High place

"An eminence, natural or artificial, where worship by sacrifice" or offerings was made (1 Kings 13:32; 2 Kings 17:29). The first altar after the Flood was built on a mountain (Gen. 8:20). "Abraham also built an altar on a mountain (12:7, 8). It was on a" mountain in Gilead that Laban and Jacob offered sacrifices (31:54). After the Israelites entered the Promised Land they were strictly enjoined to overthrow the high places of the "Canaanites (Ex. 34:13; Deut. 7:5; 12:2, 3), and they were" "forbidden to worship the Lord on high places (Deut. 12:11-14)," and were enjoined to use but one altar for sacrifices (Lev. "17:3, 4; Deut. 12; 16:21). The injunction against high places" "was, however, very imperfectly obeyed, and we find again and" "again mention made of them (2 Kings 14:4; 15:4, 35:2 Chr. 15:17," etc.).

Related Bible Dictionary Terms:
High priest    Holy place    Open place    Skull The place of a