And his heart was lifted up in the ways of the LORD: moreover he took away the high places and groves out of Judah.

2 CHRONICLES 17:6KJV
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2 Chronicles 17:6 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 17:6 mean?

2 Chronicles 17:6 describes how King Jehoshaphat’s heart was encouraged and confident in following the ways of the LORD, leading him to remove the high places and groves from Judah. This verse highlights Jehoshaphat’s commitment to true worship and his active effort to get rid of places associated with idol worship.

The verse is part of a summary of Jehoshaphat’s reign as king of Judah, focusing on his religious reforms. The “high places” and “groves” were locations where people often worshipped other gods, and by removing them, Jehoshaphat showed his dedication to the worship of the LORD alone. The passage emphasizes his inner motivation (“his heart was lifted up”) and the concrete actions he took to lead the people back to faithful worship.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 17:6

  • “heart” (לֵבָב, levav): This word refers to the inner self, including thoughts, feelings, and will. The verse points out that Jehoshaphat’s motivation came from deep within, not just outward actions.
  • “was lifted up” (גָּבַהּ, gavah): This phrase often means to be exalted or proud, but here it is used positively, describing Jehoshaphat’s courage and enthusiasm in following God’s ways.
  • “ways” (דֶּרֶךְ, derek): This word means “paths” or “ways,” referring to the manner of life or conduct that aligns with the LORD’s instructions.
  • “high places” (בָּמָה, bamah) and “groves” (אֲשֵׁרָה, asherah): These terms refer to sites and objects used in idol worship. Their removal shows a deliberate move away from practices that were common in the region but opposed to worship of the LORD.

Why 2 Chronicles 17:6 matters

  • The verse clarifies that Jehoshaphat’s reforms were not just political or external but came from a sincere and committed heart.
  • It shows that true leadership in faith involves both inner conviction and practical action, as Jehoshaphat’s confidence in the LORD led him to make difficult changes in the nation.
  • This verse connects to the larger story of Judah’s kings, highlighting the ongoing struggle between worship of the LORD and the temptation to adopt local religious customs.

Where else these words appear

“up” Hebrew H1361 · used in 33 verses

  • 1 Samuel 10:23 And they ran and fetched him thence: and when he stood among the people, he was higher than any of the people from his shoulders and upward.
  • Psalms 131:1 A Song of degrees of David. LORD, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me.
  • Ezekiel 17:24 And all the trees of the field shall know that I the LORD have brought down the high tree, have exalted the low tree, have dried up the green tree, and have made the dry tree to flourish: I the LORD have spoken and have done it.

“groves” Hebrew H842 · used in 40 verses

  • Exodus 34:13 But ye shall destroy their altars, break their images, and cut down their groves:
  • 1 Kings 18:19 Now therefore send, and gather to me all Israel unto mount Carmel, and the prophets of Baal four hundred and fifty, and the prophets of the groves four hundred, which eat at Jezebel's table.
  • 2 Chronicles 15:16 And also concerning Maachah the mother of Asa the king, he removed her from being queen, because she had made an idol in a grove: and Asa cut down her idol, and stamped it, and burnt it at the brook Kidron.

“places” Hebrew H1116 · used in 92 verses

  • Leviticus 26:30 And I will destroy your high places, and cut down your images, and cast your carcases upon the carcases of your idols, and my soul shall abhor you.
  • 2 Kings 15:35 Howbeit the high places were not removed: the people sacrificed and burned incense still in the high places. He built the higher gate of the house of the LORD.
  • 2 Chronicles 33:3 For he built again the high places which Hezekiah his father had broken down, and he reared up altars for Baalim, and made groves, and worshipped all the host of heaven, and served them.