2 Chronicles 17:6
2 Chronicles 17:6 in Multiple Translations
And his heart took delight in the ways of the LORD; furthermore, he removed the high places and Asherah poles from Judah.
And his heart was lifted up in the ways of the LORD: moreover he took away the high places and groves out of Judah.
And his heart was lifted up in the ways of Jehovah: and furthermore he took away the high places and the Asherim out of Judah.
His heart was lifted up in the ways of the Lord; and he went so far as to take away the high places and the wood pillars out of Judah.
He was sincerely committed to what the Lord wanted. He also removed the high places and Asherah poles from Judah.
And he lift vp his heart vnto the wayes of the Lord, and he tooke away moreouer the hie places and the groues out of Iudah.
and his heart is high in the ways of Jehovah, and again he hath turned aside the high places and the shrines out of Judah.
His heart was lifted up in the ways of the LORD. Furthermore, he took away the high places and the Asherah poles out of Judah.
And his heart was lifted up in the ways of the LORD: moreover he took away the high places and groves out of Judah.
And when his heart had taken courage for the ways of the Lord, he took away also the high places and the groves out of Juda.
He was completely devoted to doing what pleased Yahweh. His workers got rid of the shrines on the hilltops and the poles for worshiping the goddess Asherah throughout Judah.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Chronicles 17:6
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
2 Chronicles 17:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּגְבַּ֥הּ
לִבּ֖/וֹ
בְּ/דַרְכֵ֣י
יְהוָ֑ה
וְ/ע֗וֹד
הֵסִ֛יר
אֶת
הַ/בָּמ֥וֹת
וְ/אֶת
הָ/אֲשֵׁרִ֖ים
מִ/יהוּדָֽה
וַ/יִּגְבַּ֥הּ
gâbahh
H1361
to exult
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לִבּ֖/וֹ
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms | Suff
בְּ/דַרְכֵ֣י
derek
H1870
way
Prep | N-cp
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
וְ/ע֗וֹד
ʻôwd
H5750
still
Conj | Adv
הֵסִ֛יר
çûwr
H5493
to turn aside
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/בָּמ֥וֹת
bâmâh
H1116
high place
Art | N-fp
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
הָ/אֲשֵׁרִ֖ים
ʼăshêrâh
H842
Asherah
Art | N-proper
מִ/יהוּדָֽה
Yᵉhûwdâh
H3063
Judah
Prep | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Chronicles 17:6
וַ/יִּגְבַּ֥הּ
gâbahh
H1361
"to exult"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To exult means to feel proud or haughty, like being lofty or high, as described in Psalms where God's ways are lofty and good.
Definition: 1) to be high, be exalted 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be high, lofty, tall 1a2) to be exalted 1a3) to be lofty 1a3a) to be lofty (of Jehovah's ways-good sense) 1a3b) to be haughty, be arrogant (bad sense) 1b) (Hiphil) to make high, exalt
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: exalt, be haughty, be (make) high(-er), lift up, mount up, be proud, raise up great height, upward. See also: 1 Samuel 10:23; Isaiah 7:11; Psalms 103:11.
לִבּ֖/וֹ
lêb
H3820
"heart"
N-ms | Suff
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
בְּ/דַרְכֵ֣י
derek
H1870
"way"
Prep | N-cp
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
וְ/ע֗וֹד
ʻôwd
H5750
"still"
Conj | Adv
The word 'still' means something continues or happens again, like in Genesis 29:26 and Isaiah 2:11. It can also mean 'more' or 'additionally'.
Definition: subst 1) a going round, continuance adv 2) still, yet, again, besides 2a) still, yet (of continuance or persistence) 2b) still, yet, more (of addition or repetition) 2c) again 2d) still, moreover, besides Aramaic equivalent: od (עוֹד "still" H5751)
Usage: Occurs in 459 OT verses. KJV: again, [idiom] all life long, at all, besides, but, else, further(-more), henceforth, (any) longer, (any) more(-over), [idiom] once, since, (be) still, when, (good, the) while (having being), (as, because, whether, while) yet (within). See also: Genesis 4:25; Judges 9:37; 2 Chronicles 32:16.
