Hills

Prayers were offered on the tops of high hills, and temples built on “high places,” from the notion that the gods could better hear prayers on such places, as they were nearer heaven. As Lucian says, oτι των ευχωλεων αγχoθεν επαιoυσιν oι θεoι. And Tacitus says, “maxime cœlo appropinquare, precesque mortalium a Deo nusquam propius audīre.” It will be remembered that Balak (Numbers xxiii. xxiv.) took Balaam to the top of Peor and other high places when Balaam wished to consult God. We often read of “idols on every high hill.” (Ezek. vi. 13.)