Definition: And 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Kings 22:43. It’s a really important part of understanding some of the story of King David and his reign. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a situation where King David was completely devoted to following God’s commands, even when it meant defying tradition and established practices. He wasn’t just generally good; he was utterly committed to doing what God said. Let's unpack it word by word: “And he walked in all the ways of Asa his father…” – This refers to King David’s entire life, his actions, and his choices. It means he consistently followed the principles and laws established by King Asa, David’s father. “…he turned not aside from it, doing [that which was] right in the eyes of the LORD:” - This is the key part. “Turning aside” means deviating from what God commanded. But this verse says he did exactly what God asked him to do – he followed His laws and directions without question. “nevertheless the high places were not taken away:” – "High places" refers to temples and sacred spaces where incense and offerings were made. The phrase “nevertheless” means that even though the tradition of burning incense was still in place, it wasn’t completely removed. “[for] the people offered and burnt incense yet in the high places.” - This is where it gets interesting. The people – including King David – were offering incense (a fragrant mixture used in worship). However, they were doing it within the temples, specifically within the elevated spaces of the high places. So, what does this all mean? It's a complex story about: David’s unwavering devotion: David was deeply devoted to God and his purpose. He wasn’t just following rules; he was living them. The tension between tradition and divine will: The verse highlights the conflict between ancient traditions (like the practice of burning incense) and God's direct instructions. A shift in focus: It suggests that David ultimately prioritized God’s will above all else, even when it meant challenging established practices. In essence, this verse describes a period where David was so completely absorbed in following God’s laws that he didn’t fully abandon the traditions of his time. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this passage? Discuss the context of this verse within the larger story of David's life and his relationship with God?