Old Testament
2 Chronicles 15:8
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
When Asa heard these words and the prophecy of Oded the prophet, he took courage. He removed the abominable idols from all the land of Judah and Benjamin, and from the cities he had captured in the hill country of Ephraim. Then he restored the altar of the LORD that stood in front of the LORD's temple porch.
Compare translations
And when Asa heard these words, and the prophecy of Oded the prophet, he took courage, and put away the abominable idols out of all the land of Judah and Benjamin, and out of the cities which he had taken from mount Ephraim, and renewed the altar of the LORD, that was before the porch of the LORD.
What 2 Chronicles 15:8 means
Plain-English insight for readers
When King Asa heard the encouraging words from the prophet Oded, he felt a surge of courage. This prompted him to take decisive action against the idols that had been worshipped in Judah and Benjamin. Asa recognized that these idols were offensive and harmful to his people. He didn’t just stop at removing the idols; he also focused on restoring the altar of the LORD. This altar was a symbol of worship and connection to God, and it had fallen into disrepair. By restoring it, Asa was making a statement about the importance of true worship. His actions reflected a commitment to lead his people back to a right relationship with God. Asa’s courage and determination to cleanse the land set a powerful example for future generations. It shows that when we hear truth, we can find the strength to make necessary changes in our lives and communities, prioritizing what truly matters over distractions and false beliefs. This moment marked a significant turning point for Asa and his kingdom.
How to apply 2 Chronicles 15:8 to your life
When faced with difficult choices, we can find courage in truth. Like Asa, we should evaluate what distracts us from our values and take steps to remove those distractions. Restoring our focus on what truly matters can lead to personal growth and deeper connections with others and God. Make a commitment to prioritize your values today.
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 15:8
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 15:8
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 15:8 mean?
2 Chronicles 15:8 describes King Asa's response to the prophet Oded's message. It highlights Asa's courage to remove idols from Judah and Benjamin and restore the altar of the LORD, symbolizing a commitment to true worship and a right relationship with God.
What is the significance of removing idols in 2 Chronicles 15:8?
Removing idols in 2 Chronicles 15:8 signifies Asa's dedication to purifying the worship practices in his kingdom. It reflects the importance of eliminating distractions that lead people away from true worship and devotion to God.
What does restoring the altar mean in 2 Chronicles 15:8?
Restoring the altar in 2 Chronicles 15:8 represents Asa's effort to re-establish proper worship and connection with God. It emphasizes the need for a physical and spiritual renewal in the community's relationship with the LORD.
How does 2 Chronicles 15:8 relate to leadership?
2 Chronicles 15:8 illustrates effective leadership through Asa's decisive actions to remove idols and restore worship. It shows that a good leader takes bold steps to guide their people back to values that honor God.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.