High places and altars hold significant roles in the biblical narrative, serving as sites of worship, sacrifice, and sometimes idolatry. These locations are frequently mentioned throughout the Old Testament, reflecting both the spiritual devotion and the religious challenges faced by the Israelites.

High Places (Hebrew: "Bamot")

High places, or "bamot" in Hebrew, were elevated sites often used for worship and religious ceremonies. These locations were typically found on hills or mountains, which were considered closer to the divine. The use of high places predates the Israelites, as they were common in Canaanite religious practices. The Israelites, upon entering the Promised Land, encountered these sites and sometimes adopted them for their own worship.

In the early history of Israel, high places were not inherently condemned. For instance, the prophet Samuel offered sacrifices at high places (1 Samuel 9:12-14). However, as the centralization of worship became more pronounced with the establishment of the Temple in Jerusalem, high places became associated with unauthorized worship and idolatry. The Book of Kings frequently criticizes the continued use of high places, even by otherwise righteous kings. For example, 1 Kings 15:14 notes, "But the high places were not taken away; nevertheless, Asa’s heart was fully devoted to the LORD all his days."

The persistence of high places often led to syncretism, where the worship of Yahweh was mixed with pagan practices. This was a recurring issue, as seen in 2 Kings 17:10-11: "They set up for themselves sacred pillars and Asherah poles on every high hill and under every green tree. They burned incense on all the high places, like the nations that the LORD had driven out before them."

Altars

Altars were central to the worship practices of the Israelites, serving as the site for sacrifices and offerings to God. The construction and use of altars are detailed in the Mosaic Law, emphasizing their importance in maintaining a covenant relationship with God.

The first altar mentioned in the Bible is built by Noah after the flood (Genesis 8:20). Altars were often constructed from earth or uncut stones, as instructed in Exodus 20:24-25: "You are to make for Me an altar of earth, and you shall sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and peace offerings, your sheep and goats and cattle. In every place where I cause My name to be remembered, I will come to you and bless you."

The most significant altar in Israelite worship was the altar of burnt offering located in the Tabernacle, and later in the Temple in Jerusalem. This altar was the focal point for sacrifices, symbolizing atonement and reconciliation with God.

However, altars outside the prescribed locations often became sites of idolatry. The prophets frequently condemned the building of unauthorized altars, as they were associated with the worship of foreign gods. For instance, Hosea 8:11 states, "Because Ephraim has multiplied altars for sin, they have become altars of sinning for him."

Reform and Destruction

Throughout Israel's history, several kings undertook religious reforms to eliminate high places and unauthorized altars. King Hezekiah is noted for his efforts to centralize worship in Jerusalem, as recorded in 2 Kings 18:4: "He removed the high places, shattered the sacred pillars, 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."

Similarly, King Josiah's reforms were extensive, as he sought to restore proper worship according to the Law. 2 Kings 23:13-15 describes his actions: "The king also desecrated the high places east of Jerusalem... He broke down the altars and smashed the Asherah poles and covered the sites with human bones."

The narrative of high places and altars in the Bible underscores the tension between true worship and idolatry, highlighting the importance of fidelity to God's commandments and the centralization of worship in the place He designated.