Foreign altars and high places are significant elements in the biblical narrative, often representing sites of idolatry and disobedience to the covenantal relationship between God and the people of Israel. These structures were typically used for the worship of deities other than Yahweh, the God of Israel, and are frequently mentioned in the context of Israel's spiritual decline and apostasy.

Definition and Description

In the ancient Near East, altars and high places were common religious sites. An altar is a structure upon which offerings or sacrifices are made for religious purposes. High places, known in Hebrew as "bamot," were elevated sites, often on hills or mountains, where worship and sacrifices were conducted. These locations were chosen for their proximity to the heavens, which was believed to facilitate communication with the divine.

Biblical References

The Bible frequently condemns the use of foreign altars and high places. In Deuteronomy 12:2-3, the Israelites are commanded to "destroy completely all the places on the high mountains, on the hills, and under every spreading tree, where the nations you are dispossessing worship their gods. Break down their altars, smash their sacred stones and burn their Asherah poles in the fire; cut down the idols of their gods and wipe out their names from those places" . This directive underscores the importance of exclusive worship of Yahweh and the rejection of idolatry.

Despite these clear instructions, the history of Israel is marked by repeated lapses into the worship of foreign gods at these sites. For instance, 1 Kings 11:7-8 recounts how King Solomon, influenced by his foreign wives, built high places for Chemosh and Molech, leading Israel into sin: "At that time on a hill east of Jerusalem, Solomon built a high place for Chemosh the abomination of Moab, and for Molech the abomination of the Ammonites. He did the same for all his foreign wives, who burned incense and sacrificed to their gods" .

Consequences of Idolatry

The use of foreign altars and high places often led to severe consequences for Israel. The prophets frequently warned that such practices would result in divine judgment. For example, in 2 Kings 17:9-12, the Israelites are described as secretly doing things against the Lord their God that were not right, building high places in all their towns. This behavior ultimately led to the Assyrian exile: "The Israelites secretly did things against the LORD their God that were not right. From watchtower to fortified city, they built themselves high places in all their towns. They set up sacred stones and Asherah poles on every high hill and under every spreading tree. At every high place they burned incense, as the nations whom the LORD had driven out before them had done. They did wicked things that provoked the LORD to anger. They worshiped idols, though the LORD had said, 'You shall not do this'" .

Reforms and Removal

Throughout Israel's history, several kings undertook reforms to remove these high places and restore proper worship. King Hezekiah is noted for his efforts in 2 Kings 18:4: "He removed the high places, shattered the sacred stones, and cut down the Asherah poles. He also broke into pieces the bronze serpent that Moses had made, for up to that time the Israelites had burned incense to it. It was called Nehushtan" . Similarly, King Josiah's reforms are detailed in 2 Kings 23, where he destroyed the high places and altars, purging the land of idolatry.

Theological Significance

The presence and persistence of foreign altars and high places in Israel serve as a poignant reminder of the struggle between faithfulness to God and the temptation of idolatry. They symbolize the broader conflict between the worship of the one true God and the allure of surrounding pagan practices. The biblical narrative consistently calls for the exclusive worship of Yahweh, emphasizing the importance of obedience and the rejection of all forms of idolatry.