Topical Bible: High Places: Aven

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Topical Encyclopedia

Definition and Etymology:
The term "Aven" in the context of high places refers to locations associated with idolatrous worship and practices condemned in the Hebrew Scriptures. The word "Aven" itself means "vanity" or "iniquity," highlighting the emptiness and sinful nature of the worship conducted there. In the Bible, Aven is often used to denote places of false worship and idolatry, contrasting with the worship of Yahweh, the one true God.

Biblical References:
Aven is mentioned in several passages, often in the context of judgment against idolatrous practices. One notable reference is found in the book of Hosea, where the prophet condemns the idolatry of Israel. Hosea 10:8 states, "The high places of Aven, the sin of Israel, will be destroyed; thorns and thistles will grow over their altars. Then they will say to the mountains, 'Cover us!' and to the hills, 'Fall on us!'"

Another reference is found in Amos 1:5 , which declares judgment upon Damascus: "I will break the gate bar of Damascus; I will cut off the ruler of the Valley of Aven and the scepter of Beth-eden. The people of Aram will be exiled to Kir," says the LORD.

Historical and Cultural Context:
High places, including those referred to as Aven, were elevated sites where ancient peoples often engaged in religious rituals. These locations were typically chosen for their height, which was believed to bring worshippers closer to the divine. However, in the context of Israel, high places became synonymous with syncretism and the worship of foreign gods, which was strictly forbidden by the Mosaic Law.

The Israelites were repeatedly warned against adopting the religious practices of the surrounding nations, which included the use of high places for idol worship. Despite these warnings, the allure of these practices often led Israel into spiritual adultery, provoking the anger of God and resulting in prophetic declarations of judgment.

Theological Significance:
From a theological perspective, the high places of Aven symbolize the human tendency to deviate from true worship and pursue idolatry. They serve as a reminder of the consequences of forsaking God's commandments and the importance of maintaining purity in worship. The destruction of these high places, as prophesied by the prophets, underscores God's desire for exclusive devotion and the eradication of idolatry from among His people.

The high places of Aven also illustrate the broader biblical theme of the struggle between true and false worship. They highlight the need for discernment and faithfulness in the life of believers, calling them to reject the empty promises of idolatry and to remain steadfast in their commitment to God.

Conclusion:
The high places of Aven, as depicted in the Bible, serve as a powerful symbol of the dangers of idolatry and the importance of adhering to the worship of the one true God. Through the prophetic warnings and judgments pronounced upon these sites, the Scriptures call believers to a life of holiness and devotion, free from the entanglements of false worship.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hosea 10:8
The high places also of Aven, the sin of Israel, shall be destroyed: the thorn and the thistle shall come up on their altars; and they shall say to the mountains, Cover us; and to the hills, Fall on us.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

'Fruit which is Death'
... and Israel shall be ashamed of his own counsel.7. As for Samaria, her king is cut
off as the foam upon the water.8. The high places also of Aven, the sin of ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/fruit which is death.htm

Friendship; Or, David and Jonathan
... written by a man who knew the place"who had probably been in the great battle of
Beth-aven, which followed ... 'O Jonathan, thou wast slain in thine high places. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/david/sermon v friendship or david.htm

Achan's Sin, Israel's Defeat
... Israel.2. And Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is beside Beth-aven, on
the ... He was stoned to death, but we set our Achans in high places in the Church. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/achans sin israels defeat.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... viii.14) and Hosea (x.5), where Bethel is called Beth-aven; as to ... Nevertheless this
multiplicity of high places was not without its dangers; it led the common ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm