Topical Encyclopedia High-places, known in Hebrew as "bamot," are elevated sites often associated with worship and religious rituals in the ancient Near East, including Israel. These sites are frequently mentioned in the Old Testament and hold significant theological and historical importance.Biblical References and Description High-places are first mentioned in the context of Canaanite worship practices, which the Israelites encountered upon entering the Promised Land. These sites were typically located on hills or elevated ground and were used for the worship of various deities, including Baal and Asherah. The Bible often describes them as locations where altars, sacred stones, and Asherah poles were erected. In the Book of Numbers, Balaam is brought to a high-place to curse Israel: "Then Balak took Balaam to the high places of Baal, from where he could see the outskirts of the camp" (Numbers 22:41). This indicates the association of high-places with pagan worship and divination. Israelite Use and Reforms Despite their pagan origins, high-places were sometimes used by the Israelites for the worship of Yahweh, especially before the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. For instance, Solomon is noted to have offered sacrifices at high-places: "The king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, for it was the great high place. Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on that altar" (1 Kings 3:4). However, the use of high-places for worship was a contentious issue in Israel's religious history. The Deuteronomic reform, as articulated in Deuteronomy 12, called for the centralization of worship in Jerusalem and the destruction of high-places: "You must not worship the LORD your God in this way. Instead, you must seek the place the LORD your God will choose from among all your tribes to establish His name as a dwelling" (Deuteronomy 12:4-5). Several kings of Judah, such as Hezekiah and Josiah, are commended for their efforts to abolish high-places. Hezekiah "removed the high places, shattered the sacred stones, and cut down the Asherah poles" (2 Kings 18:4). Josiah's reforms were even more extensive, as he "defiled the high places where the priests had burned incense" (2 Kings 23:8). Theological Significance The high-places represent a recurring theme of syncretism and idolatry in Israel's history. They symbolize the tension between the worship of Yahweh and the allure of surrounding pagan practices. The prophets frequently condemned the high-places as sites of apostasy and unfaithfulness to the covenant with God. For example, Jeremiah laments, "For your gods are as numerous as your cities, O Judah; and the altars of shame you have set up—the altars to burn incense to Baal—are as many as the streets of Jerusalem" (Jeremiah 11:13). The struggle against the high-places underscores the biblical call to exclusive worship of Yahweh and the rejection of idolatry. The narrative of high-places serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God's commandments, as well as the centralization of worship in the place He has chosen. Strong's Hebrew 1181. baale bamoth -- lords of (the) high places... lords of (the) high places. Transliteration: baale bamoth Phonetic Spelling: (bah-al-ay' baw-moth') Short Definition: heights. ... lords of the high places. ... /hebrew/1181.htm - 6k 4791. marom -- height 1116. bamah -- a high place 7413. ramah -- height, high place Library Spiritual Religion in High Places --Rous, Vane, and Sterry Asa's Reformation, and Consequent Peace and victory The Ideal Devout Life The Earlier Hebrew Histories. Feeding in the Ways National Apostasy Prayer and Humility Jehoshaphat's Reform Jeroboam Prayer and vigilance Thesaurus Sacrificing (39 Occurrences)... (See NIV). 1 Kings 3:2 Only, the people are sacrificing in highplaces, for there hath not been built a house for the name of Jehovah till those days. ... /s/sacrificing.htm - 19k Shrines (40 Occurrences) Asherahs (23 Occurrences) Asherim (20 Occurrences) Groves (32 Occurrences) Ashe'rim (19 Occurrences) Place (9195 Occurrences) Lowest (28 Occurrences) Extremities (6 Occurrences) Classes (12 Occurrences) Resources What is the significance of high places in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did Solomon worship at a high place? | GotQuestions.org Why is God described as God Most High? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance High-places (2 Occurrences)Ezekiel 16:16 Habakkuk 3:19 Subtopics Related Terms |
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