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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>2 Kings 15:4 Nevertheless, the high places were not taken away; the people continued sacrificing and burning incense there.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_kings/15-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/12_2Ki_15_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Kings 15:4 - Azariah Reigns in Judah" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Nevertheless, the high places were not taken away; the people continued sacrificing and burning incense there." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/2_kings/15-4.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/2_kings/15-4.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/2_kings/">2 Kings</a> > <a href="/2_kings/15.htm">Chapter 15</a> > Verse 4</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad4.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/2_kings/15-3.htm" title="2 Kings 15:3">◄</a> 2 Kings 15:4 <a href="/2_kings/15-5.htm" title="2 Kings 15:5">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/2_kings/15.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/2_kings/15.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />The high places, however, were not removed; the people continued to offer sacrifices and burn incense there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/2_kings/15.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />But he did not destroy the pagan shrines, and the people still offered sacrifices and burned incense there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/2_kings/15.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Nevertheless, the high places were not taken away. The people still sacrificed and made offerings on the high places.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/2_kings/15.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Nevertheless, the high places were not taken away; the people continued sacrificing and burning incense there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/2_kings/15.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Save that the high places were not removed: the people sacrificed and burnt incense still on the high places.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/2_kings/15.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />except that the high places were not removed; the people still sacrificed and burned incense on the high places.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/2_kings/15.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Only the high places were not eliminated; the people still sacrificed and burned incense on the high places.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/2_kings/15.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Only the high places were not taken away; the people still sacrificed and burned incense on the high places.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/2_kings/15.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Only the high places were not taken away; the people still sacrificed and burned incense on the high places.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/2_kings/15.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Only the high places were not taken away; the people still sacrificed and burned incense on the high places.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/2_kings/15.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Only [the altars on] the high places were not removed; the people still sacrificed and burned incense on the high places [instead of worshiping God at the temple].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/2_kings/15.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Yet the high places were not taken away; the people continued sacrificing and burning incense on the high places.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/2_kings/15.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Yet the high places were not taken away; the people continued sacrificing and burning incense on the high places. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/2_kings/15.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Howbeit the high places were not taken away: the people still sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/2_kings/15.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />But Azariah did not destroy the local shrines, and they were still used as places for offering sacrifices. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/2_kings/15.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Howbeit the high places were not taken away: the people still sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/2_kings/15.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />But the illegal places of worship were still not torn down. The people continued to offer sacrifices and burn incense at these worship sites.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/2_kings/15.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />But the pagan places of worship were not destroyed, and the people continued to offer sacrifices and burn incense there. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/2_kings/15.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />except that the high places were never removed, and the people kept on sacrificing and burning incense on the high places.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/2_kings/15.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Nevertheless, the high places were not taken away; the people continued sacrificing and burning incense there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/2_kings/15.