2 Chronicles 14:3

He removed the foreign altars and high places, shattered the sacred pillars, and chopped down the Asherah poles.

Study Bible

He removed the foreign altars
The phrase "He removed the foreign altars" signifies a decisive action taken by King Asa to purify the worship practices of Judah. The Hebrew root for "removed" is "סוּר" (sur), which means to turn aside or take away. This action reflects Asa's commitment to returning to the worship of Yahweh alone, rejecting the syncretism that had crept into the religious life of the nation. Historically, foreign altars were often associated with the worship of deities from surrounding nations, which were contrary to the covenantal relationship Israel had with God. Asa's removal of these altars demonstrates a return to covenant faithfulness and a rejection of idolatry.

and high places
The "high places" were elevated sites often used for worship, both legitimate and illegitimate. In the context of Asa's reforms, these high places were likely used for pagan worship. The Hebrew term "בָּמָה" (bamah) refers to these elevated sites. Archaeological findings have uncovered such high places, which were sometimes used for sacrifices and other religious rituals. Asa's destruction of these sites underscores his dedication to centralizing worship in Jerusalem, as prescribed in the Law of Moses, and eliminating any form of worship that could lead the people astray.

shattered the sacred pillars
The "sacred pillars" were stone monuments often associated with Canaanite religious practices. The Hebrew word "מַצֵּבָה" (matzevah) refers to these standing stones, which were sometimes erected in honor of deities. By shattering these pillars, Asa was not only physically destroying objects of idolatry but also symbolically breaking the spiritual strongholds they represented. This act of destruction aligns with the biblical mandate to demolish any form of idol worship, as seen in passages like Deuteronomy 12:3.

and chopped down the Asherah poles
The "Asherah poles" were wooden symbols associated with the worship of the Canaanite goddess Asherah. The Hebrew term "אֲשֵׁרָה" (Asherah) refers to these cultic objects. Asherah was often considered a consort of Baal, and her worship was prevalent among the Canaanites. By chopping down these poles, Asa was eradicating the physical representations of a false deity, thereby purifying the land from idolatrous practices. This action reflects a broader biblical theme of removing anything that competes with the worship of the one true God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Asa
Asa was the king of Judah who reigned for 41 years. He is noted for his religious reforms and efforts to return Judah to the worship of Yahweh.

2. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, consisting of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, over which Asa ruled.

3. Foreign Altars and High Places
These were sites of idol worship, often located on elevated ground, where the people of Judah had been worshiping foreign gods.

4. Sacred Pillars
These were stone structures associated with pagan worship, often representing deities.

5. Asherah Poles
Wooden symbols representing the goddess Asherah, commonly used in Canaanite religious practices.

Teaching Points

Commitment to Purity in Worship
Asa's actions demonstrate a commitment to purifying worship practices by removing idolatry. Believers today are called to examine and remove any idols or distractions that hinder true worship of God.

Courage in Leadership
Asa's reforms required courage and determination. Christian leaders are encouraged to stand firm in their convictions, even when it involves making difficult decisions.

Obedience to God's Commands
Asa's actions were in direct obedience to God's commands given to Israel. Christians are reminded of the importance of aligning their lives with biblical teachings.

Influence of Leadership
Asa's reforms had a significant impact on the spiritual direction of Judah. This highlights the influence leaders have on their communities and the importance of leading by example.

Renewal and Revival
Asa's actions led to a period of peace and prosperity in Judah. This serves as a reminder of the blessings that can follow when a community returns to faithful worship and obedience to God.

Bible Study Questions

1. What specific actions did Asa take to reform the worship practices in Judah, and how can we apply similar principles in our personal lives today?

2. How does Asa's commitment to removing idolatry challenge us to identify and eliminate modern-day idols in our lives?

3. In what ways can Christian leaders today demonstrate the same courage and determination that Asa showed in his reforms?

4. How do Asa's actions reflect obedience to God's commands, and what can we learn about the importance of obedience in our own spiritual journey?

5. What impact did Asa's reforms have on the kingdom of Judah, and how can we influence our communities towards spiritual renewal and revival?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 15:11-14
This passage parallels Asa's reforms, emphasizing his commitment to doing what was right in the eyes of the Lord, similar to his ancestor David.

Exodus 34:13
God commands the Israelites to tear down altars, break sacred pillars, and cut down Asherah poles, which Asa fulfills in his reforms.

Deuteronomy 12:2-3
This passage instructs the Israelites to destroy all places where the nations they dispossess worship their gods, aligning with Asa's actions.