Elevating Our Worship: The Dangers of Unremoved High Places
"¶ Howbeit 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 15:35
In 2 Kings 15:35 we read, "Howbeit 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." At first glance, this verse may appear as a historical account with limited application to our lives today; however, upon deeper reflection, it reveals profound truths about worship, idolatry, and the heart of our relationship with God.
King Jotham, the ruler spoken of in this verse, made significant improvements to the temple of the LORD, as shown by his actions in constructing a new gate. This illustrates a desire to honor God through better facilities for worship. Yet, despite these outward improvements, a critical issue remained unaddressed: the high places of worship not dedicated to Yahweh.
High places in biblical times were often associated with idol worship and the practices of surrounding nations (1 Kings 14:23). They symbolized a compromised faith, where the people of Israel sought to worship God but were also drawn to the allure of pagan rituals. As we contemplate this, we must ask ourselves: What high places exist in our own lives? What practices, ideologies, or attachments do we cling to that distract us from a pure worship of the Almighty?
In today’s age, high places may not be physical locations where incense is burned. Instead, they manifest as distractions in our lives such as materialism, unchecked ambitions, relationships that draw us away from God, or even our self-reliance. Just like the Israelites, we often build these 'high places,' legitimizing them or neglecting to dismantle them despite our intentions to worship God.
This reveals an important aspect of spiritual maturity: the need for a holy examination of our hearts. Psalm 139:23-24 encourages us to ask, "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Without this self-examination, we risk allowing high places to coexist with our worship, diluting the true worship that God desires.
Jotham’s reign, marked by reform, was hindered by the existence of these high places. His failure to remove them suggests a reluctance to confront the sinfulness ingrained in his people. This raises a question essential for all believers: Are we willing to confront the things in our lives that are not pleasing to God?
Furthermore, the people "sacrificed and burned incense still in the high places," which demonstrates a troubling reality. They were engaging in worship while simultaneously participating in practices that God condemned. Their affection was divided, compromising their devotion to the one true God. It speaks to the danger of trying to blend our faith with the comforts and practices of the world around us. As followers of Christ, we are called to be lights in the darkness (Matthew 5:14), not to conform to the darkness itself (Romans 12:2).
As we study this scripture, it invites us to reflect on the areas where we might be sacrificing at our own 'high places.' Are we committing to God fully, or are we allowing other influences to shape our faith? It is critical to consciously remove those distractions, those high places, and instead bring our sacrifices to the foot of the cross—where grace abounds, and true worship begins.
In conclusion, King Jotham’s actions remind us that building structures and attending services is not enough. What matters is the state of our hearts and our willingness to eliminate the high places that compete for our devotion. May we be inspired to elevate our worship by removing any idols that stand between us and a deeper, more genuine relationship with our Savior. Let us commit to constant heart transformation, seeking the higher ground of devotion and purity in our lives.
Want to reflect more on 2 Kings 15:35?
Continue your spiritual journey with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, discover connections, and deepen your understanding.
Get Our Apps
2 Kings 15:35 Artwork
2 Kings 15:35 - "¶ Howbeit 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."
"¶ Howbeit 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 15:35
2 Chronicles 35:27 - "And his deeds, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah."
2 Kings 15:15 - "And the rest of the acts of Shallum, and his conspiracy which he made, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel."
2 Kings 9:35 - "And they went to bury her: but they found no more of her than the skull, and the feet, and the palms of her hands."
2 Kings 10:35 - "And Jehu slept with his fathers: and they buried him in Samaria. And Jehoahaz his son reigned in his stead."
1 Kings 2:35 - "And the king put Benaiah the son of Jehoiada in his room over the host: and Zadok the priest did the king put in the room of Abiathar."
2 Kings 3:15
2 Kings 3:15
2 Kings 3:15
2 Kings 15:11 - "And the rest of the acts of Zachariah, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel."
2 Kings 15:6 - "And the rest of the acts of Azariah, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"
2 Kings 15:21 - "¶ And the rest of the acts of Menahem, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?"
II Kings 15:35 the high places were not removed: the people sacrificed and burned incense still in the high places.
2 Kings 15:31 - "And the rest of the acts of Pekah, and all that he did, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel."
2 Kings 15:36 - "¶ Now the rest of the acts of Jotham, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"
2 Kings 15:26 - "And the rest of the acts of Pekahiah, and all that he did, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel."
2 Kings 18:35 - "Who are they among all the gods of the countries, that have delivered their country out of mine hand, that the LORD should deliver Jerusalem out of mine hand?"
2 Kings 4:35 - "Then he returned, and walked in the house to and fro; and went up, and stretched himself upon him: and the child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes."
2 Kings 15:29 show the army and attack
2 Samuel 15:35 - "And hast thou not there with thee Zadok and Abiathar the priests? therefore it shall be, that what thing soever thou shalt hear out of the king's house, thou shalt tell it to Zadok and Abiathar the priests."
Joshua 15:35 - "Jarmuth, and Adullam, Socoh, and Azekah,"
2 Kings 18:15 - "And Hezekiah gave him all the silver that was found in the house of the LORD, and in the treasures of the king's house."
2 Kings 19:35 - "¶ And it came to pass that night, that the angel of the LORD went out, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians an hundred fourscore and five thousand: and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they were all dead corpses."
2 Kings 17:35 - "With whom the LORD had made a covenant, and charged them, saying, Ye shall not fear other gods, nor bow yourselves to them, nor serve them, nor sacrifice to them:"
2 Kings 14:15 - "¶ Now the rest of the acts of Jehoash which he did, and his might, and how he fought with Amaziah king of Judah, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?"
2 Kings 15:22 - "And Menahem slept with his fathers; and Pekahiah his son reigned in his stead."
2 Chronicles 35:15 - "And the singers the sons of Asaph were in their place, according to the commandment of David, and Asaph, and Heman, and Jeduthun the king's seer; and the porters waited at every gate; they might not depart from their service; for their brethren the Levites prepared for them."
"And his deeds, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah." - 2 Chronicles 35:27
2 Kings 15:1 - "In the twenty and seventh year of Jeroboam king of Israel began Azariah son of Amaziah king of Judah to reign."