2 Chronicles 15:17
New International Version
Although he did not remove the high places from Israel, Asa’s heart was fully committed to the LORD all his life.

New Living Translation
Although the pagan shrines were not removed from Israel, Asa’s heart remained completely faithful throughout his life.

English Standard Version
But the high places were not taken out of Israel. Nevertheless, the heart of Asa was wholly true all his days.

Berean Standard Bible
The high places were not removed from Israel, but Asa’s heart was fully devoted all his days.

King James Bible
But the high places were not taken away out of Israel: nevertheless the heart of Asa was perfect all his days.

New King James Version
But the high places were not removed from Israel. Nevertheless the heart of Asa was loyal all his days.

New American Standard Bible
But the high places were not removed from Israel; nevertheless Asa’s heart was blameless all his days.

NASB 1995
But the high places were not removed from Israel; nevertheless Asa’s heart was blameless all his days.

NASB 1977
But the high places were not removed from Israel; nevertheless Asa’s heart was blameless all his days.

Legacy Standard Bible
But the high places were not removed from Israel; nevertheless Asa’s heart was wholly devoted all his days.

Amplified Bible
But the high places [of pagan worship] were not removed from Israel. Nevertheless Asa’s heart was blameless all his days.

Christian Standard Bible
The high places were not taken away from Israel; nevertheless, Asa was wholeheartedly devoted his entire life.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The high places were not taken away from Israel; nevertheless, Asa was wholehearted his entire life.

American Standard Version
But the high places were not taken away out of Israel: nevertheless the heart of Asa was perfect all his days.

Contemporary English Version
As long as Asa lived, he was faithful to the LORD, even though he did not destroy the local shrines in Israel.

English Revised Version
But the high places were not taken away out of Israel: nevertheless the heart of Asa was perfect all his days.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Although the illegal worship sites in Israel were not taken down, Asa remained committed [to the LORD] his entire life.

Good News Translation
Even though Asa did not destroy all the pagan places of worship in the land, he remained faithful to the LORD all his life.

International Standard Version
Nevertheless, the high places were not removed from Israel, even though Asa's heart was blameless all of his life.

Majority Standard Bible
The high places were not removed from Israel, but Asa?s heart was fully devoted all his days.

NET Bible
The high places were not eliminated from Israel, yet Asa was wholeheartedly devoted to the LORD throughout his lifetime.

New Heart English Bible
But the high places were not taken away out of Israel: nevertheless the heart of Asa was perfect all his days.

Webster's Bible Translation
But the high places were not taken away out of Israel: nevertheless the heart of Asa was perfect all his days.

World English Bible
But the high places were not taken away out of Israel; nevertheless the heart of Asa was perfect all his days.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
yet the high places have not been removed from Israel; only, the heart of Asa has been perfect all his days.

Young's Literal Translation
yet the high places have not turned aside from Israel; only, the heart of Asa hath been perfect all his days.

Smith's Literal Translation
And the heights were not removed from Israel: but the heart of Asa was complete all his days.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But high places were left in Israel: nevertheless the heart of Asa was perfect all his days.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But some high places were left in Israel. Even so, the heart of Asa was perfect during all his days.

New American Bible
The high places did not disappear from Israel, yet Asa’s heart was undivided as long as he lived.

New Revised Standard Version
But the high places were not taken out of Israel. Nevertheless the heart of Asa was true all his days.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But the altars on the high places were not taken away out of Israel; nevertheless the heart of Asa was perfect in the worship of the LORD his God all the days of his life.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And they did not remove the altars from Israel, however, the heart of Asa was perfect toward the awe of LORD JEHOVAH his God all the days of his life.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
But the high places were not taken away out of Israel; nevertheless the heart of Asa was whole all his days.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Nevertheless they removed not the high places: they still existed in Israel: nevertheless the heart of Asa was perfect all his days.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Asa's Reforms
16King Asa also removed his grandmother Maacah from her position as queen mother because she had made a detestable Asherah pole. Asa chopped down the pole, crushed it, and burned it in the Kidron Valley. 17The high places were not removed from Israel, but Asa’s heart was fully devoted all his days. 18And he brought into the house of God the silver and gold articles that he and his father had dedicated.…

Cross References
1 Kings 15:14
The high places were not removed, but Asa’s heart was fully devoted to the LORD all his days.

2 Chronicles 14:3-5
He removed the foreign altars and high places, shattered the sacred pillars, and chopped down the Asherah poles. / He commanded the people of 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.

2 Chronicles 20:33
The high places, however, were not removed; the people had not yet set their hearts on the God of their fathers.

1 Kings 22:43
And Jehoshaphat walked in all the ways of his father Asa; he did not turn away from them, but did what was right in the eyes of the LORD. The high places, however, were not removed; the people still sacrificed and burned incense on the high places.

2 Kings 12:3
Nevertheless, the high places were not removed; the people continued sacrificing and burning incense there.

2 Kings 14:4
Nevertheless, the high places were not taken away, and the people continued sacrificing and burning incense on the high places.

