The wording of this verse is very similar to 1 Kgs 14.23. The vocabulary also corresponds in some measure to Deut 12.2; 2 Kgs 16.4 and Jer 17.2.

The pillars were tall stones set up for worship (see the comments on 1 Kgs 14.23), while the Asherim were wooden representations of the goddess named Asherah. Asherim is translated “sacred poles” by a number of modern versions (New Revised Standard Version, Revised English Bible, New American Bible, New Jerusalem Bible). New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh is quite similar with “sacred posts.” See the comments on 1 Kgs 14.15 and 2 Kgs 13.6.

The location of these objects of worship is said to be on every high hill and under every green tree. These two expressions are generally taken to refer to different places, although it is not impossible to understand that the green trees were on the hilltops. See 1 Kgs 14.23.

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on 1-2 Kings, Volume 2. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2008. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .