2 Kings 16:4

And he sacrificed and burned incense on the high places, on the hills, and under every green tree.

Study Bible

And he sacrificed
The act of sacrificing in ancient Israel was a central component of worship, intended to honor God and seek atonement. The Hebrew root for "sacrificed" is "זָבַח" (zabach), which often implies the offering of animals. In this context, King Ahaz's sacrifices were not to Yahweh but to pagan deities, indicating a significant departure from the covenantal faith of Israel. This act of sacrifice to other gods was a direct violation of the first commandment and a reflection of Ahaz's apostasy.

and burned incense
Burning incense was a ritual act meant to symbolize prayers ascending to God. The Hebrew word "קָטַר" (qatar) is used here, which can mean to burn or to offer incense. In the context of Ahaz's reign, this practice was corrupted by being directed towards idols. Incense burning on unauthorized altars was a common practice among the surrounding pagan nations, and Ahaz's participation in this reflects his assimilation into their idolatrous customs.

on the high places
High places, or "בָּמוֹת" (bamot) in Hebrew, were elevated sites often used for worship. While some high places were initially used for legitimate worship of Yahweh before the temple was built, they became associated with idolatry and syncretism. Ahaz's use of these sites for sacrifices and incense burning highlights his disregard for the centralized worship in Jerusalem and the temple, which was the designated place for offering sacrifices to Yahweh.

on the hills
The mention of "hills" emphasizes the widespread nature of Ahaz's idolatrous practices. Hills were often chosen for worship due to their elevation, which was thought to bring worshippers closer to the divine. The Hebrew word "גִּבְעוֹת" (gib'ot) suggests natural elevations, reinforcing the idea that Ahaz's idolatry permeated the land, defiling even the natural landscapes that were meant to reflect God's creation.

and under every green tree
The phrase "under every green tree" is a common biblical idiom for idolatrous worship practices. The Hebrew "עֵץ רַעֲנָן" (etz ra'anan) refers to lush, flourishing trees, which were often associated with fertility cults and pagan rituals. This imagery suggests a deliberate choice of locations that were visually appealing and symbolically significant for idol worship. Ahaz's actions under these trees indicate a complete embrace of pagan practices, contrasting sharply with the worship of Yahweh, which was to be conducted in purity and truth.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ahaz
The king of Judah during this time, known for his idolatrous practices and departure from the ways of his forefathers who followed the Lord.

2. High Places
Elevated sites often used for idol worship and pagan rituals, contrary to the worship of Yahweh in the temple at Jerusalem.

3. Hills and Green Trees
Common locations for pagan worship in ancient Near Eastern cultures, symbolizing fertility and life but used here in the context of idolatry.

4. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, which was supposed to be a beacon of faithfulness to Yahweh but was led astray by its king.

5. Idolatry
The worship of idols or false gods, which was strictly forbidden in the Mosaic Law and led to spiritual and moral decline.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Compromise
Ahaz's actions demonstrate how compromising with pagan practices leads to spiritual decline. Believers must guard against allowing cultural influences to dilute their faith.

The Importance of Obedience
The Mosaic Law clearly prohibited idol worship. Ahaz's disobedience serves as a warning that ignoring God's commands leads to personal and communal consequences.

The Influence of Leadership
As king, Ahaz's idolatry had a profound impact on the nation. This underscores the responsibility of leaders to guide others in righteousness and the potential widespread effects of their actions.

The Call to Purity in Worship
True worship is exclusive to God and should not be mixed with pagan practices. Believers are called to worship God in spirit and truth, avoiding syncretism.

Repentance and Restoration
Despite Ahaz's failures, the history of Israel shows that God is always ready to forgive and restore those who turn back to Him. This offers hope for individuals and communities who have strayed.

Bible Study Questions

1. What were the high places, and why were they significant in the context of Israel's worship practices?

2. How does Ahaz's idolatry compare to the commands given in Deuteronomy 12:2-4, and what can we learn from this about obedience to God's Word?

3. In what ways can modern believers be tempted to "sacrifice and burn incense" on metaphorical high places, and how can we guard against this?

4. How does the leadership of Ahaz contrast with the leadership qualities God desires, and what implications does this have for leaders today?

5. Reflect on a time when you or your community experienced the consequences of spiritual compromise. How did repentance and turning back to God bring restoration?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 12:2-4
This passage commands the Israelites to destroy all high places and not worship as the pagans do, highlighting the disobedience of Ahaz.

Isaiah 1:29-30
Isaiah speaks against those who worship under green trees, linking to the practices of Ahaz and the spiritual adultery of Judah.

2 Chronicles 28:1-4
Provides a parallel account of Ahaz's reign, emphasizing his idolatry and the consequences for Judah.

Jeremiah 2:20
Describes Israel's idolatry using the imagery of spreading out under every green tree, similar to the practices of Ahaz.