(22) And Judah did evil in the sight of the LORD, and they provoked him to jealousy with their sins which they had committed, above all that their fathers had done. (23) For they also built them high places, and images, and groves, on every high hill, and under every green tree. (24) And there were also sodomites in the land: and they did according to all the abominations of the nations which the LORD cast out before the children of Israel.
What a melancholy account is here given of Judah! she is become more degenerate than in any period before. And this at a time when the temple was in all its splendor! Reader! do not fail to remark with me how little the sweet simplicity and godly sincerity of true spiritual worshippers, hath to do with pompous buildings, and the formalities of devotion. Precious Jesus! make me an inner court worshipper!