The term "priests of the high places" refers to religious leaders who officiated at altars and shrines located on elevated sites, known as "high places," throughout ancient Israel and Judah. These high places were often associated with idolatrous worship and were a significant point of contention in the religious history of the Israelites.

Biblical Context

High places (Hebrew: "bamot") were originally sites of worship that predated the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. They were often situated on hills or elevated areas and were used for sacrifices and offerings. While some high places were dedicated to Yahweh, many became centers for the worship of foreign gods, which was strictly prohibited by the Mosaic Law.

The priests who served at these high places were often not from the Levitical priesthood, which was the only priesthood sanctioned by God for the Israelites. Instead, these priests were appointed by various kings or local leaders, and their practices frequently deviated from the worship prescribed in the Torah.

Scriptural References

The Bible frequently condemns the high places and their priests. In 1 Kings 12:31, King Jeroboam of Israel is noted for establishing his own priesthood for the high places: "Jeroboam also built shrines on the high places and appointed from every class of people priests who were not Levites" . This act was a direct violation of God's command that only Levites could serve as priests (Numbers 3:10).

King Josiah of Judah is commended for his reforms, which included the destruction of high places and the removal of their priests. 2 Kings 23:5 states, "Then he removed the idolatrous priests appointed by the kings of Judah to burn incense on the high places of the cities of Judah and in the places all around Jerusalem—those who burned incense to Baal, to the sun and moon, to the constellations, and to all the host of heaven" .

Religious and Cultural Significance

The existence of high places and their priests highlights the ongoing struggle within Israel to maintain pure worship of Yahweh amidst the influence of surrounding pagan cultures. The high places often became syncretistic centers where elements of Canaanite religion were blended with Israelite practices, leading to spiritual corruption.

The prophets frequently spoke against the high places, urging the people to return to the worship of Yahweh alone. For instance, the prophet Hosea lamented the idolatry associated with these sites: "They sacrifice on the mountaintops and burn offerings on the hills, under oaks, poplars, and terebinths, because their shade is pleasant. So your daughters turn to prostitution and your daughters-in-law to adultery" (Hosea 4:13).

Theological Implications

The priests of the high places represent a departure from the divinely instituted order of worship. Their existence underscores the importance of adhering to God's commandments and the dangers of compromising with pagan practices. The repeated calls for the destruction of high places in the Old Testament serve as a reminder of the need for purity in worship and the centralization of religious practices in accordance with God's law.

The narrative of the high places and their priests is a testament to the ongoing battle between faithfulness to God and the temptation to conform to the world. It serves as a historical lesson on the consequences of disobedience and the importance of maintaining a covenant relationship with God.