Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, "groves" often refer to sacred trees or wooded areas associated with pagan worship practices. The Hebrew word "Asherah" is frequently translated as "grove" in older English versions of the Bible, and it denotes a wooden symbol or tree associated with the Canaanite goddess Asherah. The Israelites were explicitly commanded not to plant groves near the altar of the Lord, as these were linked to idolatrous practices that were abominable in the sight of God.Biblical Commandments and Prohibitions The command against planting groves near God's altar is found in Deuteronomy 16:21: "You shall not set up any wooden Asherah pole beside the altar you build for the LORD your God" . This directive underscores the importance of maintaining the purity of worship and the exclusivity of devotion to Yahweh. The presence of groves or Asherah poles near the altar would signify a syncretism of worship, blending the worship of the one true God with pagan practices, which was strictly forbidden. Historical Context and Significance In the ancient Near East, groves and Asherah poles were common in the religious practices of surrounding nations. These sites were often used for rituals and ceremonies dedicated to fertility deities. The Israelites, having been delivered from Egypt and entering a land filled with such practices, were repeatedly warned against adopting the religious customs of the Canaanites. The prohibition against groves near the altar served as a safeguard to prevent the corruption of Israelite worship and to ensure that their religious practices remained distinct and holy. Theological Implications The command to avoid planting groves near God's altar highlights the theological principle of God's holiness and the requirement for His people to worship Him in spirit and truth. The presence of groves would not only defile the sanctity of the altar but also lead the Israelites into idolatry, drawing them away from their covenant relationship with God. The exclusivity of worship is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, where God demands undivided allegiance and warns against the dangers of idolatry. Consequences of Disobedience Throughout the history of Israel, the failure to adhere to this command led to spiritual decline and judgment. The books of Kings and Chronicles recount instances where the Israelites erected high places and groves, provoking the Lord's anger. For example, 2 Kings 17:10-11 states, "They set up for themselves sacred pillars and Asherah poles on every high hill and under every green tree. They burned incense on all the high places like the nations that the LORD had driven out before them" . Such actions resulted in divine retribution, including exile and destruction. Reform and Restoration Periods of religious reform in Israel often involved the removal of groves and Asherah poles. Righteous kings like Hezekiah and Josiah took decisive actions to cleanse the land of idolatrous symbols and restore proper worship. 2 Kings 18:4 records Hezekiah's reforms: "He removed the high places, shattered the sacred pillars, and cut down the Asherah poles" . These reforms were seen as a return to covenant faithfulness and were met with divine favor. In summary, the biblical injunction against planting groves near God's altar serves as a powerful reminder of the need for purity in worship and the dangers of idolatry. It reflects the broader biblical narrative of God's call for His people to be set apart, devoted solely to Him, and to reject the practices of surrounding nations that lead to spiritual compromise. Torrey's Topical Textbook Deuteronomy 16:21You shall not plant you a grove of any trees near to the altar of the LORD your God, which you shall make you. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library How Ahab when He had Taken Jezebel to Wife Became More Wicked than ... Matt. xxi. 33-44. The Polity Settled by Moses; and How He Disappeared from among ... The Complaint: Or, Night Thoughts. A Discourse Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ... A Canticle of Love The Reaction against Egypt Memoir of John Bunyan The Pilgrim's Progress Resources Who was Asherah / Ashtoreth? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Gehazi in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Groves for Idol Worship Planted by Ahab Groves for Idol Worship Planted by Israelites Groves for Idol Worship Planted by Manasseh Groves of Canaanites, to be Destroyed Groves: Destroyed by Jehoshaphat Groves: Fondness of Israel For Groves: Forbidden to be Established Groves: God Promised to Wean Israel From Groves: Idols Were Worshipped In Groves: Not to be Planted Near God's Altar Groves: Often on Tops of Hills Groves: Often Used As Resting Places Groves: Punishment for Making and Serving Groves: Worshiped by Israelites Related Terms |
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