They also — Followed the example of the Israelites, although they were better instructed, and had the temple in their kingdom, and liberty of access to it, and the privilege of worshipping God in his own way, and the counsels, and sermons, and examples of the priests and Levites, and the dreadful example of Israel's horrid apostacy, to caution and terrify them. High places — Which was unlawful, and, now especially when the temple was built, and ready to receive them; unnecessary, and therefore expressed a greater contempt of God and his express command. Groves — Not only after the manner of the Heathens and Israelites, but against a direct and particular prohibition. Under every green tree — The people were universally corrupted: which is prodigious, all things considered, and is a clear evidence of the greatness and depth of the original corruption of man's nature.
Related Commentaries of 1 Kings 14:23
1 Kings 14:23
23 For they also built them high places, and images,c and groves, on every high hill, and under every green tree.