In the context of ancient Israel, high places were locations often used for worship that were not sanctioned by God. Despite King Jehoash's efforts to restore the temple and promote proper worship, the people continued to use these high places for sacrifices and burning incense. This reflects the difficulty of eradicating long-standing practices and the persistence of cultural traditions, even when they conflict with divine instructions.
The persistence of these high places serves as a metaphor for the challenges faced in spiritual life. It illustrates how deeply rooted habits and traditions can be hard to change, even when there is a desire to follow a new path. This passage encourages believers to reflect on their own spiritual journey, identifying areas where old habits may still linger and hinder full devotion to God. It underscores the importance of ongoing spiritual vigilance and the need for continuous transformation and renewal in faith.