1 Kings 12:31

Jeroboam also built shrines on the high places and appointed from every class of people priests who were not Levites.

Study Bible

Jeroboam
Jeroboam was the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel after the division of the united monarchy. His reign marked a significant turning point in Israel's history, as he led the ten northern tribes away from the Davidic line and established a separate kingdom. Historically, Jeroboam's actions were seen as a direct challenge to the divinely ordained order, as he sought to consolidate his power by creating a religious system independent of Jerusalem.

also built
The act of building here signifies more than just physical construction; it represents the establishment of a new religious order. In the ancient Near East, building shrines or temples was often associated with legitimizing one's rule and authority. Jeroboam's construction of these shrines was a strategic move to solidify his political power by providing alternative worship sites to Jerusalem.

shrines
The term "shrines" refers to places of worship that were often erected on elevated sites, known as high places. These were common in Canaanite religion and were typically associated with pagan worship practices. By building shrines, Jeroboam was introducing syncretism into Israelite worship, blending elements of Yahweh worship with Canaanite practices, which was strictly forbidden in the Mosaic Law.

on the high places
High places were elevated sites used for worship, often associated with idolatry in the Old Testament. They were seen as places where people could be closer to the divine. Jeroboam's use of high places was a direct violation of God's command to worship only at the temple in Jerusalem, highlighting his departure from true worship and leading the people into sin.

and appointed
The act of appointing priests was traditionally a divine prerogative, reserved for God alone. By taking this upon himself, Jeroboam was usurping a role that was not his to fill, further illustrating his rebellion against God's established order. This act of appointing priests was a significant deviation from the Levitical priesthood ordained by God.

from every class of people
This phrase indicates that Jeroboam disregarded the specific requirements for the priesthood set forth in the Law of Moses, which stipulated that priests must come from the tribe of Levi. By choosing priests from every class, Jeroboam was democratizing the priesthood, undermining the sacredness and distinctiveness of the Levitical order.

priests
In the Old Testament, priests were mediators between God and the people, responsible for offering sacrifices and maintaining the purity of worship. Jeroboam's appointment of non-Levitical priests was a direct affront to the divinely instituted priesthood, leading Israel into unauthorized and illegitimate worship practices.

who were not Levites
The Levites were the tribe set apart by God to serve as priests and caretakers of the tabernacle and later the temple. By appointing priests who were not Levites, Jeroboam was rejecting God's chosen order and leading the people into apostasy. This decision had long-lasting consequences for the spiritual state of the northern kingdom, as it set a precedent for idolatry and false worship.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeroboam
The first king of the northern kingdom of Israel after the division of the united monarchy. He led Israel into idolatry by setting up golden calves and appointing non-Levitical priests.

2. High Places
Elevated sites often used for worship in ancient Israel. These were contrary to God's command to worship at the temple in Jerusalem.

3. Non-Levitical Priests
Jeroboam appointed priests from tribes other than Levi, which was against the Mosaic Law that designated the Levites as the priestly tribe.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Idolatry
Jeroboam's actions remind us of the subtlety and danger of idolatry, which can lead us away from true worship.

Obedience to God's Commands
The importance of adhering to God's instructions, especially regarding worship, as deviation can lead to spiritual downfall.

Leadership Responsibility
Leaders have a significant influence on the spiritual direction of their people. Jeroboam's choices led Israel into sin.

The Importance of Proper Worship
Worship should be conducted according to God's standards, not human convenience or innovation.

Guarding Against Compromise
Compromise in spiritual matters can lead to a gradual decline in faithfulness to God.

Bible Study Questions

1. What were the consequences of Jeroboam's decision to appoint non-Levitical priests, and how can we apply this lesson to our own leadership roles?

2. How does the concept of high places in 1 Kings 12:31 relate to modern-day "high places" or idols in our lives?

3. In what ways can we ensure that our worship remains true to God's commands, as outlined in Scripture?

4. How does the New Testament teaching of the priesthood of all believers challenge or affirm the actions of Jeroboam?

5. What steps can we take to avoid spiritual compromise in our personal and communal worship practices?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 32
The incident of the golden calf, which parallels Jeroboam's sin of idolatry.

Deuteronomy 12
God's command to worship at the place He chooses, highlighting the sin of setting up unauthorized worship sites.

1 Peter 2:9
The New Testament concept of the priesthood of all believers, contrasting with Jeroboam's unauthorized appointments.