And they set them up images and groves in every high hill, and under every green tree:
They set up idols and sacred poles on every hilltop and under every leafy tree.
The writer is describing how the Israelites placed idols and worship sites everywhere throughout their land, abandoning their worship of God.
📚 Historical Context
In the historical context of 2 Kings 17, the Northern Kingdom of Israel was engaging in widespread idolatry during the 8th century BC, which ultimately led to their conquest by the Assyrian Empire in 722 BC. The people set up images of false gods and sacred poles, often associated with Canaanite worship, on high hills and under green trees, as these locations were traditionally seen as spiritually significant in ancient Near Eastern religions. This practice directly contradicted God's commands in the Mosaic Law, highlighting the nation's unfaithfulness that resulted in divine judgment.
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