2 Kings 17:10

KJV

And they set them up images and groves in every high hill, and under every green tree:

KJV (with Strong's)

And they set them up {H5324} images {H4676} and groves {H842} in every high {H1364} hill {H1389}, and under every green {H7488} tree {H6086}:

Complete Jewish Bible

They set up standing-stones and sacred poles for themselves on any high hill and under any green tree.

Berean Standard Bible

They set up for themselves sacred pillars and Asherah poles on every high hill and under every green tree.

American Standard Version

and they set them up pillars and Asherim upon every high hill, and under every green tree;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 17:10 serves as a poignant indictment of the Northern Kingdom of Israel's pervasive and deeply entrenched idolatry, illustrating a key reason for their impending exile. The verse vividly describes how the Israelites, in direct defiance of God's covenant commands, erected pagan "images" (stone pillars) and "groves" (cultic poles or trees dedicated to the goddess Asherah) across the land. This widespread apostasy, practiced "in every high hill, and under every green tree," underscores the totality of their spiritual rebellion and their adoption of the very Canaanite worship practices God had commanded them to eradicate.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within [2 Kings 17](/2_kings/17 "2 Kings 17 - The Fall of Israel"), a pivotal chapter that provides a theological explanation for the downfall and exile of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Following decades of spiritual decline, marked by a succession of ungodly kings and widespread societal apostasy, the narrative culminates in the Assyrian conquest of Samaria and the deportation of the Israelites, as recounted in [2 Kings 17:6](/2_kings/17-6 "2 Kings 17:6 - Israel's Exile to Assyria"). Verses 7-18 serve as a divine commentary, detailing the specific sins that provoked God's judgment. [Verse 10](/2_kings/17-10 "2 Kings 17:10 - Israel's Idolatry on High Hills") specifically describes the physical manifestations of their idolatry, building upon the general accusation in [2 Kings 17:9](/2_kings/17-9 "2 Kings 17:9 - Israel's Secret Sins") that "the children of Israel did secretly those things that were not right against the Lord their God, and they built them high places in all their cities." It precedes further accusations of spiritual prostitution in [2 Kings 17:11](/2_kings/17-11 "2 Kings 17:11 - Israel's Idolatrous Practices") and a rejection of God's statutes and covenant in [2 Kings 17:15](/2_kings/17-15 "2 Kings 17:15 - Israel's Rejection of God's Statutes").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period leading up to the fall of the Northern Kingdom was characterized by significant political instability and intense religious syncretism. Israel, surrounded by powerful pagan nations, frequently succumbed to the temptation to adopt foreign deities and worship practices. Canaanite religion, with its emphasis on fertility cults involving gods like Baal and goddesses like Asherah, was particularly alluring. High hills and green trees were traditional sites for Canaanite worship, believed to be sacred spaces connected to nature deities. By establishing their "images" and "groves" in these locations, the Israelites were not merely dabbling in foreign worship; they were fully embracing and integrating it into their national life, directly violating the Mosaic Law's prohibition against idolatry and the command to destroy all such pagan sites upon entering the land, as explicitly stated in [Deuteronomy 12:2-3](/deuteronomy/12-2-3 "Deuteronomy 12:2-3 - Destroying Pagan Places of Worship").
* **Key Themes:** [Second Kings 17:10](/2_kings/17-10 "2 Kings 17:10 - Israel's Idolatry on High Hills") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within [2 Kings](/2_kings "The Book of 2 Kings") and the broader Deuteronomistic History. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Pervasive Idolatry and Apostasy**, demonstrating the depth of Israel's spiritual rebellion and their consistent breach of the covenant. Their worship of false gods was not isolated but deeply ingrained, a direct violation of the [first two commandments](/exodus/20-3-5 "Exodus 20:3-5 - The First and Second Commandments"). Secondly, the verse underscores the **Consequences of Disobedience**, serving as a crucial explanation for the impending judgment and exile. It vividly illustrates God's holiness and His demand for exclusive devotion, showing that covenant unfaithfulness has severe repercussions, as warned in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses for Obedience and Disobedience"). Lastly, it exemplifies **Syncretism**, where Israel blended the worship of Yahweh with pagan rituals, a practice strictly forbidden by God and seen as spiritual adultery, leading to their ultimate downfall.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Images (Hebrew, _matstsêbâh'_):** This Hebrew term (H4676) refers to a standing pillar, often a stone monument. While a _matstsêbâh_ could be used for legitimate purposes (e.g., Jacob's pillar in [Genesis 28:18](/genesis/28-18 "Genesis 28:18 - Jacob's Pillar at Bethel")), in the context of pagan worship, it specifically denotes cultic pillars or altars erected to honor foreign gods like Baal. Their erection was a direct affront to Yahweh's exclusive claim to Israel's worship, symbolizing a stationing or setting up of something that rivals God.
* **Groves (Hebrew, _ʼăshêrâh'_):** This word (H842) can refer to the Canaanite goddess Asherah herself, her cult image, or a sacred wooden pole or tree used in her worship. Asherah was the consort of Baal, a prominent fertility deity in Canaanite religion. The presence of _ʼăshêrâh'_ poles signifies a deep embrace of Canaanite fertility cults, which often involved immoral practices, directly contrasting the purity and holiness demanded by Yahweh. The term itself is rooted in a word meaning "happy," ironically pointing to the supposed prosperity gained through pagan worship.
* **High hill (Hebrew, _gâbôahh'_ H1364, _gibʻâh'_ H1389):** This phrase, combining _gâbôahh_ ("elevated" or "high") and _gibʻâh_ ("a hillock" or "hill"), points to the geographical ubiquity of Israel's idolatry. Elevated places were commonly associated with divinity in ancient Near Eastern religions, believed to be closer to the heavens and thus more suitable for encountering gods. For Israel, these became "high places" (_bamot_), condemned sites of illicit worship, representing an arrogant elevation of human will over divine command.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they set them up images and groves":** This clause highlights the active and intentional nature of Israel's apostasy. They were not merely passively allowing paganism but were actively establishing and promoting it. The "images" (_matstsebah_) were likely stone pillars or altars, and the "groves" (_asherah_) were cultic wooden poles or sacred trees dedicated to Canaanite deities, particularly Asherah. This action, initiated by the people ("they set them up" from H5324 _nâtsab_), was a direct and flagrant violation of God's commands to destroy such pagan objects and worship Him exclusively.
* **"in every high hill":** This phrase emphasizes the widespread nature of their idolatry across the Northern Kingdom. "High hills" were traditional sites for pagan rituals, often chosen for their perceived sacredness or connection to nature deities. For Israel, these became "high places" (_bamot_), condemned sites of illicit worship, contrasting sharply with God's command to worship only at the central sanctuary He designated. The use of "every" suggests a pervasive, almost complete, saturation of the land with these idolatrous practices.
* **"and under every green tree":** This parallel phrase further underscores the totality and pervasiveness of Israel's apostasy. "Green trees" (from H7488 _raʻănân_, meaning "verdant" or "flourishing," and H6086 _ʻêts_, meaning "tree" or "wood") were also common locations for pagan worship, often associated with fertility rites and nature worship due to their vibrant, flourishing appearance. The imagery evokes a scene where no part of the land, no natural landmark, was free from the stain of Israel's spiritual unfaithfulness. Together with "every high hill," it paints a picture of a nation utterly consumed by idolatry.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey the depth of Israel's apostasy. **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrases "every high hill, and under every green tree," which, while not necessarily literal, effectively communicates the pervasive and widespread nature of their idolatry across the entire land. This exaggeration emphasizes the totality of their rebellion. **Imagery** is vividly used, painting a picture of stone pillars and wooden poles dotting the landscape, a constant visual reminder of Israel's unfaithfulness. This visual imagery makes the spiritual reality tangible and stark. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Parallelism** with the repetition of the structure "in every [location type], and under every [location type]," which reinforces the idea of comprehensive and ubiquitous idolatry. This structural repetition creates a rhythmic emphasis on the extent of their sin.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Second Kings 17:10 stands as a stark testament to the consequences of covenant unfaithfulness and the seductive power of idolatry. Theologically, it highlights God's absolute demand for exclusive worship, rooted in His unique identity as the one true God who delivered Israel from slavery. Their adoption of "images and groves" was not merely a cultural adaptation but a profound betrayal of their covenant relationship, a spiritual adultery that provoked divine jealousy. This widespread apostasy demonstrates a fundamental misunderstanding of God's character and a rejection of His redemptive history. The verse serves as a sober warning that spiritual compromise, even if seemingly minor, can lead to national ruin and divine judgment.

