Charles Ellicott Commentary 2 Chronicles 15:17

"But the high places were not taken away out of Israel: nevertheless the heart of Asa was perfect all his days." — 2 Chronicles 15:17 (ASV)

But the high places were not taken away. — See the notes on 2 Chronicles 14:3 and 2 Chronicles 14:5. An explanation of the discrepancy has been suggested there, but perhaps a better one may be stated as follows: the former passage relates what the good king had resolved and attempted to accomplish; the present one records his lack of success, owing to the obstinate attachment of his people to their old sanctuaries.

A similar explanation applies to the apparent contradiction of 2 Chronicles 17:6 by 2 Chronicles 20:33.

Out of Israel. — Not in Kings. The southern kingdom is meant.

The heart of Asa was perfect. — Kings adds, with Jehovah. The meaning is that, though he failed to get rid of the high places, Asa himself was always faithful to the lawful worship of the Temple. (Compare to 1 Chronicles 28:9.)