דברי הימים ב, פרק ל״ג, פסוק י״ז

Following a period of deep spiritual repentance, the nation experienced a meaningful but incomplete shift in their religious practices. The people successfully abandoned their idol worship, choosing to direct all their sacrifices exclusively to God. However, they continued to offer these sacrifices on private altars. This compromise occurred because the king, despite his own return to God, lacked the authority to fully restore worship to the single center in Jerusalem, a feat his father had previously accomplished [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

While the intention behind these offerings was sincere, as they were dedicated solely to God, the practice itself remained forbidden. Offering sacrifices on private altars had been strictly outlawed ever since the Temple was built [מצודת דוד].