In the biblical context, "high places" refers to elevated sites, often on hills or mountains, where religious rituals and sacrifices were conducted. These sites were prevalent in ancient Israel and surrounding regions, serving as centers for worship and religious activities. The term "high places" is frequently associated with idolatrous practices, although it also occasionally refers to legitimate worship of Yahweh before the centralization of worship in Jerusalem.

Historical Background

The high places were initially used by the patriarchs and early Israelites for worship. For instance, Abraham built altars in various locations, including on mountains (Genesis 12:7-8). However, as Israel settled in Canaan, the high places became syncretized with Canaanite religious practices, leading to the worship of foreign gods alongside Yahweh.

Role of Priests

Priests for the high places were individuals who officiated religious ceremonies at these sites. They were often not from the Levitical priesthood, which was designated by God to serve in the Tabernacle and later the Temple in Jerusalem. Instead, these priests were frequently appointed by kings or local leaders, sometimes without regard to the qualifications outlined in the Mosaic Law.

The Bible records several instances where kings of Israel and Judah appointed priests for the high places. For example, Jeroboam, the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel, established high places in Bethel and Dan and appointed priests from among all the people, not just the Levites (1 Kings 12:31). This act was a direct violation of God's command and contributed to the spiritual decline of Israel.

Religious Practices

The religious practices at the high places varied but often included sacrifices, offerings, and rituals that were contrary to the worship prescribed in the Law of Moses. These practices sometimes involved the worship of Baal, Asherah, and other Canaanite deities. The Bible frequently condemns these activities, as they led the Israelites away from exclusive worship of Yahweh.

Biblical Condemnation

The prophets and biblical writers consistently denounce the high places and their priests. The high places are seen as a symbol of Israel's unfaithfulness and idolatry. For instance, 2 Kings 17:11 states, "They burned incense on all the high places, like the nations whom the LORD had driven out before them, and they did wicked things, provoking the LORD to anger."

Reformist kings such as Hezekiah and Josiah took significant steps to abolish the high places and restore proper worship. Hezekiah "removed the high places, shattered the sacred pillars, and cut down the Asherah poles" (2 Kings 18:4). Josiah went further by desecrating the high places and executing their priests (2 Kings 23:20).

Theological Implications

The existence and persistence of high places highlight the tension between centralized worship in Jerusalem and local religious practices. The biblical narrative underscores the importance of worshiping God according to His commandments and the dangers of syncretism. The priests of the high places represent a departure from the divinely ordained priesthood and serve as a cautionary example of the consequences of disobedience to God's law.

In summary, the priests for the high places played a significant role in the religious life of ancient Israel, often leading the people into idolatry and away from the covenantal relationship with Yahweh. Their presence and activities are consistently portrayed in Scripture as contrary to God's will, emphasizing the need for faithfulness and purity in worship.