Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical narrative, high places refer to elevated sites where worship, often idolatrous, was conducted. These locations were frequently associated with the worship of foreign gods and were a persistent issue in the religious life of ancient Israel and Judah. Despite various reforms by some kings, the high places often remained a stumbling block in the nation's fidelity to Yahweh.
Jehoash, also known as Joash, was a king of Judah who reigned in the 9th century BC. His account is primarily recorded in the books of 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles. Jehoash ascended to the throne as a child after being hidden from the murderous rampage of Athaliah, who sought to destroy the royal line of David. Under the guidance of Jehoiada the priest, Jehoash initially did what was right in the eyes of the LORD.
2 Kings 12:2-3 states: "All his days Jehoash did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, because Jehoiada the priest instructed him. Nevertheless, the high places were not removed; the people continued sacrificing and burning incense there."
This passage highlights a significant aspect of Jehoash's reign. While he was commended for his adherence to the LORD's ways during the lifetime of Jehoiada, he failed to eliminate the high places. The persistence of these sites of worship indicates a partial reform, where the centralization of worship in Jerusalem was not fully realized. The people continued to offer sacrifices and burn incense at these high places, which was contrary to the Deuteronomic law that prescribed worship solely at the temple in Jerusalem (
Deuteronomy 12:13-14).
The failure to remove the high places under Jehoash's rule is emblematic of a broader pattern seen throughout the history of the kings of Judah and Israel. Despite efforts to maintain covenantal faithfulness, the allure of syncretism and the convenience of local worship sites often led to incomplete reforms. This neglect allowed for the continued practice of idolatry and the blending of Yahwistic worship with pagan customs, which ultimately contributed to the spiritual decline of the nation.
Jehoash's reign, therefore, serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by the kings of Judah in leading the people towards exclusive worship of Yahweh. The high places, left intact, symbolize the ongoing struggle between covenant fidelity and cultural assimilation, a theme that resonates throughout the biblical narrative.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
2 Kings 12:3But the high places were not taken away: the people still sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
CHAP. I. -II. 3 (II. 1).
... and thou shalt tread upon their high places." Calvin says ... The explanation given by
some, "I shall not be among ... was very angry with Israel, and removed them out ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/chap i -ii 3 ii 1.htm
Introductory Note.
... Allix places his birth about 145 or 150; his conversion ... his father was bishop, and
of high character both ... been written at Carthage, at an age not far removed ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/apology/introductory note.htm
The Prophet Joel.
... 18 ff.; 2 Chronicles 24:23 ff., took place under Jehoash. ... the form of locusts,"and
that this is not only on ... in ver.9 by the words: "The high places of Isaac ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the prophet joel.htm
Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... God is, according to him, widely removed from ordinary humanity. ... Nevertheless this
multiplicity of high places was not without its dangers; it led the ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm
The Antiquities of the Jews
... Much Money; On Which Account He Would Not Admit Of ... 3. How Herod Upon His Making
Aristobulus High Priest Took ... How He Built And Adorned Many Other Places After A ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/the antiquities of the jews/
Resources
What does it mean that Jesus is our High Priest? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is meant by High Church and Low Church? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Jesus' High Priestly Prayer? | GotQuestions.orgHigh: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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