הֵסִ֛יר
çûwr
H5493
"to turn aside"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
To turn aside or remove is the meaning of this verb, used in various forms throughout the Bible. It can mean to depart, avoid, or put something away, and is often used in the context of turning away from sin or wrongdoing, as seen in the actions of prophets and leaders in the Old Testament.
Definition: : remove 1) to turn aside, depart 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn aside, turn in unto 1a2) to depart, depart from way, avoid 1a3) to be removed 1a4) to come to an end 1b) (Polel) to turn aside 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to turn aside, cause to depart, remove, take away, put away, depose 1c2) to put aside, leave undone, retract, reject, abolish 1d) (Hophal) to be taken away, be removed
Usage: Occurs in 284 OT verses. KJV: be(-head), bring, call back, decline, depart, eschew, get (you), go (aside), [idiom] grievous, lay away (by), leave undone, be past, pluck away, put (away, down), rebel, remove (to and fro), revolt, [idiom] be sour, take (away, off), turn (aside, away, in), withdraw, be without. See also: Genesis 8:13; 2 Samuel 6:10; Psalms 6:9.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/בָּמ֥וֹת
bâmâh
H1116
"high place"
Art | N-fp
A high place or elevation, often referring to a cultic platform or mountain. In the Bible, it can also refer to battlefields or funeral mounds, as seen in various passages.
Definition: 1) high place, ridge, height, bamah (technical name for cultic platform) 1a) high place, mountain 1b) high places, battlefields 1c) high places (as places of worship) 1d) funeral mound?
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: height, high place, wave. See also: Leviticus 26:30; 1 Chronicles 16:39; Psalms 18:34.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הָ/אֲשֵׁרִ֖ים
ʼăshêrâh
H842
"Asherah"
Art | N-proper
Asherah was a goddess worshipped by the Canaanites and Phoenicians, often represented by a tree or pole near an altar. The Bible warns against worshipping her, as in Deuteronomy and Judges. She was considered a consort of Baal.
Definition: § Ashera(h) = "groves (for idol worship)" a Babylonian (Astarte)-Canaanite goddess (of fortune and happiness), the supposed consort of Baal, her images her images sacred trees or poles set up near an altar
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: grove. Compare H6253 (עַשְׁתֹּרֶת). See also: Exodus 34:13; 2 Kings 23:4; Isaiah 17:8.
מִ/יהוּדָֽה
Yᵉhûwdâh
H3063
"Judah"
Prep | N-proper
Judah is the name of the tribe descended from Judah, the son of Jacob. It is also the name of the region where the tribe lived. The name means 'praised' and is first mentioned in Genesis.
Definition: § Judah = "praised" the tribe descended from Judah the son of Jacob
Usage: Occurs in 754 OT verses. KJV: Judah. See also: Genesis 29:35; 1 Samuel 23:3; 2 Kings 14:13.
Study Notes — 2 Chronicles 17:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Chronicles 17:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Chronicles 17:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Chronicles 17:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 17:6
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 17:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 17:6
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Chronicles 17:6
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Chronicles 17:6
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 17:6
- Sermons on 2 Chronicles 17:6
Context — Jehoshaphat Reigns in Judah
4but he sought the God of his father and walked by His commandments rather than the practices of Israel.
5So the LORD established the kingdom in his hand, and all Judah brought him tribute, so that he had an abundance of riches and honor.
6And his heart took delight in the ways of the LORD; furthermore, he removed the high places and Asherah poles from Judah.
