1 Kings Chapter 15 · Verse 14
But the high places were not removed: nevertheless Asa's heart was perfect with the LORD all his days.
Original Language Analysis
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
2 of 12
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
רַ֣ק
H7535
רַ֣ק
Strong's:
H7535
Word #:
4 of 12
properly, leanness, i.e., (figuratively) limitation; only adverbial, merely, or conjunctional, although
הָיָ֥ה
H1961
הָיָ֥ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
7 of 12
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
שָׁלֵ֛ם
was perfect
H8003
שָׁלֵ֛ם
was perfect
Strong's:
H8003
Word #:
8 of 12
complete (literally or figuratively); especially friendly
עִם
H5973
עִם
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
9 of 12
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
יְהוָ֖ה
with the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
with the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
10 of 12
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Cross References
1 Kings 15:3And he walked in all the sins of his father, which he had done before him: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father.1 Kings 22:43And he walked in all the ways of Asa his father; he turned not aside from it, doing that which was right in the eyes of the LORD: nevertheless the high places were not taken away; for the people offered and burnt incense yet in the high places.1 Kings 8:61Let your heart therefore be perfect with the LORD our God, to walk in his statutes, and to keep his commandments, as at this day.2 Kings 12:3But the high places were not taken away: the people still sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places.2 Kings 14:4Howbeit the high places were not taken away: as yet the people did sacrifice and burnt incense on the high places.
Historical Context
First Kings was written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), reflecting on the monarchy period (10th-9th centuries BCE) to explain why the kingdoms fell. This period (c. 930-850 BCE) saw rapid succession and instability, especially in the northern kingdom.
Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this passage illustrate the importance of complete obedience to God's word without compromise?
- What does Elijah's ministry reveal about God's character and His commitment to His covenant people?
- How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?
Analysis & Commentary
But the high places were not removed: nevertheless Asa's heart was perfect with the LORD all his days.
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of kings of judah and israel: abijam, asa, nadab, baasha, within the book's focus on spiritual decline of both kingdoms under various rulers.
The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.