an eminence, natural or artificial, where worship by sacrifice or offerings was made ( 1 Kings 13:32 ; 2 Kings 17:29 ). The first altar after the Flood was built on a mountain ( Genesis 8:20 ). Abraham also built an altar on a mountain ( Genesis 12:7 Genesis 12:8 ). It was on a mountain in Gilead that Laban and Jacob offered sacrifices ( 31:54 ). After the Israelites entered the Promised Land they were strictly enjoined to overthrow the high places of the Canaanites ( Exodus 34:13 ; Deuteronomy 7:5 ; Deuteronomy 12:2 Deuteronomy 12:3 ), and they were forbidden to worship the Lord on high places ( Deuteronomy 12:11-14 ), and were enjoined to use but one altar for sacrifices ( Leviticus 17:3 Leviticus 17:4 ; Deuteronomy 12 ; 16:21 ). The injunction against high places was, however, very imperfectly obeyed, and we find again and again mention made of them ( 2 Kings 14:4 ; ( 2 Kings 15:17 , etc.).

These dictionary topics are from
M.G. Easton M.A., D.D., Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Third Edition,
published by Thomas Nelson, 1897. Public Domain, copy freely.