1 Kings 3:2
2 Only the people sacrificed in high places, because there was no house built unto the name of the LORD, until those days.
high places
Compare (Leviticus 26:30); (Deuteronomy 12:11).
The use of commanding elevations for altars seems to have been immemorial and universal. In itself the practice was not evil; (Genesis 12:7); (Genesis 12:8); (Genesis 22:2); (Genesis 31:54); (Judges 6:25); (Judges 6:26); (Judges 13:16). After the establishment of Mount Moriah and the temple as the centre of divine worship; (Deuteronomy 12:5); (2 Chronicles 7:12) the pentateuchal prohibition of the use of high places (Deuteronomy 12:11) which had looked forward to the setting up of such a centre, came into effect, and high places became identified with idolatrous practices. The constant recurrence to the use of high places, even for Jehovistic worship
( See Scofield) - (1 Kings 15:14)
and after the building of the temple, proves how deeply rooted the custom was.
See (2 Kings 18:4); (2 Kings 23:1); (2 Chronicles 33:3); (2 Chronicles 33:17); (2 Chronicles 33:19). Note below refers to "Groves."
( See Scofield) - (Judges 3:7).