Log inSign up

2 Chronicles 14 · a question people ask

Did Asa take away the high places or not?

In the text

This chapter says he did. Asa "took away the foreign altars and the high places" (14:3), and "Also he took away out of all the cities of Judah the high places and the sun images" (14:5). The next chapter says, "But the high places were not taken away out of Israel; nevertheless the heart of Asa was perfect all his days" (15:17). 1 Kings, telling Asa's reign, says, "But the high places were not taken away. Nevertheless the heart of Asa was perfect with the LORD all his days" (1 Kings 15:14). In Hebrew, took away (14:3, 14:5) and taken away (15:17; 1 Kings 15:14) are the same verb, sur. 14:5 speaks of "all the cities of Judah", and 15:17 of "out of Israel"; 1 Kings 15:14 names no place. Neither book explains how these verses fit together, and these notes set them side by side without choosing. 1 Kings 15's honest question sets that chapter's verdict on Asa's heart beside what 2 Chronicles tells of him.

The verses

“for he took away the foreign altars and the high places, broke down the pillars, cut down the Asherah poles,”
2 Chronicles 14:3 · World English Bible
“Also he took away out of all the cities of Judah the high places and the sun images; and the kingdom was quiet before him.”
2 Chronicles 14:5 · World English Bible
“But the high places were not taken away out of Israel; nevertheless the heart of Asa was perfect all his days.”
2 Chronicles 15:17 · World English Bible
“But the high places were not taken away. Nevertheless the heart of Asa was perfect with the LORD all his days.”
1 Kings 15:14 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of 2 Chronicles 14

2 Chronicles 14: No one besides you to help

Asa's word for leaning on God, "we rely on you" (14:11), is the word Hanani later turns on him: "Because you have relied on the king of Syria, and have not relied on the LORD your God" (16:7). And his prayer ends not "against us" but "Don’t let man prevail against you" (14:11).

In Favor, questions like this come up right where they arise as you read, with the Hebrew and Greek behind the words and how the chapter leads to Jesus.

Start your free week2 Chronicles 14 Bible study

First week free, then $10 a month per person

More questions about 2 Chronicles 14

All questions about 2 Chronicles →

The best way to learn the Bible

Favor opens up every chapter as you read.

Favor is a Bible study app for your phone or computer. It takes you through the Bible one chapter at a time, a few minutes a day, and shows you what's really there: the words behind the words, the moments most people miss, and how the whole story fits together. For you. For everyone.

  • Every chapter explains itself

    As you read, short notes open up what's really going on, the details most readers walk past, and the honest questions people ask.

  • The Hebrew and Greek behind it

    Tap a highlighted word to see the original, how to say it, and what it means, checked against the original-language texts.

  • Every page leads to Jesus

    Watch promises made in Genesis kept in Jesus. Each line lights up on your map as you read.

  • Better together

    Read on your own, or start a Bible study with friends, family or your church. Answers stay sealed until you meet, then appear together.

  1. 1

    Start your free week

    Sign up in a minute with your email.

  2. 2

    Read a few minutes a day

    Each chapter opens itself up as you go. Tap what you're curious about.

  3. 3

    Bring your people, if you like

    Send one link. Everyone reads the same chapter, then meets to talk.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person

Questions like this, in every chapter

The best way to learn the Bible. For you. For everyone.

There's a seat for you at the table.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person · Log in

Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions