Topical Bible: Idolatry: Objects of, Worshipped: On High Places

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In the biblical context, idolatry refers to the worship of idols or images as gods, which is strictly prohibited by the commandments given to the Israelites. High places, often elevated sites such as hills or mountains, were frequently used for idol worship in ancient times. These locations were chosen for their perceived proximity to the divine, making them significant in the practice of idolatry.

The Old Testament provides numerous accounts of high places being used for the worship of foreign gods, which was a persistent issue for the Israelites. Despite God's clear instructions to worship Him alone, the allure of high places often led the people astray.

Biblical References:

1. 1 Kings 14:23 : "For they also built for themselves high places, sacred pillars, and Asherah poles on every high hill and under every green tree." This verse highlights the widespread establishment of high places by the Israelites, where they engaged in idolatrous practices, contrary to God's commands.

2. 2 Kings 17:10-11 : "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. They did wicked things, provoking the LORD to anger." Here, the text underscores the Israelites' adoption of pagan customs, including the use of high places for idol worship, which provoked God's wrath.

3. 2 Chronicles 28:4 : "And he sacrificed and burned incense on the high places, on the hills, and under every green tree." This passage refers to King Ahaz of Judah, who engaged in idolatrous practices, including the use of high places, further illustrating the persistent problem of idol worship among the Israelites.

4. Jeremiah 7:31 : "They have built the high places of Topheth in the Valley of Hinnom to burn their sons and daughters in the fire—something I did not command, nor did it enter My mind." This verse reveals the extreme idolatrous practices that took place on high places, including child sacrifice, which was abhorrent to God.

5. Ezekiel 6:3 : "You are to say: ‘Mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord GOD! This is what the Lord GOD says to the mountains and hills, to the ravines and valleys: I am about to bring a sword against you, and I will destroy your high places.'" The prophet Ezekiel delivers God's judgment against the high places, emphasizing their role in leading Israel into idolatry.

Theological Implications:

The use of high places for idol worship represents a significant departure from the worship of Yahweh, as prescribed in the Mosaic Law. The Israelites were commanded to destroy these sites and worship God in the designated place He chose, which was the temple in Jerusalem. The persistence of high places in Israel's history reflects a recurring struggle with faithfulness to God's covenant.

The high places symbolize the human tendency to seek spiritual experiences outside of God's ordained means, often leading to syncretism and the dilution of true worship. The biblical narrative consistently condemns the use of high places, calling the people back to exclusive devotion to the one true God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Numbers 22:41
And it came to pass on the morrow, that Balak took Balaam, and brought him up into the high places of Baal, that there he might see the utmost part of the people.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 2:20
For of old time I have broken your yoke, and burst your bands; and you said, I will not transgress; when on every high hill and under every green tree you wander, playing the harlot.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

On Idolatry
... to sin and of increasing the crime of idolatry; (1 Kings 12 ... take the gods of foreign
nations as objects of worship ... which is esteemed as a god be worshipped in an ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 23 on idolatry.htm

Spiritual Idolatry
... he speaks of those idols that are now worshipped in the ... In a word, so many objects
as there are in ... up in their hearts, so many species of idolatry they practise ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 78 spiritual idolatry.htm

The City of the "Elegant Gate"[*]
... and ancestral tablets, which last are worshipped with more ... so much so that the species
of idolatry which has ... These are the two objects that engross the highest ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/fagg/forty years in south china/iii the city of the.htm

The Axe at the Root --A Testimony against Puseyite Idolatry
... and rotten rags, called relics, are the objects of adoration ... and in one shape or
another idolatry is the ... with your whole hearts loved and worshipped God, repent ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 12 1866/the axe at the roota.htm

'Other Sheep'
... selfishness and our indolence affect the objects of our ... In some broad regions, faith
in idolatry is dying ... seen the gods whom their fathers worshipped for the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/other sheep.htm

False Brethren and False Principles in the Church: Spirit and ...
... have pictures in the church, lest that which is worshipped and adored be ... upon all
who assisted in the fabrication of these objects of the heathen idolatry. ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter iii false brethren and.htm

Paul and Barnabas in Lystra.
... true God continued to be known and worshipped long after ... All the objects around us
bear witness to the ... for our deliverance from that gross idolatry, which once ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xv paul and barnabas.htm

The Golden Calf
... The 'god' whom the Israelites worshipped under the image of a ... directed to Him, is,
in His sight, rank idolatry. ... give up everything for the sake of its objects. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the golden calf.htm

The Danger of Deviating from Divine Institutions.
... chiefly to inferior deities, who were worshipped as mediators ... the worshippers
entertained of the objects of their ... favor for them"the very idolatry of paganism ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xxviii the danger of.htm

The People among whom we Labour (Continued).
... stated the arguments by which that idolatry is defended ... is fitting that to these
objects special honour ... character attributed to the gods worshipped under these ...
/.../life and work in benares and kumaon 1839-1877/chapter xxix the people among.htm