Israel was to have only one altar. Ephraim had built a number of altars in different places. Men have perverted worship, not only by making false gods, but by making false altars for the true God.
I. False worship is a great sin.
1. It is a very propagative sin. Once admit a wrong thing in worship, and that one thing will multiply itself; superstition will give it fertility.
2. It is a self-punishing sin. This is the heavy judgment of God, to give men their heart’s desire in what is evil.
II. It is a sin against great light. Israel could not say it sinned in ignorance.
1. God has given us laws concerning worship.
2. These laws are oft repeated.
3. These oft-repeated laws leave false worshippers Without excuse. (Homilist.)