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />But the high places were not eliminated; the people continued to offer sacrifices and burn incense on the high places.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/2_kings/15.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />However the high places were not taken away: the people still sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/2_kings/15.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Save that the high places were not removed: the people sacrificed and burnt incense still on the high places.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/2_kings/15.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />However, the high places were not taken away. The people still sacrificed and burned incense in the high places. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/2_kings/15.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />only, the high places have not been removed—the people are still sacrificing and making incense in high places.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/2_kings/15.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> only, the high places have not turned aside -- yet are the people sacrificing and making perfume in high places.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/2_kings/15.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />But the heights were not turned away: the people yet sacrificing and burning incense upon the heights.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/2_kings/15.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />But the high places he did not destroy: for the people sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/2_kings/15.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Yet truly, he did not demolish the high places. And still the people were sacrificing, and burning incense, in the high places.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/2_kings/15.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />though the high places did not disappear, and the people continued to sacrifice and to burn incense on the high places.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/2_kings/15.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Nevertheless the high places were not taken away; the people still sacrificed and made offerings on the high places.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/2_kings/15.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />But the temple of idols he did not remove; the people still sacrificed and burned incense on the high places.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/2_kings/15.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />However he did not remove the high places, and the people were still sacrificing and putting incense on the high places.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/2_kings/15.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Howbeit the high places were not taken away; the people still sacrificed and offered in the high places.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/2_kings/15.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Only he took not away <i>any</i> of the high places: as yet the people sacrificed and burnt incense on the high places.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/2_kings/15-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FiLs3w_mMFQ?start=5027" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/2_kings/15.htm">Azariah Reigns in Judah</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">3</span>And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father Amaziah had done. <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7535.htm" title="7535: raq (Adv) -- The same as raq as a noun; properly, leanness, i.e. limitation; only adverbial, merely, or conjunctional, although.">Nevertheless,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1116.htm" title="1116: hab·bā·mō·wṯ (Art:: N-fp) -- A high place. From an unused root; an elevation.">the high places</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">were not</a> <a href="/hebrew/5493.htm" title="5493: sā·rū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To turn aside. Or suwr; a primitive root; to turn off.">taken away;</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: hā·‘ām (Art:: N-ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">the people</a> <a href="/hebrew/5750.htm" title="5750: ‘ō·wḏ (Adv) -- Or rod; from uwd; properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially, again, repeatedly, still, more.">continued</a> <a href="/hebrew/2076.htm" title="2076: mə·zab·bə·ḥîm (V-Piel-Prtcpl-mp) -- To slaughter for sacrifice. A primitive root; to slaughter an animal.">sacrificing</a> <a href="/hebrew/6999.htm" title="6999: ū·mə·qaṭ·ṭə·rîm (Conj-w:: V-Piel-Prtcpl-mp) -- To make sacrifices smoke. A primitive root; to smoke, i.e. Turn into fragrance by fire.">and burning incense</a> <a href="/hebrew/1116.htm" title="1116: bab·bā·mō·wṯ (Prep-b, Art:: N-fp) -- A high place. From an unused root; an elevation.">there.</a> </span><span class="reftext">5</span>And the LORD afflicted the king with leprosy until the day he died, so that he lived in a separate house while his son Jotham had charge of the palace and governed the people of the land.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/15-14.htm">1 Kings 15:14</a></span><br />The high places were not removed, but Asa’s heart was fully devoted to the LORD all his days.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/12-3.htm">2 Kings 12:3</a></span><br />Nevertheless, the high places were not removed; the people continued sacrificing and burning incense there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/14-4.htm">2 Kings 14:4</a></span><br />Nevertheless, the high places were not taken away, and the people continued sacrificing and burning incense on the high places.