* [Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3-5 "Exodus 20:3-5 - The First and Second Commandments")
* [Deuteronomy 12:2-4](/deuteronomy/12-2-4 "Deuteronomy 12:2-4 - Destroying Pagan Sites and Exclusive Worship")
* [Psalm 106:35-39](/psalms/106-35-39 "Psalm 106:35-39 - Israel's Idolatry and Sacrifice of Children")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While modern believers may not literally set up stone images or wooden poles, 2 Kings 17:10 offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary spiritual life. The pervasive nature of Israel's sin, reaching "every high hill, and under every green tree," challenges us to examine the subtle and often insidious ways idolatry can infiltrate our own hearts and societies. Idolatry, at its core, is anything that takes God's rightful place of supreme affection, trust, and devotion in our lives. This could be career success, financial security, personal comfort, social media validation, relationships, political ideologies, or even our own self-image. The verse calls us to a radical and exclusive devotion to God, recognizing that spiritual compromise, even in seemingly benign forms, ultimately leads to spiritual barrenness and separation from the life-giving presence of God. It compels us to rigorously self-examine our priorities and allegiances, ensuring that our worship of God remains pure and undivided, free from syncretism with worldly values or self-serving ambitions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "images" or "groves" might I be setting up in my own life, consciously or unconsciously, that compete for God's supreme place in my heart?**
* **How might the "high hills" and "green trees" of my contemporary culture (e.g., media, consumerism, social trends) subtly invite me to worship something other than God?**
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to blend Christian faith with worldly values or practices, rather than maintaining exclusive devotion to Christ?**

