Overview
The Bible addresses groves across 9 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in 2 Kings and Judges. Closely related themes include Kings, Manasseh, Idolatry and Temple, the First. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Gideon, Hezekiah, Ahab and David.
Key Bible verses about groves
Old Testament
Judges
And it came to pass the same night, that the LORD said unto him, Take thy father's young bullock, even the second bullock of seven years old, and throw down the altar of Baal that thy father hath, and cut down the grove that is by it: even: or, and
And build an altar unto the LORD thy God upon the top of this rock, in the ordered place, and take the second bullock, and offer a burnt sacrifice with the wood of the grove which thou shalt cut down. rock: Heb. strong place in the ordered: or, in an orderly manner
Then Gideon took ten men of his servants, and did as the LORD had said unto him: and so it was, because he feared his father's household, and the men of the city, that he could not do it by day, that he did it by night.
And when the men of the city arose early in the morning, behold, the altar of Baal was cast down, and the grove was cut down that was by it, and the second bullock was offered upon the altar that was built.
2 Kings
For he built up again the high places which Hezekiah his father had destroyed; and he reared up altars for Baal, and made a grove, as did Ahab king of Israel; and worshipped all the host of heaven, and served them.
And he built altars in the house of the LORD, of which the LORD said, In Jerusalem will I put my name.
And he built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the LORD.
And he made his son pass through the fire, and observed times, and used enchantments, and dealt with familiar spirits and wizards: he wrought much wickedness in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.
And he set a graven image of the grove that he had made in the house, of which the LORD said to David, and to Solomon his son, In this house, and in Jerusalem, which I have chosen out of all tribes of Israel, will I put my name for ever:
People in the Bible and groves
Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.
In the Bible dictionary
Studying groves for yourself
- Begin with Judges 6:25, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Compare how 2 Kings and Judges each treat the theme.
- Consider the lives of Gideon, Hezekiah and Ahab and how their stories intersect with it.
- Widen the study to related themes: Kings, Manasseh, Idolatry and Temple, the First.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about groves?
The Bible addresses groves across 9 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in 2 Kings and Judges. Closely related themes include Kings, Manasseh, Idolatry and Temple, the First. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Gideon, Hezekiah, Ahab and David.
How many Bible verses are about groves?
The Bible references groves in 9 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention groves?
In canonical order, the first of these passages is Judges 6:25: “And it came to pass the same night, that the LORD said unto him, Take thy father's young bullock, even the second bullock of seven years old, and throw down the altar of Baal that thy father hath, and cut down the grove that is by it: even: or, and”
Which people in the Bible are associated with groves?
Gideon, Hezekiah, Ahab, David and Solomon.
Preach & teach
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