Arcana Coelestia #796
796. As the Most Ancient Church held holy worship upon mountains, the Ancient Church did the same. And hence in all the representative churches of that time, and in all the nations too, the custom prevailed of sacrificing upon mountains and of building high places, as is evident from what is related of Abram (Genesis 12:1; 22:2); and of the Jews before the building of the temple (Deuteronomy 27:4-7; Joshua 8:30; 1 Samuel 9:12-14, 19; 10:5; 1 Kings 3:2-4); of the nations (Deuteronomy 12:2; 2 Kings 17:9-11); and of the idolatrous Jews (Isaiah 57:7; 1 Kings 11:7; 14:23; 22:43; 2 Kings 12:3; 14:4; 15:3-4, 34-35; 16:4; 17:9-11; 21:5; 23:5, 8-9, 13, 15).
Deuteronomy 27:4-7
4
It shall be, when you have passed over the Jordan, that you shall set up these stones, which I command you this day, in Mount Ebal, and you shall plaster them with plaster.
5
There you shall build an altar to Yahweh your God, an altar of stones: you shall lift up no iron [tool] on them.
6
You shall build the altar of Yahweh your God of uncut stones; and you shall offer burnt offerings thereon to Yahweh your God:
7
and you shall sacrifice peace offerings, and shall eat there; and you shall rejoice before Yahweh your God.
