The high places were not removed from IsraelThe high places refer to elevated sites where people worshiped deities, often involving altars and idols. Despite Asa's reforms, these sites remained, indicating incomplete religious reform. High places were common in Canaanite culture and persisted among Israelites, often leading to syncretism. This reflects the challenge of eradicating deeply ingrained cultural practices. In
1 Kings 15:14, a parallel account, it is noted that Asa did not remove the high places, suggesting a limitation in his otherwise zealous reforms. The persistence of high places is a recurring issue in Israel's history, as seen in
2 Kings 12:3 and
2 Kings 14:4, where other kings also failed to remove them.
but Asa’s heart was fully devoted all his days
Asa's heart being fully devoted signifies his sincere commitment to God, despite the incomplete removal of high places. This phrase highlights the biblical theme that God values the heart's intention and devotion over external actions. Asa's reign is marked by religious reforms, including the removal of idols and the renewal of the covenant with God (2 Chronicles 15:8-15). His devotion is contrasted with other kings who turned away from God. Asa's commitment is reminiscent of David, who is described as a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). This devotion is a type of Christ, who perfectly fulfilled the will of the Father. Asa's reign, though imperfect, points to the need for a perfect king, fulfilled in Jesus.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
AsaAsa was the king of Judah who reigned for 41 years. He is noted for his religious reforms and efforts to rid Judah of idolatry, although he did not remove the high places in Israel.
2.
High PlacesThese were sites of worship located on elevated ground, often associated with pagan practices. Despite Asa's reforms, these places remained in Israel, indicating incomplete religious reform.
3.
Judah and IsraelDuring Asa's reign, the kingdom was divided into Judah (the southern kingdom) and Israel (the northern kingdom). Asa ruled over Judah, while the high places mentioned were in Israel.
4.
Religious ReformsAsa initiated significant religious reforms, including the removal of idols and the renewal of the covenant with God, demonstrating his commitment to the Lord.
5.
Prophet AzariahEarlier in
2 Chronicles 15, Azariah encourages Asa to seek the Lord, which leads to Asa's reforms. His influence is a backdrop to the events of this chapter.
Teaching Points
Wholehearted DevotionAsa's life exemplifies the importance of being wholehearted in our devotion to God, even when we fall short in certain areas. Our commitment should be genuine and complete.
Incomplete ObedienceThe persistence of high places in Israel serves as a reminder that partial obedience can hinder our spiritual growth and the full realization of God's plans.
Influence of LeadershipAsa's reforms show the impact a leader can have on the spiritual direction of a community. Godly leadership can inspire others to seek the Lord.
Continuous ReformationSpiritual reformation is an ongoing process. Like Asa, we must continually seek to align our lives with God's will, addressing areas of compromise.
Legacy of FaithAsa's wholeheartedness left a legacy of faith, despite his imperfections. Our lives can similarly impact future generations when we live faithfully.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 2 Chronicles 15:17?
2.How does 2 Chronicles 15:17 highlight the importance of personal commitment to God?
3.What does Asa's incomplete reform teach about fully following God's commands?
4.How can we ensure our hearts are "fully committed" like Asa's in 2 Chronicles?
5.What other scriptures emphasize the importance of wholehearted devotion to God?
6.How can we apply Asa's example of commitment in our daily spiritual lives?
7.Why did Asa not remove the high places despite his heart being fully committed to God?
8.How does 2 Chronicles 15:17 reflect on the nature of partial obedience to God?
9.What historical evidence supports the existence of high places during Asa's reign?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Chronicles 15?
11.In 1 Kings 15:14, why are the high places said to remain, yet 2 Chronicles 14:3 claims Asa removed them?
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.In 1 Kings 22:43, why does the text imply Jehoshaphat removed high places when 2 Chronicles 20:33 suggests otherwise?
14.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?What Does 2 Chronicles 15:17 Mean
The high places were not removed from Israel• “The high places were not removed from Israel” (2 Chron 15:17) notes an incomplete reformation. Asa had already “removed the foreign altars and high places” from Judah (2 Chron 14:3–5), yet those located in the northern kingdom (Israel) persisted.
• High places were elevated sites where people mixed true worship with pagan practices, directly violating God’s command to “destroy completely all the places” where false gods were served (Deuteronomy 12:2–4).
