“Through wisdom is an house builded (a life, a home, a family) and by understanding it is established: And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.”
THE HIGH PLACES
In the Old Testament, we see that pagans’ built altars to their gods in the high places. Balaam was a man furnished with an uncomely way of using the gift of divining. When the Israelites were encamped in the plains of Moab, Balack, King of Moab sent for Balaam to curse them. We are told that Balaam was at first forbidden by God to go, but was eventually permitted to accompany those who came for him on the condition that he would speak nothing given to him but what was given by the Lord. While on the way, the strange behavior of his ass further impressed upon him the necessity of obeying the will of God. But, Balaam, ignored the will of God and was led by Balak to take him to the “high places”. This was the altar of Baal, the bull god.” We see Balaam’s departure from Jehovah and go into total rebellion in “And it came to pass on the morrow that Balak took Balaam, and brought him up into the high places of Baal, that thence he might see the utmost part of the people, ” (Num. 22:4).
On three occasions, Balak prepared sacrifices according to Balaam’s instructions and the diviner set about to curse Israel and in each he could not but bless the people of God. This so upset Balak that he discharged Balaam from his service and sent him away without the promised pay. Nothing further is said of Balaam until Numbers chapter 31 where we are told that he died a violent death at the hands of the Israelites. Additionally we see that his death was merited in verse 16 of this chapter in which it is stated that Balaam had given the counsel which had brought about the plague which attacked the ranks of Israel. This story demonstrates the power of evil associations and the power pagan altar.“ And it came to pass on the morrow, that Balak took Balaam, and brought him up into the high places of Baal, that thence he might see the utmost part of the people,”(Num. 31:41).
The Bible shows that even Jonathan was turned from God to the “high places” .“How are the mighty fallen in the midst of the battle! O Jonathan, thou was slain in thine high places,” (2 Sam 1:25). The mighty men are sometimes drawn away by the drawing of the gods of the high places. These high places are the altars of the gods and you will notice that they do have power to bring destruction, havoc and steal the souls of men and women.