicles 14:8-17 - How do we reconcile any discrepancies between this account of David's battles with the Philistines and the parallel text in 2 Samuel 5?What Does 2 Chronicles 14:5 Mean
He also removed the high placesAsa did not tolerate the hilltop shrines that had sprung up throughout Judah. These high places were convenient but disobedient substitutes for worship at the temple God had appointed (Deuteronomy 12:2–4). By tearing them down, Asa aligned public worship with God’s revealed will, much like later reforms under Hezekiah (2 Kings 18:3–4) and Josiah (2 Chronicles 34:3–7). His action shows that true revival always starts with removing what God forbids—no matter how culturally embedded it has become.
and incense altarsIncense altars were smaller installations where people offered fragrant smoke to deities (1 Kings 13:2). When these altars stood apart from the temple, they usually served idols (2 Chronicles 30:14). Asa’s purge targeted even the “respectable” forms of idolatry, teaching that partial obedience is no obedience at all (James 2:10). Modern parallels might include any cherished practice that undermines exclusive devotion to Christ (1 John 5:21).
from all the cities of JudahThe reform was comprehensive, touching every corner of the kingdom—Jerusalem’s suburbs, remote villages, and fortified towns alike (2 Chronicles 17:6). By pushing beyond the capital, Asa avoided the trap of symbolic reform. He proved that authentic faith influences daily life everywhere, not just at the center of power (Micah 6:8). This thoroughness also fulfilled the covenant ideal that the land itself be cleansed from corruption (Numbers 33:52).
and under himLeadership mattered. Asa’s personal commitment set the tone for the nation (Proverbs 16:12). His courage encouraged priests, officials, and citizens to follow suit (2 Chronicles 15:8). Scripture repeatedly shows how a righteous ruler can steer people toward faithfulness (Psalm 101:6–8), while an unrighteous one can lead them astray (1 Kings 15:26). The verse reminds us to pray for and support leaders who honor God (1 Timothy 2:1–2).
the kingdom was at peaceGod rewarded obedience with rest on every side (Leviticus 26:3–6). Judah enjoyed years free from invasion, economic hardship, and internal strife (2 Chronicles 14:6–7). This peace was not merely the absence of war but the presence of God’s favor (Isaiah 26:3).Proverbs 16:7 echoes the principle: “When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.” Asa’s story assures believers that wholehearted devotion invites God’s protective, stabilizing hand.
summaryAsa’s removal of high places and incense altars shows that genuine faith confronts idolatry head-on, extends reform to every sphere, depends on godly leadership, and reaps the blessing of divine peace.2 Chronicles 14:5 teaches that when God’s people eradicate competing loyalties and align fully with His revealed will, He graciously establishes tranquility in their midst.
Verse 5. -
The images; Hebrew,
חַמָּנֹים. The
images spoken of here are, of coarse, not the same with those (noted upon already) of ver. 3. The present
khammanim are mentioned seven times beside, viz.
Leviticus 26:30;
2 Chronicles 34:4, 7;
Isaiah 17:8;
Isaiah 27:9;
Ezekiel 6:4, 6. Gesenius says
Khamman is an epithet of Baal as bearing rule over the sun (
חַמָה, "heat," or "the sun"), in the oft-found compound expression,
בַֹּעַל חַמָּן; he thinks the plural (
חַמָּנִים), invariably found in the Old Testament, is short for
בְּעָלִים חַמָּנִים. He does not agree with the translation of Haenaker ('Miscell. Phoen.,' p. 50), "sun-image" by aid of the word
פֶסֶל understood, images said to have been of a pyramid form, and placed in the most sacred positions of Baal-temples. This, however, is the rendering adopted by not a few modern commentators (so
2 Chronicles 34:4). Gesenius would render "the Sun-Bard," or "the Sun-Lord,"
i.e. statues of the sun, representing a deity to whom (see ' Phoen. Inseript.') votive stones,were inscribed. In his 'Thesaurus' (p. 489) Gesenius instances the Phoenician inscriptions, as showing that
our chemmanim denoted statues of both Baal, the sun-god, and Astarte, the moon-goddess.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
He also removedוַיָּ֙סַר֙(way·yā·sar)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5493:To turn asidethe high placesהַבָּמ֖וֹת(hab·bā·mō·wṯ)Article | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 1116:An elevationand the incense altarsהַֽחַמָּנִ֑ים(ha·ḥam·mā·nîm)Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 2553:A sun-pillarfrom allמִכָּל־(mik·kāl)Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everythe citiesעָרֵ֣י(‘ā·rê)Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 5892:Excitementof Judah,יְהוּדָ֔ה(yə·hū·ḏāh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3063:Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelitesand under himלְפָנָֽיו׃(lə·p̄ā·nāw)Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6440:The facethe kingdomהַמַּמְלָכָ֖ה(ham·mam·lā·ḵāh)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4467:Kingdom, sovereignty, dominion, reignwas at peace.וַתִּשְׁקֹ֥ט(wat·tiš·qōṭ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 8252:To be quiet or undisturbed
Links
2 Chronicles 14:5 NIV2 Chronicles 14:5 NLT2 Chronicles 14:5 ESV2 Chronicles 14:5 NASB2 Chronicles 14:5 KJV
2 Chronicles 14:5 BibleApps.com2 Chronicles 14:5 Biblia Paralela2 Chronicles 14:5 Chinese Bible2 Chronicles 14:5 French Bible2 Chronicles 14:5 Catholic Bible
OT History: 2 Chronicles 14:5 Also he took away out of all (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr) 