• This unfinished work foreshadows later kings who also left high places standing—Jehoash “did what was right…yet the high places were not removed” (2 Kings 12:2–3), and Amaziah did the same (2 Kings 14:3–4).
• The statement underlines the difference between personal devotion and national compliance. Even a faithful king could not force every heart to surrender; ongoing vigilance was still needed (cf. 2 Chron 16:7–9).
but Asa’s heart was fully devoted all his days• Though the high places remained, Scripture affirms Asa’s inner loyalty: “Asa’s heart was fully devoted to the LORD all his days” (v. 17). Outer shortcomings did not cancel inner sincerity.
• Earlier, we are told “Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of the LORD” (2 Chron 14:2). His covenant renewal with the people (2 Chron 15:12–15) showed a wholehearted desire to lead Judah back to God.
• “Fully devoted” echoes David’s example: “He served Him with a whole heart” (1 Chron 28:9) and anticipates Jesus’ summary of the Law: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart” (Matthew 22:37).
• Even when rebuked for trusting a foreign alliance late in life (2 Chron 16:7–12), Asa humbled himself, showing the enduring direction of his heart toward God, unlike kings who turned away entirely (2 Chron 12:1; 26:16).
• The verse balances two realities believers still face:
– Persistent cultural idols can remain entrenched.
– Personal allegiance to the Lord can stay strong amid an imperfect environment.
summary2 Chronicles 15:17 highlights a tension that runs through Scripture: external reform may be partial, yet genuine, lifelong devotion is still possible. Asa could not eradicate every high place in Israel, but his unwavering heart modeled steadfast commitment. The verse calls readers to pursue both—tearing down lingering idols around us while maintaining wholehearted love for the Lord day after day.
(17)
But the high places were not taken away.--See on
2Chronicles 14:3;
2Chronicles 14:5. An explanation of the discrepancy has been suggested there; but a better one perhaps may be thus stated. The former passage relates what the good king had resolved and attempted to effect; the present records his want of success, owing to the obstinate attachment of his people to their old sanctuaries.
A similar explanation applies to the apparent contradiction of2Chronicles 17:6 by2Chronicles 20:33.
Out of Israel.--Not in Kings. The southern kingdom is meant.
The heart of Asa was perfect.--Kings adds,with Jehovah. The meaning is, that though he failed to get rid of the high places, Asa himself was always faithful to the lawful worship of the Temple. (Comp.1Chronicles 28:9.) . . .
Verse 17. -
The high places were not taken away out of Israel. It is possible, but scarcely tenable, that, by Israel, the northern kingdom may be here intended. But for the apparent discrepancy with those places which say that Asa
did take away "the high places" (
2 Chronicles 14:3, 5), see notes under them, and §7. 1, pp. 16, 17, of 'Introduction to 1 Chronicles.' "The high places" were hills on which sacrifices were illegitimately offered instead of at the chosen place - at Jerusalem.
The heart of Asa was perfect all his days. The words, "with Jehovah," following after the word "perfect" in the parallel (
1 Kings 15:17), makes the already plain plainer. The exact meaning is that Asa was consistently free from idolatry to the end.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
The high placesוְהַ֨בָּמ֔וֹת(wə·hab·bā·mō·wṯ)Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 1116:An elevationwere notלֹא־(lō-)Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, noremovedסָ֖רוּ(sā·rū)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 5493:To turn asidefrom Israel,מִיִּשְׂרָאֵ֑ל(mî·yiś·rā·’êl)Preposition-m | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478:Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his descbutרַ֧ק(raq)Adverb
Strong's 7535:But, even, except, howbeit howsoever, at the least, neverthelessAsa'sאָסָ֛א(’ā·sā)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 609:Asa -- perhaps 'healer', an Israelite nameheartלְבַב־(lə·ḇaḇ-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3824:Inner man, mind, will, heartwasהָיָ֥ה(hā·yāh)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961:To fall out, come to pass, become, befully devotedשָׁלֵ֖ם(šā·lêm)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 8003:Complete, safe, at peaceallכָּל־(kāl-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everyhis days.יָמָֽיו׃(yā·māw)Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3117:A day
Links
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OT History: 2 Chronicles 15:17 But the high places were not taken (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr) 
