In biblical literature, "high hills" and "green trees" are often mentioned together as locations associated with idolatrous worship practices, particularly in the context of ancient Israel's struggle with pagan influences. These terms are frequently used to describe the sites where the Israelites and surrounding nations engaged in the worship of foreign gods, contrary to the commands of Yahweh.

High Hills

The term "high hills" refers to elevated places that were commonly chosen for religious rituals and sacrifices. The elevation was believed to bring worshippers closer to the divine realm. In the Old Testament, these high places, or "bamot" in Hebrew, were often sites of idol worship, which the Israelites were repeatedly warned against.

In 1 Kings 14:23 , it is noted, "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 nature of these practices among the Israelites, despite the clear prohibitions against them. The high places were often associated with the worship of Baal, Asherah, and other Canaanite deities.

The prophets frequently condemned the use of high hills for idolatrous practices. For example, in Jeremiah 3:6 , the Lord says to Jeremiah, "Have you seen what faithless Israel has done? She has gone up on every high hill and under every green tree to prostitute herself there." This metaphorical language underscores the spiritual unfaithfulness of Israel in turning away from the worship of Yahweh.

Green Trees

"Green trees" are similarly associated with idolatrous worship in the Old Testament. The lushness and vitality of green trees made them attractive sites for religious ceremonies, often linked to fertility cults. The presence of sacred groves or Asherah poles, which were wooden symbols of the goddess Asherah, was common in these settings.

Deuteronomy 12:2 commands the Israelites, "You must completely destroy all the places where the nations you are dispossessing have served their gods—on the high mountains, on the hills, and under every green tree." This directive reflects the need to eradicate all traces of pagan worship to maintain the purity of Israel's devotion to Yahweh.

The imagery of green trees is also used metaphorically to describe the allure and deception of idolatry. In Isaiah 57:5 , the prophet rebukes the people, saying, "You who burn with lust among the oaks and under every green tree, who slaughter children in the ravines, under the clefts of the rocks." This passage illustrates the depth of Israel's apostasy and the abominable practices associated with idol worship.

Theological Significance

The repeated references to high hills and green trees in the context of idolatry serve as a powerful reminder of the Israelites' recurring temptation to forsake their covenant with Yahweh. These locations symbolize the allure of pagan practices and the constant challenge of remaining faithful to the one true God amidst a polytheistic culture.

The biblical injunctions against worship on high hills and under green trees emphasize the importance of centralized worship in Jerusalem, where the Temple was established as the sole legitimate place for sacrifices and offerings to Yahweh. This centralization was intended to unify the worship of Israel and prevent the syncretism that often occurred in local high places.

Throughout the prophetic literature, the call to abandon the high hills and green trees is a call to return to covenant faithfulness, to worship Yahweh alone, and to reject the seductive practices of the surrounding nations.