7In the third year of his reign, Jehoshaphat sent his officials Ben-hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel, and Micaiah to teach in the cities of Judah, 8accompanied by certain Levites—Shemaiah, Nethaniah, Zebadiah, Asahel, Shemiramoth, Jehonathan, Adonijah, Tobijah, and Tob-adonijah—along with the priests Elishama and Jehoram.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hosea 14:9 | Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; whoever is discerning, let him know them. For the ways of the LORD are right, and the righteous walk in them but the rebellious stumble in them. |
| 2 | 2 Chronicles 15:17 | The high places were not removed from Israel, but Asa’s heart was fully devoted all his days. |
| 3 | 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. |
| 4 | Psalms 119:1 | Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the Law of the LORD. |
| 5 | Psalms 18:21–22 | For I have kept the ways of the LORD and have not wickedly departed from my God. For all His ordinances are before me; I have not disregarded His statutes. |
| 6 | 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. |
| 7 | 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.” |
| 8 | 2 Chronicles 34:3–7 | In the eighth year of his reign, while he was still young, Josiah began to seek the God of his father David, and in the twelfth year he began to cleanse Judah and Jerusalem of the high places, the Asherah poles, the carved idols, and the cast images. Then in his presence the altars of the Baals were torn down, and he cut to pieces the incense altars that were above them. He shattered the Asherah poles, the carved idols, and the cast images, crushed them to dust, and scattered them over the graves of those who had sacrificed to them. Then he burned the bones of the priests on their altars. So he cleansed Judah and Jerusalem. Josiah did the same in the cities of Manasseh, Ephraim, and Simeon, as far as Naphtali, and in the ruins around them. He tore down the altars and Asherah poles, crushed the idols to powder, and cut to pieces all the incense altars throughout the land of Israel. Then he returned to Jerusalem. |
| 9 | Psalms 138:5 | They will sing of the ways of the LORD, for the glory of the LORD is great. |
| 10 | Acts 13:10 | and said, “O child of the devil and enemy of all righteousness, you are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery! Will you never stop perverting the straight ways of the Lord? |
2 Chronicles 17:6 Summary
[This verse means that King Jehoshaphat loved and enjoyed following God's rules and commands, and because of this, he wanted to get rid of all the bad things in the land that were against God, like the high places and Asherah poles. This is similar to what we are called to do in our own lives, as seen in Romans 12:2, where we are told to not conform to the pattern of this world. By delighting in God's ways, Jehoshaphat was able to make good choices and lead his people in a positive direction. We can learn from his example by seeking to delight in God's Word and commands, and then taking action to live out our faith in a real way, just as encouraged in James 1:22.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for Jehoshaphat's heart to take delight in the ways of the Lord?
This means Jehoshaphat found joy and pleasure in following God's commands and living according to His will, as seen in Psalm 37:4, which says to delight in the Lord and He will give us the desires of our heart.
Why did Jehoshaphat remove the high places and Asherah poles from Judah?
Jehoshaphat removed these idols because they were a part of the pagan worship practices that God had commanded the Israelites to destroy, as stated in Deuteronomy 12:3, and he wanted to purify the land and restore true worship to the one true God.
How does this verse relate to the concept of spiritual renewal?
This verse shows that spiritual renewal begins with a heart that delights in God's ways, and it leads to actions that purify and consecrate ourselves to God, much like the concept seen in 2 Corinthians 7:1, where we are called to cleanse ourselves from all defilement.
What can we learn from Jehoshaphat's example in this verse?
We can learn the importance of having a heart that truly delights in God's Word and commands, and then taking action to remove sinful practices from our lives, just as Jehoshaphat did, and as encouraged in Ephesians 4:22-24, where we are told to put off the old self and put on the new self.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can cultivate a heart that delights in the ways of the Lord, like Jehoshaphat did?
- What are the 'high places' and 'Asherah poles' in my life that I need to remove in order to deepen my relationship with God?
- How can I balance the desire to follow God's commands with the temptation to follow the practices of the world around me?
