Verse 2 takes us back to the immediate purpose in the introductory section of this chapter to set the stage for Solomon’s building of the temple. The writer speaks of the reason that the people of Israel were sacrificing at the high places. The reason is that the temple had yet to be built. This appears at first glance as a justification for their actions. Yet such a conclusion ignores at least two issues. The first matter is the existence of a plurality of high places. We mention this because it sets before us the second matter that has been ignored. The Lord had already given the people one place for the offering of sacrifices to him, and that was the tabernacle.
It is true that for many years up to this time, the ark of the covenant no longer existed in the tabernacle. In the days when Samuel was yet a child, the people had taken the ark to battle against the Philistines where it was captured (1 Samuel 4:1–10; 1 Samuel 6:1 – 7:17) Even when it returned to Israel, it was never restored to the tabernacle. Yet the Lord's tent still existed, and the other furniture was also there, including the altar of burnt offerings. Therefore, at most, one high place was legitimate for the offering of sacrifice to the Lord. 1 Kings 3:2 gives us an excuse, not a valid justification.
2 The people were sacrificing at the high places, however, because no house had yet been built for the name of the LORD.