What does the Bible say about groves?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that groves or sacred trees were often connected with pagan worship, which God commanded His people to reject, though trees themselves could be used lawfully and thankfully. God told Israel to destroy pagan worship sites, including their Asherah poles and sacred groves, so that they would worship Him alone according to His word (Deuteronomy 7:5; 12:2-3; Exodus 34:13; Deuteronomy 16:21). Israel’s later use of high places and groves became evidence of covenant unfaithfulness (1 Kings 14:23; 16:33; Hosea 4:13). By contrast, Abraham planted a tree at Beersheba and called on the Lord (Genesis 21:33), showing that creation is good when not made an idol.