- In what ways can I take practical steps to purify my heart and my life, just as Jehoshaphat did in Judah?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Chronicles 17:6
And his heart was lifted up in the ways of the Lord,.... It was engaged in them, was bent and set upon them; he walked in them with great pleasure and cheerfulness, being inspired with zeal and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Chronicles 17:6
And his heart was lifted up in the ways of the LORD: moreover he took away the high places and groves out of Judah. His heart was lifted up in the ways of the Lord.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 17:6
His heart was lifted up above all discouragements, and difficulties, and fears, by which men’ s hearts use to be cast down: he was valiant and resolute for God and his ways. He took away the high places and groves, to wit, such only wherein idols were worshipped, as appears by comparing this with . And though Asa had done this before, yet either he did not do it thoroughly, or the Jews (who were many of them mad upon their idols) had secretly made new ones, in the latter part of his reign, when he grew more infirm in body, and more remiss in God’ s cause.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 17:6
2 Chronicles 17:6 And his heart was lifted up in the ways of the LORD: moreover he took away the high places and groves out of Judah.Ver. 6. And his heart was lifted up.] Not with pride, as 2 Chronicles 32:25, but with undaunted courage and disengaged zeal, such as made him come off roundly and readily in the ensuing reformation: he was more forward and forth putting than his father Asa, "not slothful in business, but fervent in spirit, serving the Lord."
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 17:6
(6) And his heart was lifted up.—Gabhah lçbh, which usually, like the phrase of Authorised version, has a bad meaning, as in 2 Chronicles 26:16. The margin is right here: “his courage rose high,” or “he grew bold” in the ways of Jehovah, i.e., in the path of religious reform. Vulg., “cum sumpsisset cor ejus audaciam propter vias Domini.” Moreover.—And again, further. Referring to 2 Chronicles 17:3. Not only did he not seek the Baals, but more than this, he removed the high places, &c. [This is the common explanation. But the sense may rather be: “And he again removed,” referring back to Asa’s reforms, 2 Chronicles 14:5. Groves.—’Ashêrim, “Asherahs.” (2 Chronicles 14:3.)
Cambridge Bible on 2 Chronicles 17:6
6. moreover he took away] R.V. and furthermore he took away. In 2 Chronicles 20:33 = 1 Kings 22:43 it is said that the high places were not taken away. Cp. what is said of Asa (2 Chronicles 14:3 and 2 Chronicles 15:17 = 1 Kings 15:14). It seems that in both cases the Chronicler incorporates mutually contradictory traditions. If the removal took place, it must have met with only partial success. and groves] R.V. and the Asherim. See note on 2 Chronicles 14:3.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Chronicles 17:6
His heart was lifted up - This expression generally occurs in a bad sense Deuteronomy 8:14; 2 Chronicles 26:16; Psalms 131:1; Proverbs 18:12; but here it must be taken differently.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 17:6
6. His heart was lifted up — That is, exalted with holy faith and courage.
Sermons on 2 Chronicles 17:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Jehoshaphat's Revival by Timothy Williams | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a heart that is open to God's reproof. He uses the story of Jehoshaphat to illustrate how disobedience and indiffer |
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His Heart Was Lifted Up in The by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of lifting our hearts to God, encouraging believers to rise above the burdens of daily life and seek the serene presence of the Father. He draw |
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Obedience - the Pathway to Blessing by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of knowing and living by the Word of God. He highlights the need for individuals and families to recognize their own shortcomi |
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(The Church in the Last Days) 08 - the Harlot by Milton Green | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of staying focused and alert in one's faith. He warns against drifting off and becoming complacent, urging listeners to be so |
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Bearing Crosses Made by Ourselves by Mary Wilder Tileston | Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about aligning our will with God's will to avoid unnecessary crosses in our lives. She emphasizes that God's ways are just and right, guiding us in th |
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On the Cause of Skepticism by Thomas Reade | Thomas Reade delves into the multitude of opinions and divisions in the religious world, attributing it to the pride of human hearts leading to uncharitableness and combats within |
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Watch by Bakht Singh | Bakht Singh delivers a powerful sermon on the reign of King Asa, emphasizing the importance of obedience, faithfulness, and complete trust in God. Asa's story serves as a solemn wa |