1 Kings 14:23

KJV

For they also built them high places, and images, and groves, on every high hill, and under every green tree.

KJV (with Strong's)

For they also built {H1129} them high places {H1116}, and images {H4676}, and groves {H842}, on every high {H1364} hill {H1389}, and under every green {H7488} tree {H6086}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For they erected high places, standing-stones and sacred poles on every high hill and under every green tree.

Berean Standard Bible

They also built for themselves high places, sacred pillars, and Asherah poles on every high hill and under every green tree.

American Standard Version

For they also built them high places, and pillars, and Asherim, on every high hill, and under every green tree;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Kings 14:23 offers a stark and lamentable portrayal of the spiritual apostasy gripping the southern kingdom of Judah during the reign of King Rehoboam, Solomon's son. This verse succinctly encapsulates the nation's profound deviation from their covenant with Yahweh, detailing their widespread adoption of pagan worship sites and objects explicitly forbidden by divine command. It underscores a critical turning point where Judah, despite housing the Jerusalem Temple, mirrored the idolatry already rampant in the northern kingdom, provoking God's righteous jealousy and setting the stage for divine judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a broader narrative of national decline following the golden age of Solomon's reign and the subsequent division of the kingdom. Immediately preceding 1 Kings 14:23, verse 22 declares that Judah "did evil in the sight of the Lord, and they provoked him to jealousy with their sins which they had committed, above all that their fathers had done." This sets the stage for the specific examples of idolatry detailed in verse 23. The chapter opens with the prophet Ahijah's prophecy of judgment against Jeroboam's house in the north, highlighting the consequences of their idolatry. By pivoting to Judah, the text demonstrates that the southern kingdom, though distinct and home to the legitimate Davidic line and the Temple, was equally susceptible to spiritual corruption. Rehoboam's reign is presented as a period of moral and spiritual decay, contrasting sharply with the covenantal expectations for God's chosen people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The practices described in 1 Kings 14:23 were deeply rooted in the Canaanite religious landscape that surrounded ancient Israel. The "high places," "images," and "groves" were integral components of Baal and Asherah worship, prevalent throughout the Levant. These cults often involved fertility rituals, sacred prostitution, and, in extreme cases, child sacrifice, all of which were anathema to the holiness of Yahweh and the ethical demands of the Mosaic Law. God had repeatedly commanded Israel to utterly destroy such sites and symbols upon entering the Promised Land (e.g., [Deuteronomy 12:2-3](/deuteronomy/12-2 "Deuteronomy 12:2-3 - Destroying Pagan Sites")). Judah's adoption of these practices represented a deliberate and defiant rejection of their unique covenant relationship with God, a return to the very abominations from which God had delivered them. This widespread embrace of paganism indicates a profound cultural shift and a failure of leadership to uphold the nation's spiritual integrity.
* **Key Themes:** First Kings 14:23 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Kings and the broader Old Testament narrative. Central among these is the theme of **Idolatry and Apostasy**, illustrating the constant temptation for Israel to abandon the exclusive worship of Yahweh for foreign deities. This verse exemplifies the direct violation of the first two commandments of the Decalogue, which forbid having other gods and making carved images (see [Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3-5 - The First Commandments")). Another significant theme is **Disobedience to God's Law**, as the actions described directly contravene explicit divine commands to eradicate pagan worship from the land (e.g., [Numbers 33:52](/numbers/33-52 "Numbers 33:52 - Destroying Idols")). Furthermore, the pervasive nature of this idolatry, described as being "on every high hill, and under every green tree," highlights the theme of **Widespread Corruption** and the deep spiritual sickness that had infiltrated all levels of Judahite society. Finally, the preceding verse's mention of God's "jealousy" underscores the theme of **God's Righteous Indignation** over His people's unfaithfulness, revealing His passionate desire for their exclusive devotion and the inevitable consequences of spiritual betrayal.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **High places (Hb., _bāmôt'_):** These were elevated cultic sites, often natural hilltops or constructed platforms, that served as centers for worship. While some early Israelite worship occurred on high places, they became predominantly associated with Canaanite pagan rituals, including sacrifices to Baal and other deities. Their widespread construction by Judah indicates a pervasive adoption of foreign religious practices, directly defying God's command to centralize worship at the Temple in Jerusalem.
* **Images (Hb., _maṣṣēbôt'_):** This term refers to sacred pillars or standing stones, often unhewn, which were common cultic objects in Canaanite worship. These were not merely decorative but functioned as focal points for pagan rituals, symbolizing the presence or power of a deity, particularly Baal. Their erection by Judah signifies the embrace of a physical, tangible form of idolatry, a direct affront to the invisible and transcendent God of Israel.
* **Groves (Hb., _ʾăšērîm'_):** These were wooden poles or stylized trees, representing the Canaanite goddess Asherah, the consort of Baal. Worship associated with Asherah often involved fertility cults, ritual prostitution, and other immoral practices. The presence of _ʾăšērîm_ throughout Judah indicates a deep penetration of Canaanite religious and moral corruption into Israelite society, making these sites particularly offensive to the holy God of Israel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For they also built them high places":** This clause reveals the active and deliberate participation of the people of Judah in establishing sites for forbidden worship. The "high places" (_bāmôt_) were central to Canaanite religious practice, signifying a direct adoption of paganism rather than a mere neglect of Yahweh worship.
* **"and images":** This refers to the erection of sacred pillars (_maṣṣēbôt_), which were cultic symbols often associated with Baal worship. Their construction indicates a tangible and visible commitment to idolatry, creating physical focal points for pagan rituals throughout the land.
* **"and groves":** This points to the setting up of _ʾăšērîm_, wooden poles or stylized trees dedicated to the goddess Asherah. These "groves" were often sites of immoral fertility rites and ritual prostitution, representing a profound moral and spiritual compromise in Judah.
* **"on every high hill":** This phrase emphasizes the widespread nature of the idolatry, indicating that pagan worship was not confined to isolated pockets but was practiced extensively throughout the geographical landscape. High hills were naturally chosen for their prominence and perceived proximity to the heavens, making them ideal for pagan altars.
* **"and under every green tree":** This further underscores the pervasive and ubiquitous presence of idolatry. Green trees, often seen as sacred in ancient Near Eastern religions, provided natural settings for cultic activity. The combination of "every high hill" and "every green tree" powerfully conveys the totality and saturation of pagan worship across Judah.

