1 Kings Chapter 14 · Verse 23
For they also built them high places, and images, and groves, on every high hill, and under every green tree.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּבְנ֨וּ
For they also built
H1129
וַיִּבְנ֨וּ
For they also built
Strong's:
H1129
Word #:
1 of 15
to build (literally and figuratively)
גַם
H1571
גַם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
2 of 15
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
וּמַצֵּב֖וֹת
and images
H4676
וּמַצֵּב֖וֹת
and images
Strong's:
H4676
Word #:
6 of 15
something stationed, i.e., a column or (memorial stone); by analogy, an idol
וַֽאֲשֵׁרִ֑ים
and groves
H842
וַֽאֲשֵׁרִ֑ים
and groves
Strong's:
H842
Word #:
7 of 15
asherah (or astarte) a phoenician goddess; also an image of the same
עַ֚ל
H5921
עַ֚ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
8 of 15
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
9 of 15
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
וְתַ֖חַת
H8478
וְתַ֖חַת
Strong's:
H8478
Word #:
12 of 15
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
13 of 15
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Cross References
Deuteronomy 12:2Ye shall utterly destroy all the places, wherein the nations which ye shall possess served their gods, upon the high mountains, and upon the hills, and under every green tree:Isaiah 57:5Enflaming yourselves with idols under every green tree, slaying the children in the valleys under the clifts of the rocks?
Historical Context
First Kings was written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), reflecting on the monarchy period (10th-9th centuries BCE) to explain why the kingdoms fell. This period (c. 930-850 BCE) saw rapid succession and instability, especially in the northern kingdom.
Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this passage illustrate the importance of complete obedience to God's word without compromise?
- What does Elijah's ministry reveal about God's character and His commitment to His covenant people?
- How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?
Analysis & Commentary
For they also built them high places, and images, and groves, on every high hill, and under every green tree.
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of jeroboam's judgment and rehoboam's reign, within the book's focus on spiritual decline of both kingdoms under various rulers.
The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.