2 Kings 12:3

3 However, the pagan places of worship were not destroyed, and the people continued to offer sacrifices and burn incense there.

2 Kings 12:3 Meaning and Commentary

2 Kings 12:3

But the high places were not taken away
Used before the temple was built, or set up in Rehoboam's time, ( 1 Kings 14:23 ) contrary to the law of God, which required that sacrifices should only be offered in the place the Lord chose to dwell in, ( Deuteronomy 12:4 Deuteronomy 12:6 ) the people still sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places; as they had done in the times of Athaliah, and though the pure worship of God was restored at Jerusalem; and indeed this they did in all preceding reigns; nor was it in the power of the best of kings, at least they did not think it safe to attempt to remove them till Hezekiah's time; so fond were the people of them because of their antiquity and supposed sanctity, and for the sake of ease.

2 Kings 12:3 In-Context

1 In the seventh year of the reign of King Jehu of Israel, Joash became king of Judah, and he ruled in Jerusalem for forty years. His mother was Zibiah from the city of Beersheba.

2 Throughout his life he did what pleased the Lord, because Jehoiada the priest instructed him.

3 However, the pagan places of worship were not destroyed, and the people continued to offer sacrifices and burn incense there.

4 Joash called the priests and ordered them to save up the money paid in connection with the sacrifices in the Temple, both the dues paid for the regular sacrifices and the money given as freewill gifts.

5 Each priest was to be responsible for the money brought by those he served, and the money was to be used to repair the Temple, as needed.