#### Literary Devices
First Kings 14:23 employs several potent literary devices to convey the depth of Judah's apostasy. The most striking is **Hyperbole**, evident in the phrases "on every high hill" and "under every green tree." While not literally every single hill or tree would have hosted an idol, this exaggerated language effectively emphasizes the widespread, pervasive, and inescapable nature of idolatry throughout the land. It paints a picture of a nation completely saturated with pagan worship, leaving no corner untouched. This hyperbole serves to highlight the severity of their deviation from God's covenant. Additionally, **Symbolism** is heavily at play, with "high places," "images," and "groves" serving as potent symbols of Judah's spiritual unfaithfulness and their embrace of foreign gods. These physical objects represent the nation's internal spiritual corruption and their deliberate rejection of Yahweh. The repetition of "every" also creates a sense of **Emphasis**, reinforcing the idea of the totality and comprehensiveness of their sin.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The rampant idolatry described in 1 Kings 14:23 is a profound theological statement on the nature of sin as spiritual adultery. God, as the covenant Lord, demanded exclusive devotion from Israel, viewing any turning to other gods as a betrayal of their sacred relationship. This verse highlights the insidious nature of idolatry, demonstrating how it can permeate a society from the top down, leading to a complete spiritual and moral decay. The "high places," "images," and "groves" were not merely religious structures but tangible manifestations of a heart turned away from the living God, reflecting a desire for control, fertility, and worldly security apart from Him. This spiritual unfaithfulness inevitably led to divine judgment, as God's jealousy is not a human emotion but a righteous zeal for His own glory and the purity of His people.

