1-kings 14:23
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
For they also built them high places, and images, and groves, on every high hill, and under every green tree.
American King James Version (AKJV)
For they also built them high places, and images, and groves, on every high hill, and under every green tree.
American Standard Version (ASV)
For they also built them high places, and pillars, and Asherim, on every high hill, and under every green tree;
Basic English Translation (BBE)
For they made high places and upright stones and wood pillars on every high hill and under every green tree;
Webster's Revision
For they also built for themselves high places, and images and groves, on every high hill, and under every green tree.
World English Bible
For they also built them high places, and pillars, and Asherim, on every high hill, and under every green tree;
English Revised Version (ERV)
For they also built them high places, and pillars, and Asherim, on every high hill, and under every green tree;
Barnes's 1-kings 14:23 Bible Commentary
The words "they also" are emphatic. Not only did the Israelites make themselves high places 1 Kings 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 travelers, who gladly rested under their shade Deuteronomy 12:2.
Wesley's 1-kings 14:23 Bible Commentary
14:23 They also - Followed the example of the Israelites, although they were better instructed, and had the temple in their kingdom, andliberty of access to it, and the privilege of worshipping God in hisown way, and the counsels, and sermons, and examples of the priests andLevites, 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 hisexpress command. Groves - Not only after the manner of the Heathensand Israelites, but against a direct and particular prohibition.Under every green tree - The people were universally corrupted: whichis prodigious, all things considered, and is a clear evidence of thegreatness and depth of the original corruption of man's nature.
