King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 19:3 Mean?

“Nevertheless 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.”

Context

And Jehoshaphat the king of Judah returned to his house in peace to Jerusalem.

And Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and said to king Jehoshaphat, Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the LORD? therefore is wrath upon thee from before the LORD.

Nevertheless 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.

And Jehoshaphat dwelt at Jerusalem: and he went out again through the people from Beersheba to mount Ephraim, and brought them back unto the LORD God of their fathers. he went: Heb. he returned and went out

And he set judges in the land throughout all the fenced cities of Judah, city by city,

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(3) **Nevertheless.**—Yet the Divine wrath will not pursue thee to destruction, for *there are good things found in thee.* (So 2Chronicles 12:12; comp. also 1Kings 14:13.) **Thou hast taken away the groves.**—*Thou hast consumed* (or *exterminated* )* the Ashērahs.* (Deuteronomy 13:6; 2Kings 23:24.) So Asa had done (2Chronicles 17:4). (*Ashērôth,* as equivalent to *Ashērîm,* recurs in 2Chronicles 33:3 and in Judges 3:7 only.) **And hast prepared.**—Or, *directed.* The contrary was said of Rehoboam (2Chronicles 12:14.)

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Chronicles 19:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.