2 Kings 17:10

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

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

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

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

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

Commentary

Context

This verse is part of a somber narrative in 2 Kings Chapter 17 that explains the reasons behind the fall of the Northern Kingdom of Israel to Assyria. Following decades of spiritual decline after the division of the kingdom, Israel had consistently strayed from the covenant God made with their ancestors. Verses 7-9 detail how they provoked the Lord by walking in the statutes of the nations whom the Lord had cast out before them, and by building high places in all their cities.

Meaning of the Verse

Verse 10 vividly describes the pervasive nature of Israel's idolatry. The phrase "And they set them up images and groves" refers to the Israelites' adoption of Canaanite pagan worship practices. The "images" (Hebrew: matstsebah) were likely stone pillars or altars dedicated to foreign gods, such as Baal. The "groves" (Hebrew: asherah) were cultic wooden poles or sacred trees representing Asherah, the Canaanite goddess of fertility and consort of Baal. These were direct violations of God's command to destroy pagan worship sites and worship Him exclusively.

The locations for this worship—"in every high hill, and under every green tree"—emphasize the widespread and public nature of their apostasy. These were traditional sites for pagan rituals, often chosen for their perceived sacredness or connection to nature deities, in stark contrast to God's command to worship only at the central sanctuary He designated.

Linguistic Insights

  • Images (מַצֵּבָה - matstsebah): This Hebrew term refers to a standing pillar, often used for memorial stones or altars. In this context, it specifically denotes pillars erected for pagan worship.
  • Groves (אֲשֵׁרָה - asherah): This word can refer to the Canaanite goddess Asherah herself, her cult image, or a sacred tree or pole used in her worship. Its inclusion here highlights the specific type of idolatry Israel engaged in, directly adopting the practices of the surrounding nations.

Key Themes

  • Pervasive Idolatry and Apostasy: The verse powerfully illustrates the depth and breadth of Israel's spiritual rebellion. Their worship of false gods was not isolated but deeply ingrained in their society, a direct breach of the first two commandments.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: This verse serves as a crucial explanation for the impending judgment and exile of the Northern Kingdom. It underscores God's holiness and His demand for exclusive devotion, showing that covenant unfaithfulness has severe repercussions.
  • Syncretism: Israel did not completely abandon Yahweh, but they blended His worship with pagan rituals, a practice known as syncretism. This was strictly forbidden and seen as spiritual adultery by God.

Practical Application

While we may not literally set up images or groves today, this verse offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It challenges us to examine what might constitute idolatry in our own lives. Anything that takes God's rightful place in our hearts—whether it's money, career, possessions, relationships, or self-image—can become a modern "image" or "grove."

The pervasiveness of Israel's sin also reminds us that spiritual compromise can subtly infiltrate every area of life. This verse calls us to:

  • Exclusive Devotion: To give God the sole allegiance He deserves, avoiding any form of spiritual syncretism with worldly values.
  • Self-Examination: To regularly assess our priorities and ensure that God remains supreme in our thoughts, actions, and affections.
  • Learning from History: To heed the warnings from Israel's past and avoid the pitfalls of disobedience and compromise that led to their downfall.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.
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