Nevertheless, the high places were not taken away; the people continued to sacrifice and make offerings on the high places.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Even as King Joash committed to repairing the Temple, the text pointedly notes the persistent practice of worship on the high places. This reveals how deeply ingrained syncretistic worship had become, a spiritual "backup plan" that lingered even when the central sanctuary was being restored. It's a stark reminder that outward reforms don't always immediately dismantle internal or cultural patterns of compromise.
Nevertheless, the high places were not taken away; the people continued to sacrifice and make offerings on the high places.
English Standard Version (ESV)
King Joash begins his reign by earnestly seeking to repair and restore the Jerusalem Temple, a project mandated by God. However, despite his zeal for God's house, he, like many kings before him, fails to eradicate the popular practice of worship at the illegal "high places," where people would offer sacrifices to God—and sometimes other gods—outside of the divinely appointed sanctuary. This highlights a common tension in Israelite history: genuine attempts at religious reform often fell short of fully dismantling deeply ingrained, albeit misguided, traditions.
King Joash started off with a great heart for God, making impressive reforms. But some things he left untouched, allowing 'business as usual' to continue. What happens when we try to serve two masters?
Even with good intentions, compromise can derail progress. Joash's reign is a classic example of this. He centralized worship and repair of the Temple, which sounds fantastic! But the text makes it clear he didn't eliminate the unauthorized worship sites, the 'high places.'
This meant that while the central Temple might have been functioning well, the old, idolatrous, or at least syncretistic practices continued on the side. It’s like trying to clean out a room but leaving a dusty, potentially rotten corner untouched. Eventually, that untouched area can spread its influence and spoil the whole effort.
God’s command was clear: all idolatrous practices and unauthorized worship sites were to be destroyed. Allowing them to persist, even if they weren't the main focus of worship, was a concession that weakened the spiritual integrity of the nation. It shows how difficult it is to fully root out sin and compromise, even for a king who seemed to be doing so much right.
It wasn't just the king's job to fix things. The people themselves were active participants in worship, and their habits proved hard to break. What does this teach us about our own spiritual lives?
This verse points to a crucial dynamic: the spiritual health of a nation isn't just about the king or the leaders; it’s also about the people. While Joash's intentions were good, 'the people continued to sacrifice and make offerings on the high places.'
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This suggests a deep-seated cultural or personal habit that leadership alone couldn't eradicate. The people had become accustomed to these practices, perhaps finding them convenient, familiar, or even emotionally satisfying in their own way. Their continued participation undermined the reform efforts and showed that true spiritual change requires the active engagement and commitment of the populace.
It reminds us that when we speak of 'revival' or 'reform' in the church or in our own lives, it must involve genuine heart change and a turning away from old ways by individuals, not just top-down mandates. The inertia of popular practice can be a powerful force against God's will.
Understand the original words
bamah · Hebrew Noun
Elevated sites of worship, often originally associated with pagan deities, which were forbidden for use in the worship of the LORD under the centralization of sacrifice at the temple.
zabach · Hebrew Verb
An act of devotion, service, or petition to God involving the presentation of an animal or grain, signifying the worshiper's recognition of their need for atonement or expression of gratitude.
The persistent presence of 'high places' – unauthorized sites for worship – throughout Israelite history, even during the reigns of outwardly religious kings like Joash, highlights the ongoing struggle to maintain pure worship of Yahweh amidst ingrained cultural practices and the allure of syncretism.
c. 970 BC
Reign of Solomon Begins
Solomon inherits the united kingdom from David. While initially faithful, his reign eventually sees the proliferation of foreign worship.
c. 931 BC
Kingdom Divides
After Solomon's death, the united kingdom splits into the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah due to Rehoboam's harsh policies.
c. 870-852 BC
Reign of Ahab and Influence of Baal Worship
King Ahab of Israel, influenced by his wife Jezebel, actively promotes the worship of Baal, leading to widespread idolatry and religious corruption.
c. 800 BC
Prophetic Ministry of Amos and Hosea
These prophets condemn Israel's religious syncretism and social injustice, calling for a return to pure worship of Yahweh.
732 BC
Assyrian Conquest of Northern Israel
The Assyrian Empire, under Tiglath-Pileser III, conquers much of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, deporting populations and further destabilizing the region.
722 BC
Fall of Samaria and End of Northern Kingdom
The Assyrian king Shalmaneser V destroys the capital city of Samaria, completing the conquest of Israel and scattering its people.
c. 700 BC
Reforms of Hezekiah in Judah
King Hezekiah attempts a significant religious reformation, tearing down high places and idols, though later reforms would be needed.
This passage shows Gideon making an ephod from the plunder, which became an object of worship, highlighting how even good intentions can lead to idolatry and deviation from proper worship.
1 Samuel 15:21-23Saul excuses his disobedience by claiming the people insisted on sacrificing the best animals to the Lord, mirroring the people's actions in 2 Kings 12 of continuing practices that God had forbidden.
Ezekiel 20:28-31God rebukes Israel for their continued participation in idolatrous practices even after being brought into the land, showing a recurring pattern of people holding onto corrupt worship traditions.
Jeremiah 3:6Jeremiah calls out Judah for their unfaithfulness, noting how they continued to worship on the high places and under green trees, much like the people described in 2 Kings 12.
Even as King Joash committed to repairing the Temple, the text pointedly notes the persistent practice of worship on the high places. This reveals how deeply ingrained syncretistic worship had become, a spiritual "backup plan" that lingered even when the central sanctuary was being restored. It's a stark reminder that outward reforms don't always immediately dismantle internal or cultural patterns of compromise.
King Joash begins his reign by earnestly seeking to repair and restore the Jerusalem Temple, a project mandated by God. However, despite his zeal for God's house, he, like many kings before him, fails to eradicate the popular practice of worship at the illegal "high places," where people would offer sacrifices to God—and sometimes other gods—outside of the divinely appointed sanctuary. This highlights a common tension in Israelite history: genuine attempts at religious reform often fell short of fully dismantling deeply ingrained, albeit misguided, traditions.
King Joash begins his reign by earnestly seeking to repair and restore the Jerusalem Temple, a project mandated by God. However, despite his zeal for God's house, he, like many kings before him, fails to eradicate the popular practice of worship at the illegal "high places," where people would offer sacrifices to God—and sometimes other gods—outside of the divinely appointed sanctuary. This highlights a common tension in Israelite history: genuine attempts at religious reform often fell short of fully dismantling deeply ingrained, albeit misguided, traditions.
"Nevertheless, the high places were not taken away; the people continued to sacrifice and make offerings on the high places." — Even as King Joash committed to repairing the Temple, the text pointedly notes the persistent practice of worship on the high places. This reveals how deeply ingrained syncretistic worship had become…
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Last reviewed October 2026