1 Kings 3
Verse 2 high places Cf. Leviticus 26:30; Deuteronomy 12:11-14. The use of commanding elevations for altars seems to have been immemorial and universal. In itself the practice was not evil ; Genesis 12:7,8; 22:2-4 ; 31:54; Judges 6:25,26; 13:16-23. After the establishment of Mount Moriah and the temple as the centre of divine worship ; Deuteronomy 12:5; 2 Chronicles 7:12 the pentateuchal prohibition of the use of high places Deuteronomy 12:11-14 which had looked forward to the setting up of such a centre, came into effect, and high places became identified with idolatrous practices. The constant recurrence to the use of high places, even for Jehovistic worship (See Scofield "1 Kings 15:14") and after the building of the temple, proves how deeply rooted the custom was. See 2 Kings 18:4-22; 23:1-37; 2 Chronicles 33:3,17,19 Note below refers to "Groves." (See Scofield "Judges 3:7") .