Old Testament
2 Chronicles 15:17
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
But the high places were not removed from Israel; however, Asa's heart was perfect all his days.
Compare translations
But the high places were not taken away out of Israel: nevertheless the heart of Asa was perfect all his days.
What 2 Chronicles 15:17 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, we learn about King Asa of Judah. Despite his good intentions and a heart devoted to God, he did not remove the high places where people worshipped other gods. This shows that even a faithful leader can have shortcomings. Asa's commitment to God was genuine, and he remained faithful throughout his life. However, the presence of these high places indicates that not all of Israel followed his example. It highlights the struggle between true devotion and the influence of surrounding practices. Asa's heart was perfect, meaning he sought to do what was right, but the challenges of his environment remained. This teaches us that our personal faith can be strong, yet we may still face obstacles that we cannot control. It encourages us to focus on our relationship with God, even when things around us are not ideal. Our journey of faith is personal, and we can strive for integrity despite external influences that may linger in our lives. We can learn from Asa's example to remain committed to our beliefs.
How to apply 2 Chronicles 15:17 to your life
Reflect on your own life and identify any 'high places' that may distract you from your faith. Commit to focusing on your relationship with God, even if certain challenges remain. Remember that your heart's intention matters, and strive to live with integrity every day. Seek support from others who share your values to strengthen your journey of faith. Embrace the process of growth and transformation in your spiritual life as you navigate these challenges.
Curated for this public verse page. 2 Chronicles Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Noah's story: Noah Is Born (Genesis 5:28–32)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Noah
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shechem
Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about 2 Chronicles 15:17
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying 2 Chronicles 15:17
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of 2 Chronicles
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Ezra
- Written
- Around 430 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Post-exilic Jews
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 2 Chronicles 15:17 teach about King Asa's faith?
2 Chronicles 15:17 highlights King Asa's genuine devotion to God, indicating that he maintained a perfect heart throughout his reign. Despite his commitment, he failed to remove the high places where idolatry occurred, showing that even faithful leaders can have shortcomings. This verse teaches us that personal faith can be strong, yet external challenges may persist, reminding us to focus on our relationship with God.
Why didn't Asa remove the high places in Israel?
Asa did not remove the high places in Israel despite his devotion to God, which suggests that he faced significant challenges in influencing the entire nation. The high places were sites of worship for other gods, and their presence indicates a struggle between Asa's reforms and the ingrained practices of the people. This reflects the difficulty leaders often face in changing deeply rooted traditions and beliefs.
What are the 'high places' mentioned in this verse?
The 'high places' refer to elevated sites where people worshipped various deities, often in opposition to the worship of Yahweh. In ancient Israel, these locations were associated with idolatry and pagan practices. Their existence during Asa's reign signifies the ongoing struggle between true worship of God and the influence of surrounding cultures that promoted alternative religious practices.
How can we apply Asa's example to our lives today?
Asa's example encourages us to examine our own lives for 'high places'—distractions or influences that may hinder our faith. We can strive to maintain a sincere relationship with God while recognizing that challenges may remain. By focusing on our intentions and seeking support from like-minded individuals, we can navigate our spiritual journey with integrity, even in the face of external pressures.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.