* [Exodus 34:13-14](/exodus/34-13 "God's Jealousy and Command to Destroy Idols")
* [Deuteronomy 12:2-4](/deuteronomy/12-2 "Destroying Pagan Places of Worship")
* [Psalm 106:35-39](/psalms/106-35 "Israel's Idolatry and Sacrifice to Demons")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The vivid depiction of Judah's idolatry in 1 Kings 14:23 serves as a timeless and sobering warning for all generations. While modern societies may not erect physical "high places" or "groves," the human heart remains prone to idolatry. Anything that displaces God from the supreme position in our lives—be it wealth, power, comfort, relationships, reputation, self-sufficiency, or even good causes—becomes an idol. This verse challenges believers to introspectively examine their allegiances, recognizing that subtle forms of idolatry can be just as destructive to spiritual vitality as overt pagan worship. True worship demands exclusive devotion and a heart fully surrendered to God, acknowledging Him as the sole source of life, meaning, and security. The pervasive nature of Judah's sin reminds us that spiritual compromise can quickly spread, affecting individuals, families, and communities. Therefore, vigilance, repentance, and a steadfast commitment to God's Word are essential to guard against the insidious pull of anything that would compete for the Lord's rightful place in our hearts.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What modern "high places" or "green trees" might subtly draw our devotion away from God today?**
* **How can we identify and dismantle the "images" or "groves" of idolatry that may have taken root in our own lives or communities?**
* **What does God's "jealousy" (as mentioned in 1 Kings 14:22) reveal about His character and His desire for our exclusive worship?**
* **In what ways can a community or nation, even one with a strong spiritual heritage, gradually succumb to widespread spiritual compromise?**

### FAQ

**What was so offensive about "high places, images, and groves" to God?**

Answer: The offense of "high places, images, and groves" was multifaceted and deeply rooted in God's covenant with Israel. Firstly, these were central elements of Canaanite pagan worship, particularly the cults of Baal and Asherah. God had explicitly commanded Israel to utterly destroy these sites and symbols upon entering the Promised Land (e.g., [Deuteronomy 7:5](/deuteronomy/7-5 "Destroying Idols and Altars")). Their continued existence and, worse, their adoption by Judah, represented a direct act of disobedience. Secondly, the worship practices associated with these sites were anathema to God's holiness. They often involved ritual prostitution, child sacrifice, and other immoral acts (e.g., [2 Kings 23:7-10](/2_kings/23-7 "Josiah's Reforms Against Idolatry")). Thirdly, and most fundamentally, the use of these objects and sites constituted idolatry, a direct violation of the first two commandments, which demand exclusive worship of Yahweh and forbid the making of images (see [Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3 "The First Commandments")). God, as the one true God, demanded absolute and undivided devotion from His people, viewing any turning to other gods as spiritual adultery and a profound betrayal of their covenant relationship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The pervasive idolatry of 1 Kings 14:23, with its "high places," "images," and "groves," starkly illuminates humanity's inherent propensity to worship created things rather than the Creator. This Old Testament narrative, however, finds its ultimate resolution and fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the true and perfect worshiper, who always rendered complete devotion to the Father, never succumbing to the idolatrous temptations that plagued Israel. Furthermore, Christ Himself is the ultimate "high place," the singular point of access to God, replacing all earthly altars and pagan shrines. Through His atoning sacrifice, He cleanses us from the sin of idolatry, enabling us to worship God "in spirit and truth" (as seen in [John 4:23-24](/john/4-23 "True Worshipers")). The New Testament consistently warns against various forms of idolatry, equating greed with idolatry (e.g., [Colossians 3:5](/colossians/3-5 "Put to Death Earthly Things")), and calls believers to turn from idols to serve the living and true God (as in [1 Thessalonians 1:9-10](/1_thessalonians/1-9 "Turning to God from Idols")). In Christ, the need for physical images or groves is abolished, for He is the "image of the invisible God" ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Christ, the Image of the Invisible God")), the one through whom all things were created and in whom all things hold together. He is the true Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, including the sin of idolatry, inviting all to find their ultimate satisfaction and worship in Him alone.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.