But the high places were not taken away. Nevertheless, the heart of Asa was wholly true to the LORD all his days.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Even though King Asa didn't manage to get rid of all the unauthorized worship sites, Scripture clarifies that his heart was fully devoted to God. This shows us that "wholly true" doesn't necessarily mean perfection, but a sincere, unwavering commitment to God, even amidst unfinished reforms. It's a powerful reminder that God sees the true intentions of our hearts, not just the outward results of our actions.
But the high places were not taken away. Nevertheless, the heart of Asa was wholly true to the LORD all his days.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Even though King Asa was a good king who did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, he didn't manage to get rid of all the unofficial worship spots scattered throughout the land. While the text praises his devotion, it also notes this significant imperfection that continued into his reign, a contrast that will be highlighted again in the following verses.
Even in times of spiritual renewal, the past can cast a long shadow. Asa's reign shows us that true change is a journey, not always an instant eradication.
The High Places
King Asa made significant strides in purging idolatry and establishing true worship. He removed the foreign altars and broke down the sacred pillars. Yet, the text pinpoints a specific failure: "the high places were not taken away." These were illicit worship sites, often associated with pagan practices but sometimes even co-opted for Yahweh worship in a syncretistic way.
This highlights a crucial reality: lasting reform is difficult. Deep-seated cultural and religious habits don't disappear overnight. It's a reminder that progress can be partial, and even godly leaders can have blind spots or incomplete victories.
What does it truly mean to have a 'wholehearted' heart towards God? Asa's story gives us a vital clue, suggesting it's not about flawless execution, but about the core intention.
The Measure of a Heart
The second part of the verse is key: "Nevertheless, the heart of Asa was wholly true to the LORD all his days." This is remarkable praise, especially given the imperfection just mentioned.
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Understand the original words
bamah · Hebrew Noun
Local sites of worship, often on hills, originally intended for sacrifice; they became centers of idolatrous syncretism where worship of Yahweh was mixed with pagan practices.
lebab · Hebrew Noun
The 'heart' is the seat of the inner man, including the intellect, emotions, will, and conscience. To be 'wholly' toward God signifies a state of complete devotion, integrity, and undivided allegiance.
The verse shows that even a king with a 'wholly true' heart could not fully eradicate deeply ingrained religious practices, reminding us that faithfulness is often a process of persistent effort rather than immediate, total victory.
c. 931 BC
Division of the Kingdom
After Solomon's reign, the united Kingdom of Israel split into two: the Northern Kingdom (Israel) and the Southern Kingdom (Judah). This division created ongoing political and religious tension.
c. 910-889 BC
Reign of Asa in Judah
Asa became king of Judah, a period marked by attempts at religious reform and conflict with the Northern Kingdom.
Undated, during Asa's reign
Asa's Religious Reforms
Asa actively removed idols and promoted the worship of Yahweh, even deposing his own grandmother for her idolatry. This highlights his commitment to pure worship.
Undated, during Asa's reign— this verse
The High Places Remain
Despite Asa's earnest efforts and genuine devotion to the LORD, the pervasive practice of worship at the high places, often syncretistic, was not eradicated. This was a persistent challenge for many Judahite kings.
c. 886-870 BC
Reign of Jehoshaphat
Asa's son, Jehoshaphat, continued his father's reforms, also facing the challenge of the enduring high places. Subsequent kings had varying success in addressing this issue.
This passage shows another king, Jehoash, who, like Asa, failed to remove the high places, even though he did do what was right in the eyes of the Lord.
2 Chronicles 15:17This parallel account emphasizes Asa's sincerity, stating that despite the high places remaining, his heart was fully devoted to God throughout his life.
Philippians 3:13-14Just as Asa's heart was true to the Lord despite imperfections, Paul speaks of pressing on toward the goal, forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, reflecting a continued pursuit of God's will.
1 Samuel 15:22This passage highlights that obedience is better than sacrifice, reminding us that while Asa's heart was true, the incomplete removal of the high places points to an area where obedience could have been more complete.
Even though King Asa didn't manage to get rid of all the unauthorized worship sites, Scripture clarifies that his heart was fully devoted to God. This shows us that "wholly true" doesn't necessarily mean perfection, but a sincere, unwavering commitment to God, even amidst unfinished reforms. It's a powerful reminder that God sees the true intentions of our hearts, not just the outward results of our actions.
Even though King Asa was a good king who did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, he didn't manage to get rid of all the unofficial worship spots scattered throughout the land. While the text praises his devotion, it also notes this significant imperfection that continued into his reign, a contrast that will be highlighted again in the following verses.
Even though King Asa was a good king who did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, he didn't manage to get rid of all the unofficial worship spots scattered throughout the land. While the text praises his devotion, it also notes this significant imperfection that continued into his reign, a contrast that will be highlighted again in the following verses.
"But the high places were not taken away. Nevertheless, the heart of Asa was wholly true to the LORD all his days." — Even though King Asa didn't manage to get rid of all the unauthorized worship sites, Scripture clarifies that his heart was fully devoted to God. This shows us that "wholly true" doesn't necessarily…
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Last reviewed October 2026