2 Chronicles 14:3

He removed the foreign altars and high places, shattered the sacred pillars, and chopped down the Asherah poles.

Study Bible

He removed the foreign altars
This phrase indicates a significant religious reform undertaken by Asa, the king of Judah. Foreign altars refer to those dedicated to deities other than Yahweh, often introduced through political alliances or cultural assimilation. The removal of these altars signifies a return to monotheistic worship, aligning with the first commandment in Exodus 20:3. This action reflects a commitment to covenant faithfulness, as foreign worship practices were seen as a direct violation of the covenant between God and Israel.

and high places
High places were elevated sites used for worship, often associated with Canaanite religious practices. These locations were sometimes used for the worship of Yahweh but had become syncretized with pagan rituals. The removal of high places was a recurring theme in the reforms of Judah's kings, as seen in the actions of Hezekiah (2 Kings 18:4) and Josiah (2 Kings 23:8). This act underscores the importance of centralized worship in Jerusalem, as prescribed in Deuteronomy 12:5-14.

shattered the sacred pillars
Sacred pillars, or standing stones, were often erected as memorials or objects of worship. In Canaanite religion, they were associated with Baal worship. The shattering of these pillars by Asa was a direct attack on idolatry, emphasizing the exclusive worship of Yahweh. This act can be seen as a fulfillment of the command in Deuteronomy 7:5 to break down pagan altars and pillars, highlighting the ongoing struggle against idolatry in Israel's history.

and chopped down the Asherah poles
Asherah poles were wooden symbols representing the goddess Asherah, often placed near altars dedicated to Baal. The chopping down of these poles was a decisive move to eliminate the influence of Canaanite fertility cults. This action aligns with the command in Exodus 34:13 to cut down Asherah poles, reflecting a broader effort to purify the land from idolatrous practices. The removal of Asherah poles also prefigures the ultimate cleansing from sin and idolatry through Jesus Christ, who fulfills the law and the prophets by establishing a new covenant based on faith and grace.

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 return Judah to the worship of Yahweh.

2. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, consisting of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, over which Asa ruled.

3. Foreign Altars and High Places
These were sites of idol worship, often located on elevated ground, where the people of Judah had been worshiping foreign gods.

4. Sacred Pillars
These were stone structures associated with pagan worship, often representing deities.

5. Asherah Poles
Wooden symbols representing the goddess Asherah, commonly used in Canaanite religious practices.

Teaching Points

Commitment to Purity in Worship
Asa's actions demonstrate a commitment to purifying worship practices by removing idolatry. Believers today are called to examine and remove any idols or distractions that hinder true worship of God.

Courage in Leadership
Asa's reforms required courage and determination. Christian leaders are encouraged to stand firm in their convictions, even when it involves making difficult decisions.

Obedience to God's Commands
Asa's actions were in direct obedience to God's commands given to Israel. Christians are reminded of the importance of aligning their lives with biblical teachings.

Influence of Leadership
Asa's reforms had a significant impact on the spiritual direction of Judah. This highlights the influence leaders have on their communities and the importance of leading by example.

Renewal and Revival
Asa's actions led to a period of peace and prosperity in Judah. This serves as a reminder of the blessings that can follow when a community returns to faithful worship and obedience to God.

Bible Study Questions

1. What specific actions did Asa take to reform the worship practices in Judah, and how can we apply similar principles in our personal lives today?

2. How does Asa's commitment to removing idolatry challenge us to identify and eliminate modern-day idols in our lives?

3. In what ways can Christian leaders today demonstrate the same courage and determination that Asa showed in his reforms?

4. How do Asa's actions reflect obedience to God's commands, and what can we learn about the importance of obedience in our own spiritual journey?

5. What impact did Asa's reforms have on the kingdom of Judah, and how can we influence our communities towards spiritual renewal and revival?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 15:11-14
This passage parallels Asa's reforms, emphasizing his commitment to doing what was right in the eyes of the Lord, similar to his ancestor David.

Exodus 34:13
God commands the Israelites to tear down altars, break sacred pillars, and cut down Asherah poles, which Asa fulfills in his reforms.

Deuteronomy 12:2-3
This passage instructs the Israelites to destroy all places where the nations they dispossess worship their gods, aligning with Asa's actions.