In the biblical context, altars for the host of heaven refer to structures built for the worship of celestial bodies, such as the sun, moon, and stars. This practice is explicitly condemned in the Scriptures as idolatry, a violation of the first commandment, which calls for exclusive worship of Yahweh, the God of Israel.

Biblical References:

1. 2 Kings 21:3-5 : "For he rebuilt the high places that his father Hezekiah had destroyed; he erected altars for Baal and made an Asherah pole, as Ahab king of Israel had done. He also worshiped all the host of heaven and served them. And he built altars in the house of the LORD, of which the LORD had said, 'In Jerusalem I will put My Name.' In both courtyards of the house of the LORD, he built altars to all the host of heaven."

This passage describes the actions of King Manasseh of Judah, who led the nation into idolatry by erecting altars for the host of heaven within the temple of the LORD. His actions were a direct affront to the worship of Yahweh and contributed to the spiritual decline of Judah.

2. 2 Kings 23:4-5 : "Then the king commanded Hilkiah the high priest, the priests of the second order, and the doorkeepers to remove from the temple of the LORD all the articles made for Baal, Asherah, and all the host of heaven. He burned them outside Jerusalem in the fields of the Kidron Valley and carried their ashes to Bethel. Then he eliminated the idolatrous priests appointed by the kings of Judah to burn incense on the high places of the cities of Judah and in the areas surrounding Jerusalem—those who burned incense to Baal, to the sun and moon, to the constellations, and to all the host of heaven."

This account details the reforms of King Josiah, who sought to restore true worship in Judah by removing and destroying the altars and articles associated with the worship of the host of heaven. His actions were in obedience to the covenantal laws that prohibited idolatry.

3. Jeremiah 19:13 : "The houses of Jerusalem and the houses of the kings of Judah will be defiled like this place, Topheth—all the houses where they burned incense on the roofs to all the host of heaven and poured out drink offerings to other gods."

The prophet Jeremiah condemns the practice of offering incense and drink offerings to the host of heaven, highlighting the pervasive nature of this idolatry among the people of Judah. The reference to rooftops indicates that this form of worship was widespread and not confined to official altars alone.

Theological Implications:

The worship of the host of heaven represents a significant departure from the monotheistic faith of Israel. It reflects a syncretistic approach, where elements of surrounding pagan religions were incorporated into the worship practices of the Israelites. This was strictly forbidden by the Mosaic Law, which emphasized the uniqueness and sovereignty of Yahweh as the one true God.

Historical Context:

The allure of celestial worship can be understood in the context of the ancient Near East, where the sun, moon, and stars were often deified and associated with various gods and goddesses. The Israelites, influenced by neighboring cultures, occasionally fell into the trap of adopting these practices, despite the clear prohibitions outlined in the Torah.

Moral and Spiritual Lessons:

The construction of altars for the host of heaven serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of idolatry and the importance of maintaining fidelity to God's commandments. It underscores the need for spiritual vigilance and the rejection of any form of worship that detracts from the glory due to God alone. The biblical narrative consistently calls believers to a pure and undivided devotion to the LORD, warning against the seductive nature of false worship.