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/16-4.htm">2 Kings 16:4</a></span><br />And he sacrificed and burned incense on the high places, on the hills, and under every green tree.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/17-9.htm">2 Kings 17:9-11</a></span><br />The Israelites secretly did things against the LORD their God that were not right. From watchtower to fortified city, they built high places in all their cities. / They set up for themselves sacred pillars and Asherah poles on every high hill and under every green tree. / They burned incense on all the high places like the nations that the LORD had driven out before them. They did wicked things, provoking the LORD to anger.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/15-17.htm">2 Chronicles 15:17</a></span><br />The high places were not removed from Israel, but Asa’s heart was fully devoted all his days.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/20-33.htm">2 Chronicles 20:33</a></span><br />The high places, however, were not removed; the people had not yet set their hearts on the God of their fathers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/22-43.htm">1 Kings 22:43</a></span><br />And Jehoshaphat walked in all the ways of his father Asa; he did not turn away from them, but did what was right in the eyes of the LORD. The high places, however, were not removed; the people still sacrificed and burned incense on the high places.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/3-2.htm">1 Kings 3:2-3</a></span><br />The people, however, were still sacrificing on the high places because a house for the Name of the LORD had not yet been built. / And Solomon loved the LORD and walked in the statutes of his father David, except that he sacrificed and burned incense on the high places.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/18-4.htm">2 Kings 18:4</a></span><br />He removed the high places, shattered the sacred pillars, and cut down the Asherah poles. He also demolished the bronze snake called Nehushtan that Moses had made, for up to that time the Israelites had burned incense to it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/21-3.htm">2 Kings 21:3</a></span><br />For he rebuilt the high places that his father Hezekiah had destroyed, and he raised up altars for Baal. He made an Asherah pole, as King Ahab of Israel had done, and he worshiped and served all the host of heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/23-5.htm">2 Kings 23:5</a></span><br />Josiah also did away with the idolatrous priests ordained by the kings of Judah to burn incense on the high places of the cities of Judah and in the places all around Jerusalem—those who had burned incense to Baal, to the sun and moon, to the constellations, and to all the host of heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/33-17.htm">2 Chronicles 33:17</a></span><br />Nevertheless, the people still sacrificed at the high places, but only to the LORD their God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/1-29.htm">Isaiah 1:29</a></span><br />Surely you will be ashamed of the sacred oaks in which you have delighted; you will be embarrassed by the gardens that you have chosen.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/7-31.htm">Jeremiah 7:31</a></span><br />They have built the high places of Topheth in the Valley of Ben-hinnom so they could burn their sons and daughters in the fire—something I never commanded, nor did it even enter My mind.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Save that the high places were not removed: the people sacrificed and burnt incense still on the high places.</p><p class="hdg">the high places</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_kings/15-35.htm">2 Kings 15:35</a></b></br> 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.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_kings/14-4.htm">2 Kings 14:4</a></b></br> Howbeit the high places were not taken away: as yet the people did sacrifice and burnt incense on the high places.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_kings/18-4.htm">2 Kings 18:4</a></b></br> He removed the high places, and brake the images, and cut down the groves, and brake in pieces the brasen serpent that Moses had made: for unto those days the children of Israel did burn incense to it: and he called it Nehushtan.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_kings/14-4.htm">Burn</a> <a href="/2_kings/14-4.htm">Burned</a> <a href="/2_kings/14-4.htm">Burning</a> <a href="/2_kings/14-4.htm">Burnt</a> <a href="/2_kings/14-4.htm">Continued</a> <a href="/2_kings/14-4.htm">High</a> <a href="/2_kings/14-4.htm">Howbeit</a> <a href="/2_kings/14-4.htm">However</a> <a href="/2_kings/14-4.htm">Incense</a> <a href="/2_kings/14-4.htm">Making</a> <a href="/2_kings/13-6.htm">Nevertheless</a> <a href="/2_kings/14-4.htm">Offer</a> <a href="/2_kings/14-4.htm">Offered</a> <a href="/2_kings/14-4.htm">Offerings</a> <a href="/2_kings/14-4.htm">Perfume</a> <a href="/2_kings/14-4.htm">Places</a> <a href="/2_kings/14-4.htm">Removed</a> <a href="/2_kings/14-4.htm">Sacrificed</a> <a href="/2_kings/14-4.htm">Sacrifices</a> <a href="/2_kings/14-4.htm">Sacrificing</a> <a href="/2_kings/13-7.htm">Save</a> <a href="/2_kings/14-28.htm">Turned</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_kings/15-35.htm">Burn</a> <a href="/2_kings/15-35.htm">Burned</a> <a href="/2_kings/15-35.htm">Burning</a> <a href="/2_kings/16-4.htm">Burnt</a> <a href="/2_kings/15-35.htm">Continued</a> <a href="/2_kings/15-35.htm">High</a> <a href="/2_kings/15-35.htm">Howbeit</a> <a