1 Kings 15:14 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

But the high places were not removed— This seems to be contradicted by 2 Chronicles 14:3 where we are told that Asa took away the altars of the strange gods, and the high places; but for the right understanding and reconciling this, we may observe, that there were two kinds of high places, the one tolerated for religious purposes, the other abominable from their first institution. The one frequented by devout worshippers, the other made the receptacle of the wicked and idolatrous only. Asa took away the latter; but those where God alone was worshipped had obtained so long, and were looked upon with so sacred a veneration, that, for fear of giving a general offence, though he knew they were contrary to a divine injunction, he would not venture to abolish them. The truth is, these high places were famous for some miraculous event; had either been places of abode for the ark of the Lord, or such as some prophet or patriarch of old had rendered venerable by his prayers and sacrifices; and therefore they were looked upon as consecrated to the service of God. However, when Hezekiah arose, he had the courage to effect a thorough reformation. See Calmet.