מלכים א, פרק ג׳, פסוק ב׳

The early days of King Solomon's reign were defined by immense political stability, yet they also featured a decentralized approach to worshipping God. The kingdom was firmly established in almost every respect, with the sole exception being the temporary state of its religious life [מלבי״ם]. Because Solomon had not yet completed the construction of the Temple and the walls of Jerusalem required to protect the holy items, the nation had to rely on alternative locations for their offerings [אברבנאל].

During this transitional period, individuals brought offerings to God on personal, elevated platforms known as high places. Anyone who wished to do so was permitted to build a private altar in their courtyard or on their roof to offer sacrifices for the sake of heaven [רש״י, אברבנאל].

However, there was a distinct difference in practice between the general public and the leadership. While everyday citizens freely utilized these many private high places, the king was careful to bring his offerings exclusively to the great high place in Gibeon or the altar in Jerusalem. He actively avoided using private altars because an abundance of scattered worship sites closely mirrored the customs of idol worshippers [מצודת דוד].

The primary approach among commentators is that this era represented a unique historical and legal interim. Following the destruction of the Tabernacle in Shiloh and before the establishment of the Temple in Jerusalem, there was no permanent house for God. In the absence of a fixed central sanctuary, religious law temporarily allowed the use of private high places. This arrangement, however, was strictly provisional. Once Solomon completed the construction of the Temple, the permission expired, and offering sacrifices on private high places became strictly forbidden once again.