2 Chronicles 17:6

Jehoshaphat Reigns in Judah · 2 Chronicles 17:1–19
Read 2 Chronicles 17

Translations

Modern
And his heart took delight in the ways of the LORD; furthermore, he removed the high places and Asherah poles from Judah.
Traditional
And his heart was lifted up in the ways of the Lord: moreover he took away the high places and groves out of Judah.
Literal
And his heart was lifted up in the ways of YHWH, and moreover he turned aside the high places and the Asherah poles from Judah.
Latin
Cumque sumpsisset cor ejus audaciam propter vias Domini, etiam excelsa et lucos de Juda abstulit.

Original

Hebrew
English
And his heart took delight in the ways of the LORD; furthermore, he removed the high places and Asherah poles from Judah.

Notes

The word translated as "gifts" is often translated as "tribute," like what conquering kings demanded from their subjects (for example, Judges 3:15–18). However, forced tribute is not the intended meaning here. The people of Judah willingly made Jehoshaphat very wealthy. Like Uzziah (2 Chronicles 26:16) and Hezekiah (32:25), wealth often leads to pride. However, Jehoshaphat was deeply committed to following the Lord's ways. He did not take pride in his own achievements; instead, his courage led him to remove idol worship from the kingdom. Jehoshaphat established control within his kingdom by practicing righteousness and faithfulness to God.

Theme notes and profiles

Jehoshaphat

Parallels

1 Kings 15:23–24

People

Asherah: Canaanite goddess; associated with wooden poles, idolatry Judah: Israelite tribe, kingdom, and province

Glossary

Chronicles, Books of First and Second Genealogy Jehoshaphat (Person)

Topics

Character of the Renewed Heart: Zealous Groves: Destroyed by Jehoshaphat High Places: Destroyed: Jehoshaphat High Places: Jehoshaphat Destroys Iconoclasm: Destroyed by Jehoshaphat Idolatry: Zeal Against: Jehoshaphat Jehoshaphat: King of Judah: Religious Zeal of Obedience: Jehoshaphat Religion: Outstanding Religious Persons: Jehoshaphat Rulers: Righteous: Jehoshaphat, in Walking in the Ways of the Lord