And the high places that [were] before Jerusalem, which [were] on the right hand of the mount of corruption, which Solomon the king of Israel had builded for Ashtoreth the abomination of the Zidonians, and for Chemosh the abomination of the Moabites, and for Milcom the abomination of the children of Ammon, did the king defile.
Ver. 13. And the high places that were before Jerusalem.] There they had boldly set up their abominable idols in mount Olivet, even in the sight of the Lord; so that he never looked out of the sanctuary but he saw that vile hill, which, therefore, he here calleth not Har Hammisha, a the mount of annointing, but Har Hammaschith, b the mount of corruption. Est tacita paranomasia; item allusio, item detorsio.
Of the mount of corruption.] So called, because the people had there corrupted themselves, as Deuteronomy 32:5; and yet afterwards it became our Saviour's oratory, or usual place of prayer, This showeth, that places which have been abused to idolatry, may yet afterwards be used for God's service. As for that which we read, Deuteronomy 12:2,3, "Ye shall utterly destroy all the places," &c., divines answer, that that was a temporary ordinance, and a part of Moses's polity, now abrogated.
Which Solomon had builded.] But, after his repentance, had demolished, likely; though, by the idolatrous princes that came after him, they were rebuilded, and called still by his name.
a Of Mashach.
b Of Shacah.