The removal of high places and Asherah poles is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, reflecting the struggle of the Israelites to maintain pure worship of Yahweh amidst the pervasive influence of Canaanite religious practices. High places, often located on elevated sites, were used for worship and sacrifices, sometimes to Yahweh but frequently to foreign gods. Asherah poles were wooden symbols associated with the Canaanite goddess Asherah, often erected alongside altars and high places.

High Places

High places (Hebrew: "bamot") were sites of worship that predated the Israelite settlement in Canaan. These locations were often chosen for their elevation, which was believed to bring worshippers closer to the divine. Initially, some high places were used for the worship of Yahweh, as seen in the actions of Samuel and Solomon (1 Samuel 9:12-14; 1 Kings 3:2-4). However, the syncretistic nature of these sites led to the incorporation of pagan rituals and deities, which was strictly forbidden by Mosaic Law.

The Book of Deuteronomy emphasizes the centralization of worship in the place that God would choose, ultimately Jerusalem (Deuteronomy 12:5-14). This directive was intended to prevent idolatry and ensure the purity of worship. Despite this, the high places persisted throughout the period of the Judges and the monarchy, often leading the Israelites into idolatry.

Asherah Poles

Asherah poles were wooden objects or trees associated with the worship of Asherah, a mother goddess in Canaanite religion. The poles were often placed near altars and high places, serving as symbols of fertility and nature. The presence of Asherah poles among the Israelites was a direct violation of the commandment against idolatry (Exodus 34:13; Deuteronomy 16:21).

The worship of Asherah and the erection of her poles were condemned by the prophets and reforming kings of Israel and Judah. The poles were seen as abominations that led the people away from the exclusive worship of Yahweh.

Reform and Removal

Throughout the history of Israel and Judah, several kings undertook religious reforms to remove high places and Asherah poles, seeking to restore the worship of Yahweh according to the Law. Notable among these reformers were Hezekiah and Josiah.

Hezekiah, king of Judah, is credited with a significant religious reform, as recorded in 2 Kings 18:4: "He removed the high places, shattered the sacred pillars, and cut down the Asherah poles. He also demolished the bronze serpent that Moses had made, for up to that time the Israelites had burned incense to it." Hezekiah's actions were a direct response to the syncretism and idolatry that had infiltrated Judah.

Josiah, another reforming king of Judah, took even more extensive measures. According to 2 Kings 23:4-14, Josiah ordered the removal and destruction of all objects associated with idolatry, including the high places and Asherah poles. His reforms were motivated by the rediscovery of the Book of the Law during temple repairs, which led to a renewed commitment to the covenant with Yahweh.

Prophetic Condemnation

The prophets of Israel consistently condemned the high places and Asherah poles as symbols of Israel's unfaithfulness. Prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Hosea called the people to repentance and warned of the consequences of idolatry. Isaiah 57:5-7 speaks against those who "burn with lust among the oaks and under every green tree," a reference to the idolatrous practices associated with high places and Asherah worship.

The removal of high places and Asherah poles was not merely a physical act but a spiritual renewal, calling the people back to exclusive devotion to Yahweh. This theme underscores the biblical narrative of covenant faithfulness and the ongoing struggle against idolatry.