### FAQ
**What exactly were "images" and "groves" in this context?**

Answer: In [2 Kings 17:10](/2_kings/17-10 "2 Kings 17:10 - Israel's Idolatry on High Hills"), "images" (Hebrew: _matstsebah_) typically refers to standing stone pillars or monuments. While some pillars could be legitimate memorial stones, in this context, they were cultic objects erected for pagan worship, often dedicated to gods like Baal. "Groves" (Hebrew: _asherah_) refers to cultic wooden poles or sacred trees. These were symbols of the Canaanite goddess Asherah, often depicted as the consort of Baal and associated with fertility rites. Their presence signified the adoption of Canaanite religious practices, which were strictly forbidden by God's law (see [Deuteronomy 7:5](/deuteronomy/7-5 "Deuteronomy 7:5 - Destroying Pagan Idols")).

**Why were "high hills" and "green trees" significant for worship?**

Answer: In the ancient Near East, elevated places like "high hills" were often considered sacred, believed to be closer to the divine realm and thus suitable for encountering gods or performing rituals. Similarly, "green trees" (often large, ancient trees) were seen as sacred symbols of life, fertility, or the presence of deities. For the Canaanites, these natural sites were integral to their worship of nature deities. For Israel, however, God had commanded worship at a single, designated sanctuary (e.g., [Deuteronomy 12:5-7](/deuteronomy/12-5-7 "Deuteronomy 12:5-7 - The Chosen Place of Worship")), making worship at these "high places" a direct act of disobedience and syncretism, even if ostensibly directed toward Yahweh.

**What was the primary sin described in this verse, and why was it so serious?**

Answer: The primary sin described in [2 Kings 17:10](/2_kings/17-10 "2 Kings 17:10 - Israel's Idolatry on High Hills") is **idolatry** and **covenant unfaithfulness**. It was serious because it violated the very first commandments given to Israel: "You shall have no other gods before me" and "You shall not make for yourself a carved image" ([Exodus 20:3-4](/exodus/20-3-4 "Exodus 20:3-4 - The First and Second Commandments")). Israel's covenant with Yahweh was predicated on exclusive devotion. By setting up images and groves, they were not only worshipping false gods but also betraying the God who had delivered them from slavery in Egypt and established them as His chosen people. This spiritual adultery was a direct affront to God's holiness and His jealous love for His people, leading directly to the judgment of exile.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Second Kings 17:10](/2_kings/17-10 "2 Kings 17:10 - Israel's Idolatry on High Hills"), with its stark depiction of pervasive idolatry, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, who is the sole worthy object of worship and the one who liberates humanity from the bondage of false gods. The "images and groves" of Israel's past represent humanity's universal tendency to create gods in its own image or to worship creation rather than the Creator ([Romans 1:25](/romans/1-25 "Romans 1:25 - Worshiping the Creature Rather Than the Creator")). Jesus, as the incarnate God, perfectly embodies the exclusive devotion demanded by the Father. He came not to establish new "high places" or "green trees" for worship, but to declare that true worship is "in spirit and truth" ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23-24 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")), transcending physical locations and ritual objects. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Jesus provides the means for humanity to be cleansed from the idolatry of the heart, which Paul identifies as covetousness ([Colossians 3:5](/colossians/3-5 "Colossians 3:5 - Covetousness is Idolatry")). He calls His followers to put off the old self, which is corrupted by deceitful desires, and to put on the new self, created to be like God in righteousness and holiness ([Ephesians 4:22-24](/ephesians/4-22-24 "Ephesians 4:22-24 - Putting Off the Old Self and Putting on the New")). Thus, the judgment on Israel's idolatry serves as a dark backdrop against which the glorious light of Christ's redemptive work shines, inviting all to turn from dead idols to serve the living and true God ([1_thessalonians/1-9-10](/1_thessalonians/1-9-10 "1 Thessalonians 1:9-10 - Turning from Idols to Serve God")).

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.

Cross-References

1 Kings 14:23

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

Micah 5:14

And I will pluck up thy groves out of the midst of thee: so will I destroy thy cities.

Exodus 34:13

But ye shall destroy their altars, break their images, and cut down their groves:

2 Kings 16:4

And he sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places, and on the hills, and under every green tree.

Leviticus 26:1

¶ Ye shall make you no idols nor graven image, neither rear you up a standing image, neither shall ye set up [any] image of stone in your land, to bow down unto it: for I [am] the LORD your God.

Deuteronomy 12:2

Ye shall utterly destroy all the places, wherein the nations which ye shall possess served their gods, upon the high mountains, and upon the hills, and under every green tree:

Deuteronomy 12:3

And ye shall overthrow their altars, and break their pillars, and burn their groves with fire; and ye shall hew down the graven images of their gods, and destroy the names of them out of that place.