The High Places: Hidden Strongholds of Idolatry and Spiritual Warfare
In the pages of Scripture, we encounter a persistent problem that plagued Israel and Judah—the high places. These were locations of worship, often found on hills or elevated ground, where sacrifices and offerings were made. Although some of these places were originally dedicated to the worship of YHWH, they became strongholds of idolatry, drawing the people away from the true worship of the Most High.
One such verse that highlights this ongoing struggle is found in 2 Kings 12:3:
"But the high places were not taken away; the people still sacrificed and burned incense on the high places."
This one sentence carries profound implications—not just for the ancient Israelites, but for us today. It reveals a deeper truth about human nature, spiritual warfare, and the battle between obedience and compromise.
What Were the High Places?
In the Old Testament, high places (bamot in Hebrew) were locations used for worship. Before the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem, some high places were acceptable as sites of worship for YHWH. However, as time passed, these locations became corrupted by pagan practices. False gods such as Baal, Asherah, and Molech were worshiped there, leading Israel into sin.
Despite righteous kings like Hezekiah and Josiah tearing them down (2 Kings 18:4, 2 Kings 23:15), many other kings failed to remove them completely. Even when they attempted reforms, these strongholds remained in the land, subtly drawing the people back into idolatry.
The Danger of Partial Obedience
One of the most tragic aspects of Israel’s history is that even when kings like Jehoash (the king mentioned in 2 Kings 12) sought to do what was right in the eyes of YHWH, they often failed to fully remove the high places.
This reveals an important truth: partial obedience is still disobedience.
The people were still offering sacrifices, but they were doing so in places that YHWH had not authorized. The Torah was clear—sacrifices were to be made at the appointed place chosen by YHWH, which was ultimately the Temple in Jerusalem (Deuteronomy 12:5-6). By continuing to worship at the high places, the people followed their own desires rather than the clear instructions of the Almighty.
How often do we do the same? How often do we hold onto high places in our own lives—areas where we refuse to fully surrender to YHWH?
Modern-Day High Places: The Hidden Idols We Keep
Though we may not physically worship at altars on hills, the concept of high places is just as relevant today. High places represent anything that takes the place of true worship and obedience to YHWH.
1. High Places of Compromise
Many believers today struggle with blending faith with worldly practices. Just as Israel mixed worship of YHWH with pagan rituals, modern believers sometimes adopt ideologies, lifestyles, or beliefs that contradict the Word of YHWH. This could be engaging in occultic practices, horoscopes, new age spirituality, or syncretism—merging biblical truth with false teachings.
YHWH calls His people to be set apart (Leviticus 20:26), yet many hold onto spiritual “high places” that lead to compromise.
2. High Places of Sinful Habits
Some high places are not physical locations but sinful strongholds in our lives. These can be:
Addictions (substance abuse, pornography, gambling)
Unforgiveness and bitterness
Pride and self-reliance
Lust and sexual immorality
Even when we claim to follow YHWH, if we continue offering “sacrifices” at these high places—returning to destructive habits—we are not fully surrendering to His will.
3. High Places of Human Tradition Over YHWH’s Commands
Yeshua (Jesus) often rebuked the religious leaders of His day for prioritizing human traditions over the commandments of YHWH (Mark 7:8-9). Many believers today elevate church doctrines, denominational rules, or personal preferences above what Scripture actually teaches.
For example, some hold onto false doctrines inherited from man rather than returning to the pure instructions of Torah. If we are not careful, tradition can become a high place that we refuse to tear down.
Why Do People Keep Returning to High Places?
If high places were so destructive, why did the Israelites keep returning to them? The same reasons apply today:
1. Convenience – High places were closer than the Temple in Jerusalem. Many prefer what is easy rather than what is righteous.
2. Cultural Influence – Neighboring nations worshiped on high places, and Israel was often tempted to conform. Today, many compromise biblical values to fit into society.
3. Emotional Attachment – Some high places had sentimental value. Likewise, many hold onto sinful habits because they feel comfortable.
4. Lack of True Repentance – Superficial reforms do not remove the root of idolatry. True repentance requires a complete transformation.
Tearing Down the High Places in Our Lives
YHWH calls His people to destroy every high place that competes with His worship. In Deuteronomy 12:2-3, He commands:
"You shall utterly destroy all the places where the nations whom you shall dispossess served their gods, on the high mountains and on the hills and under every green tree. And you shall tear down their altars, smash their sacred pillars, and burn their Asherim with fire."
To fully walk in righteousness, we must tear down every high place in our lives. This means:
Identifying the high places – What areas of compromise exist in your life? Ask YHWH to reveal any strongholds.
Destroying them completely – Partial obedience is not enough. Remove every trace of sin, false doctrine, and compromise.
Replacing them with true worship – Just as Israel was called to worship YHWH at His appointed place, we must dedicate our hearts fully to Him.
A Call to True Worship
The high places were a persistent problem in ancient Israel, and they remain a spiritual issue today. YHWH desires complete obedience, not half-hearted devotion. In these last days, we must examine our lives and tear down anything that competes with true worship.
Will you allow YHWH to cleanse your heart and remove the high places? Will you reject compromise and commit fully to Him?
Let this be our prayer:
"Father, reveal any high places in my life that are not pleasing to You. Give me the strength to tear them down completely and worship You alone. I surrender every area of my life to Your will. Help me walk in obedience and holiness. In Yeshua’s name, Amen."
Conclusion: Choose This Day Whom You Will Serve
The battle against high places is not just an Old Testament issue—it is a battle we face daily. We must choose whether we will worship YHWH fully or hold onto idols in secret. As Joshua declared:
"Choose this day whom you will serve… But as for me and my house, we will serve YHWH." (Joshua 24:15)
May we be a people who tear down every high place and worship the Most High in spirit and truth!
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Keywords:
What are the high places in the Bible?
Spiritual warfare and high places
Dangers of compromise in faith
Modern idolatry and high places
How to remove spiritual strongholds
Obedience to YHWH in Scripture
Lessons from 2 Kings 12:3
Biblical spiritual warfare strategies
