High Places. The Hebrew word bamah is a general term, comprehending mountains and hills; but in Ezekiel 20:29, it is given as the proper name of a place; while in other passages it is usually and correctly translated "high place." The Hebrews, like most other ancient nations, frequently offered sacrifices upon "high places," notwithstanding the prohibition in Deuteronomy 12:1-32, both to Jehovah and to idols, 1 Samuel 9:12-14; 1 Kings 3:2; 1 Kings 3:4; 2 Kings 12:3; 1 Chronicles 16:39; and erected chapels thereon, and had ministers of the sacred rites. 1 Kings 12:32; 1 Kings 13:32; 2 Kings 17:29; 2 Kings 17:32. Even Solomon, after the erection of the temple, and other kings, till the time of Josiah, frequently sacrificed on hills and mountains. 1 Kings 11:7; 2 Kings 14:4; 2 Kings 15:4; 2 Kings 15:35; 2 Chronicles 20:33; Ezekiel 6:3; Leviticus 26:30. Probably the massive circular ruins on the summits of Hermon are the remains of such places of ancient idolatrous worship. 2 Kings 23:7; Ezekiel 16:16; Amos 5:8.
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