### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **bâmâh**, represented by `{{H1116}}`, is derived from a root meaning to be high and refers to an elevation, height, high place, or wave. It appears **102 times** across **92 unique verses** in the Bible. The term carries a significant duality, representing both divinely appointed places of honor and security, and, more frequently, unauthorized sites of idolatrous worship that became a persistent spiritual problem for Israel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its positive sense, `{{H1116}}` is used to signify God-given victory and exaltation. God promises to make his people "ride upon the high places of the earth" [[Isaiah 58:14]] and to "tread upon their high places" as a mark of dominance over their enemies [[Deuteronomy 33:29]]. The term also describes God's supreme power, as he alone "treadeth upon the waves of the sea" [[Job 9:8]]. However, the word is most often used negatively to denote illicit centers of worship. These high places were built for false gods like Baal [[Jeremiah 19:5]], Chemosh, and Molech [[1 Kings 11:7]]. Their construction was a source of sin for kings like Solomon [[1 Kings 11:7]] and Jeroboam [[1 Kings 12:31]], and their existence was a sign of incomplete obedience even during the reigns of otherwise good kings [[1 Kings 22:43]]. The command to "quite pluck down all their high places" [[Numbers 33:52]] was a foundational instruction for Israel upon entering the land.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context and function of the high places:
* `{{H2022}}` **har** (a mountain or range of hills): The high places were often physically located on a **mountain** or hill, connecting the geographical elevation with the site of worship [[2 Chronicles 21:11]].
* `{{H4196}}` **mizbêach** (an altar): The central feature of a high place was typically an **altar**, where illicit sacrifices and offerings were made ([[Hosea 10:8]], [[2 Kings 23:15]]).
* `{{H842}}` **ʼăshêrâh** (grove): These sites of false worship were frequently marked by the presence of **groves** or images of the goddess Asherah, which righteous kings were commended for cutting down ([[2 Kings 18:4]], [[2 Chronicles 14:3]]).
* `{{H6999}}` **qâṭar** (to smoke, i.e. turn into fragrance by fire): This verb describes the primary activity at the high places, where the people would unlawfully **burn incense** either to the LORD or to idols ([[1 Kings 3:3]], [[2 Kings 23:5]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1116}}` is profound, serving as a gauge of Israel's spiritual fidelity.
* **Symbol of Divine Exaltation:** To be set upon one's "high places" is a metaphor for the security, stability, and strength that come from God. This is seen in promises of personal deliverance and empowerment ([[Habakkuk 3:19]], [[Psalms 18:33]]).
* **Nexus of Idolatry and Rebellion:** The high places became the primary centers for Israel's spiritual adultery. They provoked God to anger with their **graven images** [[Psalms 78:58]], established places for abominable practices like child sacrifice [[Jeremiah 7:31]], and were identified as the "sin of Israel" [[Hosea 10:8]].
* **A Measure of Righteous Kingship:** The historical narratives repeatedly use a king's actions toward the high places as a spiritual benchmark. Righteous reformers like Hezekiah and Josiah are praised for removing them ([[2 Kings 18:4]], [[2 Kings 23:19]]), while the failure to do so, even by kings like Asa [[1 Kings 15:14]] and Jehoshaphat [[2 Chronicles 20:33]], is noted as a significant spiritual failing.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1116}}` is a term with a deeply divided meaning in scripture. While it can denote a position of God-given honor and sovereign power, it overwhelmingly functions as the label for localized, idolatrous shrines that competed with the true worship of God. The story of the "high places" is the story of Israel's struggle with syncretism and disobedience, illustrating the constant tension between worship at God's chosen place and the people's persistent temptation to erect their own altars on every high hill.
TRV