What Are the High Places That the Bible Talks About?

High Places as Centers of False Worship: High places, or shrines, were the focal points of false worship, found not only on hills and mountains but also in valleys, streambeds, cities, and under trees. The Bible provides several references to these sites of idolatry, such as Deuteronomy 12:2, 1 Kings 14:23, 2 Kings 17:29, Ezekiel 6:3. At these high places, various ceremonial elements were prevalent, including altars for sacrifice, incense stands, sacred poles, and graven images, as mentioned in Leviticus 26:30, Numbers 33:52, Deuteronomy 12:2, Ezekiel 6:6. Such sites often hosted ritualistic activities, including the participation of male and female prostitutes, as noted in 1 Kings 14:23-24, Hosea 4:13-14. These practices were associated with licentious rites, ceremonial prostitution, and even child sacrifice, as evidenced by Isaiah 57:5, Jeremiah 7:31, 19:5.

The Historical Context and Condemnation:

The high places likely originated as local shrines dedicated to deities that predated the Hebrews' arrival in the region. Over time, these shrines evolved into centers for the worship of multiple gods, including the Hebrew God YHWH. This practice persisted, in part, because the Israelites used these sites to make offerings to their own god, blending the worship of the local deities with that of YHWH.

However, the Bible writers, particularly those from a later generation, viewed these practices as idolatrous and condemnatory. My suspicion is that the perpetrators, such as King Solomon, were less opposed to these practices. It was King Josiah who spearheaded a campaign to eliminate these high places, as described in 2 Kings 23:14-18.

The Human Instinct to Seek Spiritual Reality:

The human inclination to seek spiritual experiences in elevated or otherwise significant locations, such as peaks or vast, empty plains, appears to be an innate aspect of human nature. This instinct, combined with the historical development of local cults and beliefs, explains the proliferation of high places as centers of false worship.