2 Kings 15:4
Nevertheless, the high places were not taken away; the people continued sacrificing and burning incense there.

2 Kings 15:35
Nevertheless, the high places were not taken away; the people continued sacrificing and burning incense there. Jotham rebuilt the Upper Gate of the house of the LORD.

1 Samuel 7:3
Then Samuel said to all the house of Israel, “If you are returning to the LORD with all your hearts, then put away the foreign gods and Ashtoreths among you, prepare your hearts for the LORD, and serve Him only. And He will deliver you from the hand of the Philistines.”

1 Kings 3:2-3
The people, however, were still sacrificing on the high places because a house for the Name of the LORD had not yet been built. / And Solomon loved the LORD and walked in the statutes of his father David, except that he sacrificed and burned incense on the high places.

1 Kings 11:4
For when Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and he was not wholeheartedly devoted to the LORD his God, as his father David had been.

1 Kings 15:11-14
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 removed his grandmother Maacah from her position as queen mother because she had made a detestable Asherah pole. Asa chopped down the pole and burned it in the Kidron Valley. ...

2 Chronicles 19:3
However, some good is found in you, for you have removed the Asherah poles from the land and have set your heart on seeking God.”

2 Chronicles 29:3-5
In the first month of the first year of his reign, Hezekiah opened and repaired the doors of the house of the LORD. / Then he brought in the priests and Levites and gathered them in the square on the east side. / “Listen to me, O Levites,” he said. “Consecrate yourselves now and consecrate the house of the LORD, the God of your fathers. Remove from the Holy Place every impurity.

Matthew 6:24
No one can serve two masters: Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.


Treasury of Scripture

But the high places were not taken away out of Israel: nevertheless the heart of Asa was perfect all his days.

the high places

2 Chronicles 14:3-5
For he took away the altars of the strange gods, and the high places, and brake down the images, and cut down the groves: …

Deuteronomy 12:13,14
Take heed to thyself that thou offer not thy burnt offerings in every place that thou seest: …

1 Kings 3:2-4
Only the people sacrificed in high places, because there was no house built unto the name of the LORD, until those days…

the heart of Asa

2 Chronicles 16:7-12
And at that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah, and said unto him, Because thou hast relied on the king of Syria, and not relied on the LORD thy God, therefore is the host of the king of Syria escaped out of thine hand…

1 Kings 11:4
For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father.

Jump to Previous
Although Asa Asa's Blameless Committed Fully Heart High Israel Life Nevertheless Perfect Places Remove Removed True. Turned Whole
Jump to Next
Although Asa Asa's Blameless Committed Fully Heart High Israel Life Nevertheless Perfect Places Remove Removed True. Turned Whole
2 Chronicles 15
1. Asa, with Judah and many of Israel, moved by the prophecy of Azariah,
12. make a solemn covenant with God
16. He puts down Maachah his grandmother for idolatry
18. He brings dedicated things into the house of God, and enjoys a long peace.














The high places were not removed from Israel
The 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. Asa
Asa 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 Places
These 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 Israel
During 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 Reforms
Asa 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 Azariah
Earlier 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 Devotion
Asa'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 Obedience
The 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 Leadership
Asa'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 Reformation
Spiritual 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 Faith
Asa's wholeheartedness left a legacy of faith, despite his imperfections. Our lives can similarly impact future generations when we live faithfully.(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 of 2Chronicles 17:6 by 2Chronicles 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 places
וְהַ֨בָּמ֔וֹת (wə·hab·bā·mō·wṯ)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 1116: An elevation

were not
לֹא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

removed
סָ֖רוּ (sā·rū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 5493: To turn aside

from Israel,
מִיִּשְׂרָאֵ֑ל (mî·yiś·rā·’êl)
Preposition-m | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

but
רַ֧ק (raq)
Adverb
Strong's 7535: But, even, except, howbeit howsoever, at the least, nevertheless

Asa's
אָסָ֛א (’ā·sā)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 609: Asa -- perhaps 'healer', an Israelite name

heart
לְבַב־ (lə·ḇaḇ-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3824: Inner man, mind, will, heart

was
הָיָ֥ה (hā·yāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

fully devoted
שָׁלֵ֖ם (šā·lêm)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 8003: Complete, safe, at peace

all
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

his days.
יָמָֽיו׃ (yā·māw)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3117: A day


Links
2 Chronicles 15:17 NIV
2 Chronicles 15:17 NLT
2 Chronicles 15:17 ESV
2 Chronicles 15:17 NASB
2 Chronicles 15:17 KJV

2 Chronicles 15:17 BibleApps.com
2 Chronicles 15:17 Biblia Paralela
2 Chronicles 15:17 Chinese Bible
2 Chronicles 15:17 French Bible
2 Chronicles 15:17 Catholic Bible

OT History: 2 Chronicles 15:17 But the high places were not taken (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr)
2 Chronicles 15:16
Top of Page
Top of Page