Topical Encyclopedia High places, often referred to in the Hebrew Bible, are elevated sites used for worship and religious rituals. These locations were frequently associated with the worship of various deities, including Yahweh in certain periods, but more commonly with Canaanite gods such as Baal and Asherah. The term "high places" translates from the Hebrew word "bamot," which denotes a raised platform or altar.Biblical References and Practices High places are mentioned numerous times throughout the Old Testament, often in the context of idolatrous practices that were condemned by the prophets and reforming kings of Israel and Judah. For instance, in 1 Kings 14:23 , it is noted, "For they also built for themselves high places, sacred pillars, and Asherah poles on every high hill and under every green tree." This passage highlights the common practice of establishing these sites in elevated or prominent locations, often accompanied by sacred groves or trees. The association of high places with groves, or "Asherah poles," is significant. Asherah was a Canaanite goddess, and her worship often involved the use of wooden symbols or poles set up near altars. These groves were considered sacred spaces, enhancing the spiritual atmosphere of the high places. The presence of trees or groves was believed to represent fertility and life, aligning with the nature of Canaanite religious practices. Reforms and Condemnations Throughout the history of Israel and Judah, high places were a focal point of religious reform. Kings such as Hezekiah and Josiah are noted for their efforts to eradicate these sites in an attempt to centralize worship in Jerusalem and purify the religious practices of the people. 2 Kings 18:4 records Hezekiah's reforms: "He removed the high places, shattered the sacred pillars, and cut down the Asherah poles." Similarly, Josiah's reforms are detailed in 2 Kings 23:13-14 , where he defiled the high places and broke down the altars. Despite these efforts, the high places often persisted, reflecting the deep-rooted nature of these practices among the people. The persistence of high places is frequently cited as a reason for divine judgment against Israel and Judah, as seen in passages like 2 Kings 17:10-11 , which describes the Israelites setting up high places and provoking the LORD to anger. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, the high places represent a recurring challenge to the covenantal relationship between God and His people. The use of high places for worship outside of the prescribed temple in Jerusalem was seen as a deviation from the commandments given to Moses. Deuteronomy 12:2-3 commands the Israelites to "destroy completely all the places on the high mountains, on the hills, and under every green tree where the nations you are dispossessing worship their gods." The struggle against the high places underscores the tension between syncretism and the call to exclusive worship of Yahweh. The prophets and reformers consistently called the people back to a pure and undivided devotion to God, free from the influences of surrounding pagan practices. Cultural and Historical Context In the ancient Near Eastern context, high places were not unique to Israel. Many cultures in the region utilized elevated sites for religious purposes, believing that such locations brought them closer to the divine. The Israelites' adoption and adaptation of these practices reflect the cultural exchanges and influences that occurred throughout their history. The presence of groves and Asherah poles at high places also highlights the integration of nature into religious worship, a common theme in ancient religions. The biblical narrative, however, consistently challenges these practices, emphasizing the distinctiveness of Israel's worship and the centrality of the Jerusalem temple as the sole legitimate place for sacrifices and offerings. In summary, high places surrounded with groves represent a complex aspect of Israel's religious history, marked by conflict, reform, and the ongoing call to faithfulness to the covenant with God. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Kings 14:23For they also built them high places, and images, and groves, on every high hill, and under every green tree. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library A Kingdom's Epitaph And Now we May Well Compare the Present with Former Things... Reform Perseverance of Saints. The Country of Jericho, and the Situation of the City. The Description of Jerusalem. Mission Tours. Book ii. Farewell Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... Resources Why is God described as God Most High? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of high places in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What was the biblical role of the high priest? | GotQuestions.org High: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics High Places of the Canaanites to be Destroyed High Places used for Idolatrous Worship High Places: A Term Used to Describe Places of Worship High Places: Adorned With Tapestry High Places: Built By Jeroboam High Places: Built By Manasseh High Places: Built By People of Israel High Places: Built By People of Judah High Places: Destroyed: Asa, Partially High Places: Destroyed: Hezekiah High Places: Destroyed: Jehoshaphat High Places: Destroyed: Josiah High Places: Enchantments Used Upon High Places: God Sometimes Worshipped On High Places: Hezekiah Destroys High Places: Jehoshaphat Destroys High Places: Licentious Practices At High Places: Not Removed: Amaziah High Places: Not Removed: Azariah High Places: Not Removed: Jehoash High Places: Not Removed: Jotham High Places: Priests Ordained For High Places: Sacrifices and Incense offered to Idols Upon High Places: Signify a Place of Idolatrous Worship High Places: Surrounded With Groves High Places: The Idolatrous, to be Destroyed High Places: The Jews: Built, in all Their Streets High Places: The Jews: Built, in Their Cities High Places: The Jews: Condemned for Building High Places: The Jews: Provoked God With High Places: The Jews: Punished For High Places: The Jews: Threatened With Destruction of The High Priest was Called: God's High Priest The High Priest was Called: Ruler of the People The High Priest was Called: The Priest The High Priest were for Beauty and Ornament The High Priest: Assisted by a Deputy The High Priest: Consecrated to his office The High Priest: Duties of Appointing Priests to offices The High Priest: Duties of Bearing Before the Lord the Names of Israel for a Memorial The High Priest: Duties of Blessing the People The High Priest: Duties of Consecrating the Levites The High Priest: Duties of Enquiring of God by Urim and Thummim The High Priest: Duties of Lighting the Sacred Lamps The High Priest: Duties of Making Atonement in the Most Holy Place Once a Year The High Priest: Duties of Offering Gifts and Sacrifices The High Priest: Duties of Presiding in the Superior Court The High Priest: Duties of Taking Charge of Money Collected in the Sacred Treasury The High Priest: Duties of Taking the Census of the People The High Priest: Family of Eli Degraded from office of, for Bad Conduct The High Priest: Forbidden to Mourn for Any The High Priest: Inferior to Christ in Being Made Without an Oath The High Priest: Inferior to Christ in Being of the Order of Aaron The High Priest: Inferior to Christ in Entering Into Holiest Every Year The High Priest: Inferior to Christ in Needing to Make Atonement for his own Sins The High Priest: Inferior to Christ in not Being Able to Continue The High Priest: Inferior to Christ in Offering oftentimes the Same Sacrifices The High Priest: Made by Divine Wisdom Given to Bezaleel The High Priest: Needed to Sacrifice for Himself The High Priest: Next in Rank to the King The High Priest: Office of, Made Annual by the Romans The High Priest: Office of, Promised to the Posterity of Phinehas for his Zeal The High Priest: Often Exercised Chief Civil Power The High Priest: Sometimes Deposed by the Kings The High Priest: Sometimes Enabled to Prophesy The High Priest: Special Garments of Breastplate The High Priest: Special Garments of Broidered Coat The High Priest: Special Garments of Ephod With Its Curious Girdle The High Priest: Special Garments of Girdle The High Priest: Special Garments of Linen Mitre The High Priest: Special Garments of Plate or Crown of Gold The High Priest: Special Garments of Robe of the Ephod The High Priest: Specially Called of God The High Priest: The Deputy of Called the Second Priest The High Priest: The Deputy of had Oversight of the Levites The High Priest: The Deputy of had Oversight of the Tabernacle The High Priest: The office of, Hereditary The High Priest: To be Tender and Compassionate The High Priest: To Marry a Virgin of Aaron's Family The High Priest: Typified Christ in Alone Entering Into Most Holy Place The High Priest: Typified Christ in Bearing the Names of Israel Upon his Heart The High Priest: Typified Christ in Being Called of God The High Priest: Typified Christ in Being Liable to Temptation The High Priest: Typified Christ in Blessing The High Priest: Typified Christ in Compassion and Sympathy for the Weak and Ignorant The High Priest: Typified Christ in His Appointment The High Priest: Typified Christ in His Title The High Priest: Typified Christ in Holiness of office The High Priest: Typified Christ in Interceding The High Priest: Typified Christ in Making Atonement The High Priest: Typified Christ in Marrying a Virgin The High Priest: Typified Christ in Performing by Himself all the Services on Day of Atonement The High Priest: Typified Christ in Splendid Dress The High Priest: Wore the Ordinary Priest's Garments when Making Atonement In The High Priest: Worn at his Consecration The High Priest: Worn at his Consecration: Descended to his Successors The High Priest: Worn at his Consecration: Worn Seven Days After Consecration Related Terms |
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