Book of Deuteronomy - Chapter 12 - Verse 2

This verse from the book of Deuteronomy instructs the Israelites to completely destroy the places where the nations they will possess worshiped their gods. This command was given to prevent the Israelites from being influenced by the idolatrous practices of the people who lived in the land before them. The use of phrases like "high mountains," "hills," and "under every green tree" emphasizes the thoroughness with which these places were to be eradicated. The Israelites were to make a clean break from the pagan worship practices of the nations around them and instead focus on serving and worshiping the one true God. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining fidelity to God and avoiding the temptation of idolatry.

When exploring the theological interpretation of the verse "Ye shall utterly destroy all the places, wherein the nations which ye shall possess served their gods, upon the high mountains, and upon the hills, and under every green tree," we find that this passage speaks to the importance of purity and loyalty in one's worship of God. The phrase "destroy all the places" implies the need to remove any temptations or distractions that may lead one astray from the true path of worship. In ancient times, worshiping gods on high mountains, hills, and under green trees was a common practice among the nations that Israel was instructed to possess. Therefore, the command to destroy these places can be seen as a symbolic act of purging oneself from idolatry and dedicating one's worship solely to the true God. This verse also emphasizes the seriousness of spiritual purity and the need to guard against any form of false worship that may lead one away from the God of Israel.