1 Kings 12:33

On the fifteenth day of the eighth month, a month of his own choosing, Jeroboam offered sacrifices on the altar he had set up in Bethel. So he ordained a feast for the Israelites, offered sacrifices on the altar, and burned incense.

Study Bible

On the fifteenth day
The specific mention of the "fifteenth day" is significant in the Hebrew calendar, often associated with the full moon and traditional Jewish festivals like Passover and Sukkot. Jeroboam's choice of this day suggests an attempt to mimic the established religious practices of Judah, creating a counterfeit festival to rival those in Jerusalem.

of the eighth month
The eighth month, known as Bul in the Hebrew calendar, does not correspond to any God-ordained festival. Jeroboam's selection of this month indicates a deliberate deviation from the divinely appointed times, highlighting his rebellion against God's commands and his desire to establish his own religious system.

a month of his own choosing
This phrase underscores Jeroboam's autonomy and self-will in religious matters. By choosing a month of his own, Jeroboam demonstrates a disregard for divine authority, prioritizing his political agenda over spiritual obedience. This act of self-determination is a cautionary tale about the dangers of placing human wisdom above God's instructions.

he offered sacrifices
The act of offering sacrifices was central to Israelite worship, symbolizing atonement and communion with God. However, Jeroboam's sacrifices, performed outside of God's prescribed place and time, were illegitimate. This highlights the importance of adhering to God's commands in worship, as true worship requires both the right heart and adherence to God's instructions.

on the altar he had set up in Bethel
Bethel, meaning "house of God," was historically significant as a place where God appeared to Jacob. Jeroboam's establishment of an altar here was a strategic move to capitalize on Bethel's religious heritage. However, by setting up his own altar, Jeroboam corrupted its sanctity, turning it into a center of idolatry and false worship.

So he ordained a festival for the Israelites
Jeroboam's ordination of a festival was an attempt to unify the northern tribes under his rule and religious innovations. This man-made festival was a counterfeit of the God-ordained feasts, illustrating how human attempts to manipulate religious practices for political gain can lead to spiritual apostasy.

offered sacrifices on the altar
Repetition of this phrase emphasizes Jeroboam's persistence in his unauthorized religious practices. It serves as a reminder of the futility of worship that is not grounded in obedience to God. True worship requires submission to God's will, not the pursuit of personal or political agendas.

and burned incense
Burning incense was a priestly duty, symbolizing prayer and the presence of God. Jeroboam's unauthorized burning of incense further illustrates his usurpation of priestly roles and functions. This act of presumption serves as a warning against the dangers of assuming roles and responsibilities that God has not ordained.

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 in Bethel and Dan.

2. Bethel
A significant city in the northern kingdom where Jeroboam set up one of the golden calves, turning it into a center of idolatrous worship.

3. The Eighth Month
Jeroboam chose this month for the festival, deviating from the God-ordained calendar, which highlights his rebellion against God's commands.

4. Altar
The altar Jeroboam built in Bethel was a direct challenge to the altar in Jerusalem, where God had commanded sacrifices to be made.

5. Festival
A man-made festival instituted by Jeroboam to rival the God-ordained festivals, leading the people away from true worship.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Idolatry
Jeroboam's actions serve as a warning against creating idols in our lives, whether physical or metaphorical, that take the place of God.

Obedience to God's Commands
The deviation from God's prescribed worship highlights the importance of adhering to His commands rather than following human inventions.

Leadership Responsibility
Jeroboam's influence led an entire nation into sin, reminding us of the weight of responsibility leaders carry in guiding others toward or away from God.

The Consequences of Rebellion
Jeroboam's choices had long-lasting negative effects on Israel, illustrating the far-reaching consequences of rebelling against God.

The Importance of True Worship
This passage challenges us to examine our worship practices and ensure they align with biblical principles rather than personal preferences.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Jeroboam's establishment of a new festival reflect his heart attitude towards God's commands, and what can we learn from this about our own obedience to God?

2. In what ways do we see modern parallels to Jeroboam's idolatry in today's society, and how can we guard against them?

3. How does the account of Jeroboam challenge us to consider the influence of our leadership, whether in our families, workplaces, or communities?

4. Reflect on a time when you were tempted to follow a "month of your own choosing" rather than God's timing or plan. What was the outcome, and what did you learn?

5. How can we ensure that our worship remains true to God's Word and not influenced by cultural or personal preferences? What steps can we take to evaluate and align our worship practices with Scripture?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 32
The incident of the golden calf at Mount Sinai parallels Jeroboam's actions, showing a repeated pattern of idolatry and rebellion against God.

2 Chronicles 11:15
This passage describes Jeroboam appointing his own priests for the high places, further illustrating his departure from God's established order.

Deuteronomy 12:5-14
God's instructions for worship at the place He chooses, contrasting with Jeroboam's self-appointed places of worship.