2 Chronicles 28:4

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

He sacrificed {H2076} also and burnt incense {H6999} in the high places {H1116}, and on the hills {H1389}, and under every green {H7488} tree {H6086}.

He also sacrificed and offered on the high places, on the hills and under any green tree.

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

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

Commentary

Context

This verse describes the idolatrous practices of King Ahaz of Judah. Reigning from approximately 735-715 BC, Ahaz was one of Judah's most wicked kings, a stark contrast to his righteous son, Hezekiah. The preceding verses (2 Chronicles 28:1-3) establish his character, noting he "did not that which was right in the sight of the LORD, like David his father," and even "made molten images for Baalim" and "burnt his children in the fire." Verse 4 continues this grim account, detailing the specific locations where Ahaz engaged in forbidden worship, further illustrating his deep apostasy and defiance of God's covenant with Israel. His reign was marked by significant spiritual decline and national distress, much of which was a direct consequence of his unfaithfulness, as seen in the subsequent verses of this chapter.

Key Themes

  • Idolatry and Apostasy: The primary theme is Ahaz's complete devotion to false gods, abandoning the exclusive worship of Yahweh. His actions represent a blatant rejection of the First and Second Commandments, which forbid other gods and the making of images.
  • Forbidden Places of Worship: The mention of "high places, and on the hills, and under every green tree" highlights the specific pagan practices God had explicitly forbidden for His people. These were common sites for Canaanite and other regional fertility cults and nature worship, often involving immoral rituals. God commanded His people to destroy these sites, not emulate them (see Deuteronomy 12:2-4).
  • Spiritual Degeneration: Ahaz's reign marks a significant low point in Judah's spiritual history. His public promotion of idolatry set a terrible example for the nation, leading to widespread spiritual compromise and moral decay.
  • Rejection of God's Covenant: By sacrificing and burning incense to other deities in these forbidden locations, Ahaz directly broke the covenant God had made with Israel, which stipulated exclusive worship and obedience.

Linguistic Insights

  • The term "high places" (Hebrew: bamot) refers to elevated shrines, often built on hills or artificial mounds. While some early Israelites used them for Yahweh worship, they became overwhelmingly associated with pagan practices and were consistently condemned by prophets and righteous kings. Their persistence was a recurring problem throughout Israel's history.
  • "Under every green tree" points to a common practice in ancient Near Eastern religions, where sacred trees or groves were used as sites for pagan rituals, often involving fertility rites. This practice was particularly abhorrent to the worship of Yahweh, who alone was to be worshipped in purity.

Practical Application

The account of King Ahaz serves as a powerful warning against spiritual compromise and the dangers of idolatry, even in modern times.

  • Beware of Modern Idols: While we may not bow to physical statues, anything that takes precedence over God in our lives—such as money, power, possessions, career, relationships, or even self-indulgence—can become an idol. The call to worship God alone is timeless (Colossians 3:5).
  • Purity of Worship: This verse underscores the importance of worshipping God according to His revealed will, not incorporating worldly practices or human traditions that dilute or corrupt true devotion. God desires worship that is pure and undivided.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: Ahaz's actions led to severe national consequences, reminding us that turning from God's ways has repercussions, both individually and corporately. Our choices have spiritual weight.
  • Learning from History: The Bible's historical narratives, like Ahaz's reign, provide vital lessons. By understanding the failures of the past, we can be guided toward faithfulness and obedience in the present.
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Cross-References

  • Leviticus 26:30 (2 votes)

    And I will destroy your high places, and cut down your images, and cast your carcases upon the carcases of your idols, and my soul shall abhor you.

  • Deuteronomy 12:2 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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.

  • 2 Kings 16:4 (2 votes)

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