In the biblical narrative, groves, often associated with idol worship, are mentioned as significant elements in the religious practices that deviated from the worship of Yahweh. The term "groves" in the context of the Old Testament typically refers to the Asherah poles or sacred trees and wooden symbols dedicated to the Canaanite goddess Asherah. These were often set up alongside altars for Baal and other deities, representing a syncretism that was strictly forbidden in the Mosaic Law.

Manasseh's Reign and Idolatry

Manasseh, the son of Hezekiah, reigned as king of Judah and is noted for his extensive promotion of idolatry, which included the establishment of groves. His reign is detailed in 2 Kings 21 and 2 Chronicles 33, where his actions are described as evil in the sight of the Lord. Manasseh's idolatrous practices marked a significant departure from the reforms of his father, Hezekiah, who had worked to rid Judah of such pagan influences.

2 Kings 21:3-7 provides a vivid account of Manasseh's actions: "For he rebuilt the high places that his father Hezekiah had destroyed; he erected altars for Baal and made an Asherah pole, as Ahab king of Israel had done. He bowed down to all the host of heaven and served them. He built altars in the house of the LORD, of which the LORD had said, 'In Jerusalem I will put My Name.' In both courtyards of the house of the LORD, he built altars to all the host of heaven. He sacrificed his own son in the fire, practiced sorcery and divination, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did much evil in the sight of the LORD, provoking Him to anger. Manasseh even set up the carved image of Asherah in the temple, of which the LORD had said to David and to his son Solomon, 'In this temple and in Jerusalem, which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, I will establish My Name forever.'"

Religious and Cultural Implications

The planting of groves by Manasseh was not merely an act of idolatry but a profound cultural and religious shift that threatened the covenantal relationship between Yahweh and His people. The presence of these groves within the sacred precincts of the temple in Jerusalem was a direct violation of the first commandment, which forbids the worship of other gods (Exodus 20:3-5). This act of defilement was seen as a grave sin, leading to divine judgment upon Judah.

The groves symbolized the infiltration of Canaanite religious practices into the heart of Judah's worship, reflecting a broader pattern of apostasy that plagued the nation. Manasseh's actions were a catalyst for the eventual downfall of Judah, as they led the people away from the exclusive worship of Yahweh and into practices that were abominable in His sight.

Reform and Removal

Despite the deep-seated idolatry introduced by Manasseh, later reforms sought to eradicate these practices. His grandson, King Josiah, is noted for his zealous efforts to restore true worship in Judah. Josiah's reforms included the destruction of the high places and the removal of the Asherah poles, as recorded in 2 Kings 23:6 : "He brought the Asherah pole from the house of the LORD to the Kidron Valley outside Jerusalem, and there he burned it, ground it to powder, and threw its dust on the graves of the common people."

Josiah's actions were a direct response to the idolatry that had been institutionalized by Manasseh, reflecting a return to the covenantal faithfulness that was central to Israel's identity as God's chosen people. The removal of the groves was a symbolic and literal cleansing of the land, aimed at restoring the purity of worship that had been compromised by previous generations.2 Kings 21:3
For he built up again the high places which Hezekiah his father had destroyed; and he reared up altars for Baal, and made a grove, as did Ahab king of Israel; and worshipped all the host of heaven, and served them.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Jerusalem Sinner Saved;
... whom God had placed his name and worship, they were ... Down went the groves, the idols,
and altars of Baal ... forest, before they are cut down, and planted or placed ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the jerusalem sinner saved.htm

Beginning at Jerusalem. --Luke xxiv. 47.
... among whom God had placed his name and worship, they were ... Down went the groves, the
idols, and altars of Baal, and up ... man of blood and that made an idol to be ...
/.../bunyan/jerusalem sinner saved/beginning at jerusalem luke xxiv 47.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... was substituted, in place of the Common Prayer, A directory for the Publique Worship
of God ... tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... The doctrines are subtle; the ceremonial order of worship, loaded with strict
observances, is interrupted at every moment by laws prescribing minute details of ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

Who was Asherah / Ashtoreth? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Gehazi in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus