Which high places did Solomon visit?

Definition and Background of High Places

High places were elevated sites or hilltops employed for religious ceremonies in the ancient Near East. These locations typically hosted altars, standing stones, or other objects used in sacrifice and worship rites. Within Israelite tradition, high places initially appeared during transitional eras when a central sanctuary was not yet established or when the community lapsed in devotion to the true God. Although many high places were devoted to the worship of pagan deities, some were used for legitimate worship of the Lord prior to the construction of the Temple.

Early High Places in Solomon’s Reign

Before the completion of the Temple in Jerusalem, sacrifices were often offered on high places throughout the land. This was partly due to the fact that the tabernacle was still in use (though it had changed location) and there was no single, permanent house dedicated to the LORD.

One prominent instance is recorded in 1 Kings 3:2–4. The biblical text notes:

“(2) The people, however, were still sacrificing on the high places, because a house had not yet been built for the Name of the LORD.

(3) Solomon loved the LORD and walked in the statutes of his father David—except that he sacrificed and burned incense on the high places.

(4) And the king went to sacrifice at Gibeon, for it was the greatest high place...”

Here, Solomon traveled to Gibeon and offered a thousand burnt offerings on its high altar. Gibeon was recognized as a significant worship site at the time, since the tabernacle and the bronze altar were situated there (2 Chronicles 1:3–6). Consequently, Solomon’s offerings at Gibeon formed part of his devout inclination to worship the LORD before the Temple was built.

Key High Places Recorded in Scripture

1. Gibeon

• As stated, Gibeon was a principal site. The tabernacle and bronze altar were located there, making it a focal point for sacrifices until the Temple’s completion.

• 1 Kings 3:4 highlights its prominence by describing it as “the greatest high place.”

2. High Places for Foreign Gods

• Later in his reign, Solomon built or visited additional high places to accommodate the deities of his foreign wives.

• 1 Kings 11:7–8 indicates:

“(7) At that time on a hill east of Jerusalem, Solomon built a high place for Chemosh the abomination of Moab and for Molech the abomination of the Ammonites.

(8) He did the same for all his foreign wives, who burned incense and sacrificed to their gods.”

• Such acts reflected a decline in Solomon’s faithfulness, as these altars to foreign gods were explicitly forbidden in the covenant God had established with Israel.

3. High Places in Jerusalem’s Vicinity

• The “hill east of Jerusalem” (commonly thought to be the Mount of Olives or a slope thereof) served as prominent terrain for these pagan shrines.

• In commissioning these altars, Solomon introduced practices that would eventually plague the kingdom under future kings, continuing a pattern of syncretistic worship until reforms under Hezekiah and Josiah (2 Kings 18:4; 23:8).

Archaeological and Historical Evidence

Multiple archaeological investigations and historical documents illuminate the existence of high places in the region:

• Excavations at Gibeon: Explorations of the ancient mound at el-Jib (often identified as biblical Gibeon) have revealed evidence of Iron Age fortifications and water systems. These findings underscore Gibeon’s importance as a central settlement, which accords with the biblical depiction of it being “the greatest high place” during Solomon’s early reign.

• Regional High Places: Other high places across the Levant reflect the widespread cultural practice of worship on elevated sites. For example, discoveries of altars, standing stones, and religious artifacts at sites such as Tel Dan and Lachish point to the multifaceted use of high places—sometimes for legal worship, other times for pagan rites. This broader regional custom aligns with how 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles portray Solomon’s and others’ use of such sites.

• Historical Continuity: In line with external texts referencing Canaanite and surrounding nations’ ceremonial sites, the biblical record aligns with how high places served as places of veneration, whether to idols or (occasionally) dedicated to the Lord before the Temple era. Corroborations of local worship sites support the biblical storyline and reflect historically consistent religious customs in the region.

Spiritual Implications of Solomon’s Visits

Solomon’s journey from godly devotion to spiritual compromise is vividly illustrated by his engagement with high places:

1. Commendable Beginnings: Early in his rule, Solomon worshiped at Gibeon in sincerity. As 1 Kings 3:3 notes, “Solomon loved the LORD and walked in the statutes of his father David.” His actions showed wholehearted commitment to honoring God, and at Gibeon, he received divine wisdom, confirming the LORD’s pleasure with his initial reverence.

2. Gradual Downfall: Over time, political alliances led to marriages with foreign wives. This nurturing of pagan influence resulted in constructing high places to Baal, Ashtoreth, Chemosh, and other deities. By facilitating those altars, Solomon deviated from the exclusive worship of the true God, revealing how spiritual compromise generally begins with small concessions but can expand into open disobedience.

3. Lessons on Faithfulness: Solomon’s dual involvement with legitimate high places (like Gibeon) and forbidden ones (such as those east of Jerusalem) underscores the dangers of divided loyalty. Reverent worship transforms into disobedient ritual when unaligned with God’s commands and covenantal devotion. This often-quoted narrative serves to caution believers about the subtlety of syncretism and the necessity of steadfast faith.

Contribution to the Larger Biblical Narrative

High places illustrate themes prominent throughout the Scriptures:

• Centralization of Worship: God’s design was eventually for all Israelite worship to be centered in Jerusalem’s Temple. The presence of multiple high places led people into idolatry or syncretism. Repeatedly, prophetic calls and kingly reforms strove to eliminate the misuse of these sites.

• Fulfillment of Covenant: Despite Israel’s—and later Judah’s—struggles with idolatry, overarching redemptive history points ahead to the perfect King and perfect sacrifice. Solomon’s rule and his missteps highlight humankind’s need for ultimate deliverance, found solely in Christ. The Temple, high places, and their associated worship systems draw attention to the insufficiency of external rituals, apart from the genuine heart devotion that God requires.

Summation of the High Places Solomon Visited

1 Kings 3 and 2 Chronicles 1 describe Solomon going to Gibeon, where he worshiped the true God before the Temple was constructed. This is the most noteworthy high place Solomon visited in a positive context.

In stark contrast, 1 Kings 11 recounts how Solomon, influenced by foreign marriages, introduced high places to honor deities like Chemosh, Molech, and others. These sites were built on hills near Jerusalem and tarnished Solomon’s legacy.

When combined, these accounts present a comprehensive picture of Solomon’s engagement with high places. Initially a site for faithful worship, Gibeon stands as a reminder of his early devotion. Later high places epitomize syncretistic worship and reveal the spiritual decline that eventually led God to judge the kingdom.

Conclusion

The high places Solomon visited reflect the larger tensions in Israelite worship during the monarchic period. Though he initially used them out of reverence for the LORD—most notably at Gibeon—he ultimately sanctioned pagan high places under foreign influence. The descriptions in 1 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and supporting archaeological findings confirm the historical plausibility of these worship locales.

These narratives also reveal deeper lessons on faithfulness, compromise, and the necessity of undivided worship to God. They illustrate how leadership choices can shape a nation’s spiritual direction. Studying Solomon’s life and his engagement with various high places helps us understand a central biblical theme: a heart devoted to God is marked by obedience and refuses to give glory to undeserving idols.