and Asherah poles
Asherah poles were wooden symbols associated with the Canaanite goddess Asherah, often erected near altars dedicated to Baal. These poles were a direct violation of God's commandments, as seen in Deuteronomy 16:21, which forbids the planting of any tree as an Asherah beside the altar of the Lord. The presence of these poles indicates a syncretism where the worship of Yahweh was mixed with pagan practices. This reflects the spiritual adultery of the people, as they turned to other gods, forsaking their covenant relationship with the Lord. The Asherah poles serve as a reminder of the seductive nature of idolatry and the need for spiritual purity.

by the green trees
The reference to "green trees" suggests locations that were considered sacred in pagan worship. These sites were often chosen for their natural beauty and were believed to be dwelling places of deities. In biblical times, high places and groves were commonly used for idol worship, as they were thought to be closer to the gods. This practice is condemned in various scriptures, such as 1 Kings 14:23, where it is noted that Judah built high places, sacred stones, and Asherah poles on every high hill and under every spreading tree. The use of green trees in idol worship highlights the corruption of God's creation for purposes contrary to His will.

and on the high hills
High hills were frequently chosen as sites for idol worship due to their elevation, which was thought to bring worshippers closer to the divine. This practice is repeatedly condemned in the Old Testament, as seen in 2 Kings 17:10-11, where the Israelites set up sacred stones and Asherah poles on every high hill. The high places became centers of idolatry and were a significant stumbling block for the people of Israel and Judah. The use of high hills for worship reflects a misunderstanding of God's omnipresence and a reliance on human traditions rather than divine commandments. This phrase serves as a call to return to the true worship of God, who is not confined to any location.

Jeremiah writes, “Even their children…” (Jeremiah 17:2). The indictment is generational.

• Sin has become so normalized that the youngest in the community can recount it. Compare the way in which “children… set wood” for idolatry in Jeremiah 7:18.

• God’s warning in Exodus 20:5—that iniquity is “visited” on the children when a family clings to sin—is playing out here.

• Psalm 106:6 admits, “We have sinned like our fathers”; the pattern repeats because the parents never break it.

The verb highlights an active, affectionate recollection, not a passing thought.

• Hosea 8:13 shows Israel “remembering” their altars with delight, while forgetting the LORD.

• In contrast, Isaiah 46:9 urges, “Remember the former things,” meaning God’s mighty acts. Judah is doing the opposite—remembering idols and forgetting God.

• Matthew 6:21 reminds us that whatever we continually call to mind reveals where our “treasure” truly lies.

These are handcrafted sites of Canaanite fertility worship.

• Deuteronomy 16:21 expressly forbids planting “any tree as an Asherah pole beside the altar of the LORD.” Judah has done exactly that, blending pagan symbols with supposed worship.

• 1 Kings 14:23 records Judah building “high places, sacred pillars, and Asherah poles on every high hill.” Jeremiah exposes how deeply those practices have become part of their identity.

• 2 Chronicles 24:18 notes that when the people served Asherah, “wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem,” underscoring the seriousness of this sin.

Shaded groves were viewed as sensual, life-giving spots—perfect stages for fertility rituals.

• Isaiah 57:5 pictures people “burning with lust among the oaks, under every green tree.”

• Ezekiel 6:13 says Israel set up idols “under every green tree,” confirming that this was not an isolated fad but a nationwide fixation.

• The pleasant setting masked the ugliness of idolatry, much as contemporary culture can cloak sin in attractive packaging.

Elevated places were thought to bring worshippers closer to the heavens.

• 1 Kings 3:2 notes that “the people were still sacrificing on the high places,” because Solomon’s temple had not yet redirected their worship. By Jeremiah’s day, that excuse was gone, yet the practice remained.

• 2 Kings 17:10–11 records Israel setting up pillars “on every high hill… and they burned incense on all the high places,” paralleling Judah’s conduct.

• Micah 1:3 warns that when the LORD “treads the high places of the earth,” those counterfeit shrines will crumble.

Jeremiah 17:2 paints a heartbreaking picture: idolatry so entrenched that even the children cherish it, recalling the exact spots—altars, Asherah poles, shady groves, lofty hills—where their nation betrays the LORD. The verse warns that tolerated sin becomes celebrated sin, crossing generational lines and inviting judgment. God’s people are called instead to remember Him, tear down every rival altar, and pass on a legacy of faithfulness rather than rebellion.

Groves.--i.e., as throughout the Old Testament, when connected with idolatry, the wooden columns that were the symbols of the Ph?nician goddess Asherah, possibly the same as Astarte (Exodus 34:13; Deuteronomy 16:21; 1Kings 14:23). The "green trees" suggested the thought of this worship--for the Asherah, though not a grove, was generally connected with one--as the "high hills" did that of the altars. Commonly the worship is described as "under every green tree." Here a different preposition is used, "on the green trees," connecting them with the verb "remember."