Reflections: Taking out the high places

I’m regularly amazed by the relatability of Old Testament stories of kings, prophets and sometimes unsung heroes. This week, it was the 2 Chronicles account of King Jehoshaphat assuming the kingship in Judah after the split of the nation of Israel into northern and southern kingdoms. Chapter 17, verse 6 tells us, “And [Jehoshaphat’s] heart took delight in the ways of the Lord; furthermore, he removed the high places and Asherah poles from Judah” (BSB).  

That may seem contradictory to 1 Kings 22:43, “The high places, however, were not removed; the people still sacrificed and burned incense on the high places.” However, it makes more sense after realizing that 1) the Chronicler was emphasizing certain points to encourage returning exiles many years later, and 2) there was more than one kind of “high place.” 

Some Israelite kings had compromised with pagan surrounding nations and allowed worship of pagan deities and constructing “high places” for idols, something God had strictly forbidden. This was often due to intermarriages and alliances with those nations, also forbidden in God’s Law; those things eventually led to the exile. However, for the sake of convenience, worship and sacrifice to God had also been permitted in other “high places”—well-meant, perhaps, but not God’s plan. Scholars believe such worship was likely not led by qualified priests and not accompanied by the reading of God’s Law. The Chronicles account emphasizes that Jehoshaphat was on the right track, ridding the nation of actual pagan worship, but perhaps he hadn’t yet fully implemented worship according to God’s commands. This gives perspective for his later unwise decision to ally with Ahab, which the Chronicler did record, and also sets the scene for the importance of Ezra’s reading the Law to the returning exiles regarding worship at the reconstructed Temple. 

That’s where it gets relatable for me. How often, as Christian believers, do we focus on getting rid of “obvious” sin and wrong choices, but fail to continue seeking God in the daily smaller choices we must all make? Maybe becoming lax in our prayer time, hoping to catch up on a less busy day? Bypassing an opportunity to speak out on an issue because we don’t want to “get too political” or offend an acquaintance? Or just doing what seems expedient without truly seeking God about whether it’s a good idea? In the larger picture, it’s sad to see some churches that formerly held biblical positions, now compromising on some issues. 

The good news is, Jehoshaphat did keep learning! It took a scare: After recognizing a bad prophetic word and asking for a true prophet of God, he still let himself be talked into going to battle against God’s command and narrowly escaped death. But he learned from the experience, obeyed God next time, and saw a major victory. And when I make mistakes, I’m so thankful God doesn’t give up on me! The Holy Spirit is still there to guide me when I earnestly ask Him. 

The New Testament emphasizes continued growth, as well: Second Peter 1 tells us that God’s power has given us “everything we need” (v. 3), but that we must “make every effort” (v. 5) to grow in godliness. Paul writes in Galatians 5 about the fruit of the Spirit, but developing that fruit doesn’t happen overnight, and Paul also cautions his readers to be vigilant against “yeast,” harmful practices or beliefs that can creep in. 

Many of us are concerned, and rightly so, about the larger picture of leadership in our churches, communities and nation. But it starts with each one of us, and Jehoshaphat’s story is a reminder to stay committed to prayer, obeying God’s clear commands and speaking up when we have the opportunity.