href="/2_kings/15-35.htm">However</a> <a href="/2_kings/15-35.htm">Incense</a> <a href="/2_kings/15-35.htm">Making</a> <a href="/2_kings/15-35.htm">Nevertheless</a> <a href="/2_kings/15-35.htm">Offer</a> <a href="/2_kings/15-35.htm">Offered</a> <a href="/2_kings/15-35.htm">Offerings</a> <a href="/2_kings/16-4.htm">Perfume</a> <a href="/2_kings/15-35.htm">Places</a> <a href="/2_kings/15-35.htm">Removed</a> <a href="/2_kings/15-35.htm">Sacrificed</a> <a href="/2_kings/15-35.htm">Sacrifices</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/16-2.htm">Sacrificing</a> <a href="/2_kings/16-7.htm">Save</a> <a href="/2_kings/15-9.htm">Turned</a><div class="vheading2">2 Kings 15</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_kings/15-1.htm">Azariah's good reign</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_kings/15-5.htm">He dying a leper, is succeeded by Jotham</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_kings/15-8.htm">Zachariah the last of Jehu's generation, reigning ill, is slain by Shallum</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_kings/15-13.htm">Shallum, reigning a month, is slain by Nenahem</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_kings/15-16.htm">Menahem strengthens himself by Pul</a></span><br><span class="reftext">21. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_kings/15-21.htm">Pekahiah succeeds him</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_kings/15-23.htm">Pekahiah is slain by Pekah</a></span><br><span class="reftext">27. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_kings/15-27.htm">Pekah is oppressed by Tiglath-pileser, and slain by Hoshea</a></span><br><span class="reftext">32. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_kings/15-32.htm">Jotham's good reign</a></span><br><span class="reftext">36. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_kings/15-36.htm">Ahaz succeeds him</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_kings/15.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_kings/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/2_kings/15.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Nevertheless, the high places were not taken away;</b><br>The term "high places" refers to elevated sites used for worship, often associated with pagan rituals. Despite reforms by some kings, these sites persisted in Israel and Judah. The persistence of high places indicates incomplete obedience to God's commands, as seen in <a href="/deuteronomy/12-2.htm">Deuteronomy 12:2-4</a>, where God instructs the Israelites to destroy such places. This phrase highlights the failure of the kings to fully eradicate idolatry, reflecting a recurring theme of partial reform throughout the books of Kings. The high places were often located on hills or mountains, which were considered sacred in many ancient Near Eastern cultures.<p><b>the people continued sacrificing and burning incense there.</b><br>This practice of sacrificing and burning incense at high places was contrary to the centralized worship God commanded at the temple in Jerusalem (<a href="/1_kings/9-3.htm">1 Kings 9:3</a>). The people's continued use of these sites suggests a syncretism, blending Yahweh worship with local Canaanite practices. This disobedience is a recurring issue in Israel's history, leading to spiritual decline and eventual judgment. The act of burning incense is significant, as it was a key element of worship, symbolizing prayers rising to God (<a href="/psalms/141-2.htm">Psalm 141:2</a>). The persistence of these practices underscores the challenge of maintaining pure worship amidst cultural pressures and highlights the need for spiritual leadership that aligns with God's commands.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/a/azariah.htm">Azariah (Uzziah)</a></b><br>King of Judah who reigned for 52 years. He was known for doing what was right in the eyes of the Lord, yet he failed to remove the high places.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/h/high_places.htm">High Places</a></b><br>Elevated sites where people worshiped and offered sacrifices, often associated with idolatry and syncretism, contrary to God's command to worship only at the temple in Jerusalem.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/j/judah.htm">Judah</a></b><br>The southern kingdom of Israel, where Azariah reigned. It was often compared to the northern kingdom, Israel, in terms of faithfulness to God.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/p/people_of_judah.htm">People of Judah</a></b><br>The inhabitants of the kingdom who continued to engage in worship practices at the high places, reflecting a partial obedience to God.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/temple_in_jerusalem.htm">Temple in Jerusalem</a></b><br>The central place of worship that God had designated for sacrifices and offerings, representing the proper way to worship according to the Law.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/p/partial_obedience_is_disobedience.htm">Partial Obedience is Disobedience</a></b><br>While Azariah did what was right in many ways, his failure to remove the high places shows that partial obedience is not enough. God desires complete obedience.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_syncretism.htm">The Danger of Syncretism</a></b><br>The continued use of high places reflects a blending of true worship with pagan practices. Believers must guard against mixing worldly practices with their faith.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/leadership_responsibility.htm">Leadership Responsibility</a></b><br>Leaders have a responsibility to guide their people in true worship. Azariah's failure to remove the high places had spiritual consequences for the nation.