He sacrificed and burned incense …: See the comments at 1 Kgs 3.3 and 2 Kgs 12.3. It is possible that this verse should be understood to mean that Ahaz promoted or encouraged people to offer sacrifices and burn incense at the places mentioned rather than meaning that he personally did so. But the text should probably be translated literally, stating that he himself offered sacrifices and burned incense.

On the high places, and on the hills, and under every green tree: These were usual places of worship for non-Israelites. God’s people were to worship him only in Jerusalem. For a discussion of the Hebrew term rendered high places, see the comments on 1 Kgs 3.2. Regarding on the hills, and under every green tree, see the comments on 1 Kgs 14.23. The pure worshipers of Yahweh considered all the places mentioned here as unclean. This would have been clearly understood by the original readers of 1–2 Kings. But since modern readers do not share this same information, it may be wise to add something in translation like “where people were not supposed to worship God.”

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 .