2 Chronicles 17:6

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

Context:Before delving into the specific verse, it is essential to understand the context in which it is found. 2 Chronicles 17 is part of the account of the reign of Jehoshaphat, who was the fourth king of Judah after the kingdom was divided. This chapter highlights Jehoshaphat’s commitment to the Lord and his efforts to strengthen the kingdom of Judah spiritually.

• Jehoshaphat’s heart was lifted up in the ways of the LORD:The verse begins by emphasizing the spiritual posture of Jehoshaphat’s heart. It states that his heart was “lifted up in the ways of the LORD.” This phrase indicates that Jehoshaphat was devoted to following the commandments and instructions of the Lord. His heart was inclined towards God, and he sought to align his life and actions with the ways of the Lord.
• Removing the high places and groves:The verse goes on to mention that Jehoshaphat took away the high places and groves out of Judah. High places and groves were sites of idolatrous worship that had become prevalent in Judah during that time. The people had turned away from the worship of the true God and were engaging in practices contrary to God’s commands. Jehoshaphat recognised the significance of removing these idolatrous influences and sought to eradicate them from the land. This action was a clear demonstration of his commitment to the Lord and his desire to restore true worship.