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.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּגְבַּ֥הּ
was lifted up
H1361
וַיִּגְבַּ֥הּ
was lifted up
Strong's:
H1361
Word #:
1 of 11
to soar, i.e., be lofty; figuratively, to be haughty
לִבּ֖וֹ
And his heart
H3820
לִבּ֖וֹ
And his heart
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
2 of 11
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
בְּדַרְכֵ֣י
in the ways
H1870
בְּדַרְכֵ֣י
in the ways
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
3 of 11
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 11
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וְע֗וֹד
H5750
וְע֗וֹד
Strong's:
H5750
Word #:
5 of 11
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
הֵסִ֛יר
moreover he took away
H5493
הֵסִ֛יר
moreover he took away
Strong's:
H5493
Word #:
6 of 11
to turn off (literally or figuratively)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Cross References
Psalms 119:1Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.Hosea 14:9Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the LORD are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein.2 Chronicles 15:17But the high places were not taken away out of Israel: nevertheless the heart of Asa was perfect all his days.2 Chronicles 20:33Howbeit the high places were not taken away: for as yet the people had not prepared their hearts unto the God of their fathers.Psalms 138:5Yea, they shall sing in the ways of the LORD: for great is the glory of the LORD.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.2 Chronicles 19:3Nevertheless there are good things found in thee, in that thou hast taken away the groves out of the land, and hast prepared thine heart to seek God.
Historical Context
Jehoshaphat's reforms (c. 872 BCE) followed his father Asa's partial reforms, completing what Asa left undone. His courage in God's ways led to teaching the Law throughout Judah (17:7-9), showing that reformation requires both removing falsehood and establishing truth.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'high places' - competing allegiances or idols - does God call you to courageously remove from your life?
- How does being 'lifted up' (encouraged) in God's ways produce boldness to address sin rather than accommodate it?
Analysis & Commentary
King Jehoshaphat's spiritual disposition: 'And his heart was lifted up in the ways of the LORD: moreover he took away the high places and groves out of Judah.' The phrase 'heart was lifted up in the ways of the LORD' (gabah libo b'darkhei YHWH) means emboldened or encouraged - his heart rose with courage for God's ways. This contrasts with pride (heart lifted up against God). True spiritual courage produces reforming action - removing idolatrous high places and Asherah groves. This demonstrates that genuine spiritual vitality manifests in removing sin and false worship, not merely adding religious activities. Christ calls disciples to both positive pursuit of righteousness and negative removal of sin.