Altars of worship were considered sources of security to the Israelites.1 Israel’s leading sin is represented by Bethel, which is where the northern kingdom of Israel illegally worshipped God (see Deuteronomy 12:1–32; Hosea 4:15) via idolatry (1 Kings 12:28–30), a violation of the Mosaic covenant (Exodus 20:3–4). As a result the sanctuaries will be destroyed.2
14 “that on the day I punish Israel for his transgressions, I will punish the altars of Bethel, and the horns of the altar shall be cut off and fall to the ground.