And his heart was lifted up in the ways of the LORD: moreover he took away the high places and idol poles out of Judah.
Read Chapter 17
George Leo Haydock
AD 1849
When. Hebrew, "And his heart was elevated in the ways of the Lord. "He was endued with courage to undertake the great work of banishing all abuses out of his dominions, seeing that the people were well affected, and the Lord urged him forward. (Haydock)
He trusted no so much to his great army or riches, as to a good conscience, (Tirinus) which made him fear no difficulties; (1 John iii. 21,) doubting not but God would grant him success, as he endeavoured to keep his laws. (Calmet)
Groves of idols, (Menochius) though he tolerated the high places, which had been consecrated to God, chap. xx. 33., and 3 Kings xxii. 43. (Haydock)
Good works, rewarded by God, encouraged people to proceed in virtue. (Worthington)
Of Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, it is written, “And the Lord was with Jehoshaphat, who walked in the first ways of David, his father.” From this it is clear that Jehoshaphat possessed the justice that David first possessed and that he did not commit the sins that David later committed. “He trusted not in Baalim,” he says, “but in the God of his father and walked in his commandments, and not according to the sins of Israel. And the Lord established the kingdom in his hand and all Judah brought presents to Jehoshaphat. And he acquired immense wealth and riches and much glory.” “And when his heart had taken courage for the ways of the Lord, he took away also the high places and the groves out of Judah.” - "Against the Pelagians 2.21"
