2 Kings Chapter 12 · Verse 3
But the high places were not taken away: the people still sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places.
Original Language Analysis
רַ֥ק
H7535
רַ֥ק
Strong's:
H7535
Word #:
1 of 9
properly, leanness, i.e., (figuratively) limitation; only adverbial, merely, or conjunctional, although
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
3 of 9
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
ע֥וֹד
H5750
ע֥וֹד
Strong's:
H5750
Word #:
5 of 9
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
הָעָ֛ם
the people
H5971
הָעָ֛ם
the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
6 of 9
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
מְזַבְּחִ֥ים
still sacrificed
H2076
מְזַבְּחִ֥ים
still sacrificed
Strong's:
H2076
Word #:
7 of 9
to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)
Cross References
2 Kings 14:4Howbeit the high places were not taken away: as yet the people did sacrifice and burnt incense on the high places.1 Kings 15:14But the high places were not removed: nevertheless Asa's heart was perfect with the LORD all his days.1 Kings 22:43And he walked in all the ways of Asa his father; he turned not aside from it, doing that which was right in the eyes of the LORD: nevertheless the high places were not taken away; for the people offered and burnt incense yet in the high places.2 Kings 15:35Howbeit the high places were not removed: the people sacrificed and burned incense still in the high places. He built the higher gate of the house of the LORD.2 Kings 18:4He removed the high places, and brake the images, and cut down the groves, and brake in pieces the brasen serpent that Moses had made: for unto those days the children of Israel did burn incense to it: and he called it Nehushtan.
Historical Context
Historical Setting: 2 Kings 12 takes place during the declining years of the northern kingdom, 8th century BCE, culminating in exile in 722 BCE. The chapter's theme (Joash Repairs the Temple) reflects the historical reality of progressive political instability and external threats, particularly from Aram (Syria) and later Assyria. Archaeological evidence from this period includes royal inscriptions, administrative documents, and material culture that corroborate the biblical account while providing additional context for understanding the political and social dynamics at work.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 12 regarding religious reform and temple restoration?
- What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
- In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?
Analysis & Commentary
But the high places were not taken away: the people still sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 12: Religious reform and temple restoration. This passage occurs during the decline toward Israel's exile, demonstrating how persistent covenant unfaithfulness leads to national disaster.
The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.