1 Kings 14:23

They also built for themselves high places, sacred pillars, and Asherah poles on every high hill and under every green tree.

Study Bible

They also built for themselves
This phrase indicates a deliberate and personal action by the people of Israel. The Hebrew root for "built" is "בָּנָה" (banah), which means to construct or establish. This suggests a conscious effort to create something enduring. In the context of ancient Israel, building often implied a significant investment of time and resources, reflecting the people's commitment to their actions. The phrase "for themselves" underscores the self-serving nature of their idolatry, prioritizing their desires over God's commandments.

high places
The term "high places" comes from the Hebrew "בָּמוֹת" (bamot), referring to elevated sites used for worship. Historically, these locations were often chosen for their proximity to the heavens, symbolizing a closer connection to the divine. However, in the context of Israel, these high places became centers of idolatrous worship, contrary to God's instructions to worship Him in the temple in Jerusalem. The use of high places reflects a syncretism where the Israelites adopted pagan practices, diluting their covenant relationship with Yahweh.

sacred pillars
"Sacred pillars" translates from the Hebrew "מַצֵּבוֹת" (matzevot), which were stone monuments often erected as memorials or objects of worship. In the ancient Near East, these pillars were associated with Canaanite religious practices, particularly the worship of Baal. The presence of sacred pillars among the Israelites indicates a departure from monotheistic worship and an embrace of pagan customs, which were explicitly forbidden in the Mosaic Law (Deuteronomy 16:22).

and Asherah poles
"Asherah poles" are derived from the Hebrew "אֲשֵׁרִים" (asherim), referring to wooden symbols or trees associated with the goddess Asherah, a consort of Baal in Canaanite religion. These poles were often placed near altars and were integral to fertility rites. The Israelites' use of Asherah poles signifies a profound spiritual adultery, as they turned to foreign deities for blessings and prosperity, violating the first commandment to have no other gods before Yahweh (Exodus 20:3).

on every high hill
The phrase "on every high hill" emphasizes the widespread nature of idolatry in Israel. Hills were traditionally seen as sacred spaces in many ancient cultures, believed to be closer to the divine. The Israelites' choice of high hills for their idolatrous practices highlights their complete immersion in pagan worship, as they sought to replicate the religious customs of their neighbors rather than adhere to the worship of Yahweh in the designated temple.

and under every green tree
"Under every green tree" is a phrase that conveys the ubiquity and accessibility of idol worship in Israel. The Hebrew word for "green" is "רַעֲנָן" (ra'anan), meaning flourishing or luxuriant, suggesting that these trees were chosen for their beauty and vitality. In ancient Near Eastern religions, green trees were often associated with fertility and life, making them ideal sites for worship. This practice reflects the Israelites' departure from the prescribed worship of God, as they sought spiritual experiences in natural settings rather than in the temple, which was the ordained place for encountering Yahweh.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Rehoboam
The son of Solomon and king of Judah during this period. His reign is marked by a departure from the worship of Yahweh, leading to idolatry.

2. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, which Rehoboam ruled. This verse highlights the spiritual decline in Judah as they adopted pagan practices.

3. High Places
Elevated sites where people worshiped deities other than Yahweh. These were often associated with Canaanite religious practices.

4. Sacred Pillars
Stone monuments erected as part of idol worship, often dedicated to pagan gods.

5. Asherah Poles
Wooden symbols representing the goddess Asherah, a Canaanite deity, indicating the syncretism of Israelite and pagan worship.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Syncretism
Mixing true worship with pagan practices leads to spiritual decline. Believers must guard against incorporating secular or non-biblical elements into their faith.

The Importance of Obedience
God’s commands regarding worship are clear and must be followed. Disobedience leads to consequences, as seen in the history of Israel and Judah.

The Role of Leadership
Leaders have a significant influence on the spiritual direction of their people. Rehoboam’s failure to lead Judah in true worship had dire consequences.

The Call to Purity
Believers are called to maintain purity in worship, avoiding any form of idolatry or compromise with worldly practices.

The Need for Repentance
When idolatry or sin is identified, immediate repentance and a return to God’s ways are necessary to restore fellowship with Him.

Bible Study Questions

1. What are some modern-day "high places" or idols that can distract us from true worship of God?

2. How can we ensure that our worship remains pure and focused solely on God, avoiding the influence of secular culture?

3. In what ways can church leaders today learn from Rehoboam’s failures to guide their congregations in faithful worship?

4. How does the command to destroy idols in the Old Testament apply to our lives today in terms of spiritual discipline and obedience?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to repent from a form of idolatry or compromise. What steps did you take to return to a right relationship with God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 34:13
God commands the Israelites to tear down altars, break sacred pillars, and cut down Asherah poles, emphasizing the prohibition against idolatry.

Deuteronomy 12:2-3
Instructions to destroy all places where other nations worship their gods, highlighting the need for exclusive worship of Yahweh.

2 Kings 17:10
Similar practices are mentioned in the northern kingdom of Israel, showing a widespread issue of idolatry among the Israelites.

Jeremiah 2:20
The prophet Jeremiah condemns Judah for their idolatry, using similar imagery of worship under green trees.