2 Chronicles 28:4

And he sacrificed and burned incense on the high places, on the hills, and under every green tree.

Study Bible

And he sacrificed and burned incense on the high places
This phrase refers to the practices of King Ahaz of Judah, who engaged in idolatrous worship. The "high places" were elevated sites often used for worship, both for Yahweh and for pagan deities. These locations were typically chosen for their height, symbolizing a closer proximity to the divine. In the context of Israelite history, high places were initially used for legitimate worship before the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. However, they became associated with idolatry and syncretism, as seen in Ahaz's reign. This practice was condemned by the prophets and was contrary to the centralized worship that God commanded in Deuteronomy 12:2-5. The use of high places for idol worship was a recurring issue in the history of Israel and Judah, leading to spiritual decline.

on the hills
The mention of "hills" emphasizes the widespread nature of Ahaz's idolatry. Hills were often chosen for worship due to their natural elevation, which was thought to bring worshippers closer to the gods. This practice was common among the Canaanites, whose religious customs influenced the Israelites. The use of hills for pagan worship was a direct violation of God's command to destroy such sites (Numbers 33:52). The persistence of this practice highlights the challenge of maintaining pure worship amidst surrounding pagan cultures. It also reflects the failure of the kings of Judah to lead the nation in faithfulness to God.

and under every green tree
The phrase "under every green tree" is a common biblical expression denoting widespread idolatry. Green trees, often associated with fertility and life, were used in Canaanite religious practices, particularly in the worship of Asherah, a fertility goddess. This imagery is used in several prophetic books (e.g., Isaiah 57:5, Jeremiah 2:20) to describe the pervasive nature of Israel's unfaithfulness. The use of trees in idol worship was not only a physical act but also symbolized spiritual adultery against God. This practice was a direct affront to the covenant relationship between God and Israel, as it involved adopting the religious customs of the surrounding nations. The reference to "every green tree" underscores the extent of Ahaz's apostasy and the nation's departure from the worship of Yahweh.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ahaz
The king of Judah during this time, known for his idolatrous practices and turning away from the worship of Yahweh.

2. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, where Ahaz reigned. It was meant to be a place of worship for Yahweh but was led astray by Ahaz.

3. High Places
Elevated sites often used for idol worship, contrary to the centralized worship in Jerusalem as commanded by God.

4. Hills and Green Trees
Common locations for pagan rituals and idol worship, symbolizing the widespread nature of Ahaz's apostasy.

5. Idolatry
The central event and sin in this passage, where Ahaz led the people away from God to worship false gods.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Idolatry
Idolatry leads to spiritual decay and separation from God. Ahaz's actions serve as a warning against allowing anything to take God's rightful place in our lives.

The Importance of Obedience
God desires obedience to His commands. Ahaz's failure to follow God's instructions regarding worship highlights the importance of adhering to God's Word.

Leadership and Influence
Leaders have a significant impact on the spiritual direction of their people. Ahaz's idolatry led Judah astray, reminding us of the responsibility leaders have to guide others toward God.

The Consequences of Sin
Sin has consequences, both personally and communally. Ahaz's idolatry brought judgment upon Judah, illustrating the broader impact of personal sin.

The Call to Repentance
Despite Ahaz's unfaithfulness, God's call to repentance remains open. This passage encourages us to turn back to God, no matter how far we have strayed.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Ahaz's idolatry reflect the spiritual state of Judah during his reign, and what can we learn from this about the influence of leadership?

2. In what ways do modern "high places" or idols manifest in our lives today, and how can we actively work to remove them?

3. How does the command in Deuteronomy 12 to destroy high places relate to our call to eliminate sin from our lives?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure our worship remains centered on God and not on worldly influences?

5. How can we encourage repentance and a return to God in our communities, drawing from the lessons learned from Ahaz's reign?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 12:2-3
God commands the Israelites to destroy the high places and not worship as the pagans do, highlighting the disobedience of Ahaz.

1 Kings 14:23
Similar practices of idol worship under every green tree are mentioned, showing a recurring pattern of sin in Israel's history.

Isaiah 1:29-30
Isaiah condemns the people for their idolatry under the oaks and gardens, which parallels the practices of Ahaz.

Jeremiah 2:20
Jeremiah speaks against Israel's idolatry under every green tree, reinforcing the theme of unfaithfulness to God.