If you’ve ever visited Tokyo, Japan, you’ll notice something interesting as you walk around the city in pretty much any neighborhood.
You’ll notice Shinto shrines and temples scattered all over the place.
The locals visit these places to petition the “gods” for blessings in work, relationships, getting into a good university, or whatever.
Of course, for a believer in the God of Israel, participating in such idolatry is forbidden.
Now, why do I bring this up?
Because this was actually similar to Israel’s situation during Solomon’s time and even before.
I’m referring to the so-called “high places” or BAMAH in Hebrew.
These were ancient worship sites that were normally built on hilltops or manmade mounds.
That’s why they were called high places.
In those days, it was believed that deities lived on mountaintops and other elevated locations.
For example, consider the term EL SHADDAI.
It doesn’t mean “God Almighty,” like you’ve probably been told.
“Shaddai” comes from the Akkadian word “Shaddu.”
And “Shaddu” means “mountain.”
So, El Shaddai literally means “The God of the Mountain.“
Again, this just reflects the common belief that the gods normally dwelt in mountaintops and hilltops.
But here’s the thing.
That wasn’t always the case.
For example, take a look at the famous battle that Elijah had with a bunch Ba’al worshippers.
You’ll notice these so-called “high places” were located down below in the valleys.
I know a lot of scholars give the impression that these BAMAH were primarily located out in the boonies, far away from the city.
But that wasn’t true at all.
These little idolatrous shrines were located all over the place in ancient Israel, and in some cases, an altar would just be a pile of stones.
Other times, there was a fir tree planted right next to it…called an ASHERAH in Hebrew.
Wealthier folks would hire skilled stone workers to build fancy altars, sometimes designed with horns on each corner just like the altar at the Tabernacle.
My point is, just as it is today in Tokyo, Japan, so it was in ancient Israel.
The only difference between the Israelites and the Japanese is that Israel are God’s chosen covenant people.
Therefore, these BAMAH were not pleasing to the Lord at all.
And that’s your takeaway for today.
If you are a believer who has been grafted into the Lord’s covenant people through your belief in the Jewish Messiah, then you, too, should stay away from the BAMAH in your neighborhood if they exist.
As I said yesterday, it doesn’t matter how much you say you love God if your worship doesn’t align with what He commands in Scripture.
Are you feeling me here, homie?
Action is what counts.
Not mere words…
And not just warm fuzzy feelings, which is what the Christians love to focus on.
Done.
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