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_centralized_worship.htm">The Importance of Centralized Worship</a></b><br>God’s command to worship at the temple in Jerusalem underscores the importance of unity and purity in worship. Believers today should prioritize gathering with the church community.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/legacy_of_faithfulness.htm">Legacy of Faithfulness</a></b><br>The actions of leaders and individuals leave a legacy. Azariah's reign is remembered for both his successes and his failures, reminding us to strive for a legacy of complete faithfulness.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_kings_15.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Kings 15</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_disasters_after_israel's_repentance.htm">(2 Chronicles 7:14) If God promised healing for a repentant nation, why did later disasters still befall Israel and Judah despite reported periods of repentance? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_being_wealthy_considered_sinful.htm">Who was Azariah in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/evidence_of_nehushtan's_existence.htm">2 Kings 18:4 - Is there any archaeological or historical evidence that the Nehushtan ever existed?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_2_chr_27_1-2_say_jotham_was_faithful.htm">How can 2 Chronicles 27:1-2 claim Jotham faithfully followed God if 'the high places' were not removed, suggesting partial disobedience?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_kings/15.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Save that the high places were not removed: the people sacrificed and burnt incense still on the high places</span> (comp. <a href="/2_kings/14-4.htm">2 Kings 14:4</a>, and the comment <span class="accented">ad loc</span>.). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/2_kings/15-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Nevertheless,</span><br /><span class="heb">רַ֥ק</span> <span class="translit">(raq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7535.htm">Strong's 7535: </a> </span><span class="str2">But, even, except, howbeit howsoever, at the least, nevertheless</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the high places</span><br /><span class="heb">הַבָּמ֖וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(hab·bā·mō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1116.htm">Strong's 1116: </a> </span><span class="str2">An elevation</span><br /><br /><span class="word">were not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹא־</span> <span class="translit">(lō-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">taken away;</span><br /><span class="heb">סָ֑רוּ</span> <span class="translit">(sā·rū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5493.htm">Strong's 5493: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn aside</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the people</span><br /><span class="heb">הָעָ֛ם</span> <span class="translit">(hā·‘ām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> </span><span class="str2">A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock</span><br /><br /><span class="word">continued</span><br /><span class="heb">ע֥וֹד</span> <span class="translit">(‘ō·wḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5750.htm">Strong's 5750: </a> </span><span class="str2">Iteration, continuance, again, repeatedly, still, more</span><br /><br /><span class="word">sacrificing</span><br /><span class="heb">מְזַבְּחִ֥ים</span> <span class="translit">(mə·zab·bə·ḥîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2076.htm">Strong's 2076: </a> </span><span class="str2">To slaughter for sacrifice</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and burning incense</span><br /><span class="heb">וּֽמְקַטְּרִ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(ū·mə·qaṭ·ṭə·rîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6999.htm">Strong's 6999: </a> </span><span class="str2">To smoke, turn into fragrance by fire</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[there].</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּבָּמֽוֹת׃</span> <span class="translit">(bab·bā·mō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1116.htm">Strong's 1116: </a> </span><span class="str2">An elevation</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_kings/15-4.htm">2 Kings 15:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/2_kings/15-4.htm">2 Kings 15:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/2_kings/15-4.htm">2 Kings 15:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/2_kings/15-4.htm">2 Kings 15:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/2_kings/15-4.htm">2 Kings 15:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/2_kings/15-4.htm">2 Kings 15:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_kings/15-4.htm">2 Kings 15:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_kings/15-4.htm">2 Kings 15:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/2_kings/15-4.htm">2 Kings 15:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/2_kings/15-4.htm">2 Kings 15:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/2_kings/15-4.htm">OT History: 2 Kings 15:4 However the high places were not taken (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_kings/15-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Kings 15:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Kings 15:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_kings/15-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Kings 15:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Kings 15:5" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>