1 Kings 14:23

“For they also built them high places, etc.] Which, though allowed of, or at least connived at, before the temple was built, and when the tabernacle was unfixed, yet afterwards unlawful; and the tribe of Judah could have no excuse for them, who had the temple in their tribe: and images; contrary to the express command of God, (<022004>Exodus 20:4), and groves on every high hill, and under every green tree; that is, set up idols, and temples for idols, amidst groves of trees, and under all green trees; as was the custom of the Heathens, who sacrificed on the heights of hills and tops of mountains, as was particularly the custom of the Persians, as both Herodotus f336 and Xenophon f337 relate;…”

“The words “they also” are emphatic. Not only did the Israelites make themselves high places 1Ki 12:31; 1 Kings 13:32, but the people of Judah also. The “high places,” which are said to have been “built,” were probably small shrines or tabernacles hung with bright-colored tapestry Ezekiel 16:16, like the “sacred tent” of the Carthaginians. The “images” were rather “pillars” (Genesis 28:18 note). Groves - See 1 Kings 14:15, note. The “groves,” it will be observed, were “built” on high hills and “under green trees.” Under every green tree - i. e., under all those remarkable trees which, standing singly about the land, were landmarks to their respective neighborhoods, and places of resort to…”

“They also - Followed the example of the Israelites, although they were better instructed, and had the temple in their kingdom, and liberty of access to it, and the privilege of worshipping God in his own way, and the counsels, and sermons, and examples of the priests and Levites, and the dreadful example of Israel's horrid apostacy, to caution and terrify them. High places - Which was unlawful, and, now especially when the temple was built, and ready to receive them; unnecessary, and therefore expressed a greater contempt of God and his express command. Groves - Not only after the manner of the Heathens and Israelites, but against a direct and particular prohibition. Under every green tree -…”

“14:23-24 Solomon had married foreign wives, who led his family into idolatry. Judah, under Rehoboam’s leadership, then perpetuated the detestable practices of the pagan nations that occupied the land before the Israelites. The spiritual decline of a nation easily follows from debased leadership, which leads to disgrace and destruction (Prov 14:34). • Shrine prostitutes were not uncommon in Canaan but were prohibited for Israel (see study notes on Lev 17:7; Deut 23:17-18). They became a part of Israelite society as the people embraced Canaanite culture.”

“built: Kg1 3:2; Deu 12:2; Isa 57:5; Eze 16:24, Eze 16:25, Eze 20:28, Eze 20:29 images: or, standing images, or statues, Lev 26:1 groves: Mic 5:14; Deu 12:2; Kg2 17:9, Kg2 17:10, Kg2 21:3-7; Ch2 28:4; Jer 17:2 under every: Isa 57:5; Jer 3:13 3 Kings (1 Kings) 14:24”