MPV Commentary

Asa Destroys Idolatry.

1. During Asa's reign, the land experienced ten years of peace, a continuation of the lasting impact from the great battle at Zemaraim (compare 1 Kings 15:11-14).

2. Asa did what was good and right in God's sight (compare 1 Kings 15:14). However, his character and life were not without flaws (2 Chronicles 16:7, 10, 12).

3. He tore down the images of Baal (see 2 Chronicles 34:4; Leviticus 26:30), which included the Asherim.

5. Asa removed the high places where idolatrous rituals took place from all cities in Judah. He also destroyed the idols that were present in these locations, including those in Jerusalem and other cities throughout his kingdom. Notably, however, he allowed to remain the high places where God was worshipped under the figure of an ox, such as at Beth-el (1 Kings 15:14), indicating that the reformation was not yet complete.