The judgment did not remain only in Jerusalem. It spread to the mountains of Israel, which were the political center of the nation.
This land had belonged to Israel since the time of Joshua. Over time, however, it became filled with idolatry (the worship of false gods).
The hill country became the location of many pagan shrines, called high places (raised stone platforms used for worship). These places often held idols or were used for sacrifices and pagan celebrations. Many of these shrines were already there before Israel entered the land.
God had commanded the people to destroy them (Deuteronomy 12:2–3). Instead, in many places, the Israelites allowed them to remain. Some political and religious leaders ignored the problem. Others even encouraged the people who worshiped at these sites.