Definition: But the high places were not taken away out of Israel: nevertheless the heart of Asa was perfect all his days.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 15:17. It’s a really important and slightly unsettling passage about leadership and obedience. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that while Asa, the king of Israel, didn’t remove the high places (which were temples dedicated to idols), his heart – his true spirit and intentions – was still perfect throughout his reign. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “But the high places were not taken away out of Israel…” This means Asa wasn’t actively removing the temples. He wasn’t building them down or destroying them. He simply didn't prioritize them. “…yetherefore the heart of Asa was perfect all his days.” This is the key part. “Perfect all his days” means that Asa’s actions, his thoughts, and his overall character were consistently good and righteous. What does this suggest? It suggests a few things: He wasn't focused on idolatry: Asa was likely prioritizing the worship of God above all else. His focus was on the relationship with Him, not on making idols or engaging in superstitious practices. He had integrity and moral strength: A "perfect heart" implies a strong sense of right and wrong, a deep commitment to God’s will, and a genuine desire to follow His commands. Important Context – Why it's significant: This verse is often interpreted as a warning against Asa’s actions. The high places were associated with idolatry and wickedness. Asa's reign was marked by a focus on the proper worship of God, which is what this verse suggests he ultimately prioritized. It highlights the importance of spiritual leadership – it’s not just about what you do, but how you do it. In short: Asa wasn't trying to eliminate the temples, but his heart was perfectly aligned with God’s will throughout his reign. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss a specific aspect of this verse in more detail (like its historical context)?