2 Chronicles 11:14

For the Levites left their pasturelands and their possessions and went to Judah and Jerusalem, because Jeroboam and his sons had rejected them as priests of the LORD.

Study Bible

For the Levites left their pasturelands and property
The Levites, descendants of Levi, were set apart for religious duties and had no inheritance of land like the other tribes. Their "pasturelands and property" were given to them for sustenance. The Hebrew root for "left" (עָזַב, 'azab) implies a deliberate abandonment, indicating a significant sacrifice. This act of leaving behind their livelihood underscores their commitment to God over material possessions. Historically, this reflects a period of division in Israel, where the Levites chose faithfulness to God over comfort and security, a powerful testament to prioritizing spiritual integrity over earthly gain.

and went to Judah and Jerusalem
The movement to "Judah and Jerusalem" signifies a return to the heart of worship and the Davidic kingdom, which remained faithful to the worship of Yahweh. Jerusalem, the city of David, housed the temple, the central place of worship. This migration highlights the Levites' desire to remain true to their calling and serve where God's presence was honored. Theologically, it represents a journey towards spiritual fidelity and a rejection of idolatry, as Judah was the locus of true worship during the divided kingdom era.

because Jeroboam and his sons had rejected them
Jeroboam, the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel, established alternative worship centers and appointed non-Levitical priests, as recorded in 1 Kings 12:31. The Hebrew word for "rejected" (זָנַח, zanach) conveys a sense of disdain and abandonment. This rejection by Jeroboam was not merely political but spiritual, as it involved a departure from God's ordained priesthood. The Levites' rejection by Jeroboam underscores the conflict between true worship and idolatry, a recurring theme in Israel's history. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of deviating from God's commands and the importance of maintaining purity in worship.

from serving as priests of the LORD
The phrase "serving as priests of the LORD" emphasizes the Levites' divine calling. The Hebrew term for "serving" (כָּהַן, kahan) is associated with priestly duties, including offering sacrifices and teaching the law. This service was not just a job but a sacred vocation. The Levites' exclusion from this role by Jeroboam was a direct affront to God's established order. In a broader scriptural context, this highlights the importance of adhering to God's design for worship and leadership. It also foreshadows the New Testament concept of the priesthood of all believers, where faithfulness to God's calling is paramount, regardless of earthly opposition.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Levites
A tribe set apart for religious duties and service to God, originally given no land inheritance but cities and pasturelands throughout Israel.

2. Judah and Jerusalem
The southern kingdom and its capital, where the true worship of Yahweh continued under Rehoboam, Solomon's son.

3. Jeroboam
The first king of the northern kingdom of Israel, who led the people into idolatry by setting up golden calves in Bethel and Dan.

4. Rehoboam
The son of Solomon and king of Judah, who maintained the worship of Yahweh in Jerusalem.

5. Pasturelands and Property
The lands allocated to the Levites for their sustenance, which they left to remain faithful to their calling.

Teaching Points

Faithfulness Over Comfort
The Levites chose to leave their homes and livelihoods to remain faithful to God. This challenges us to prioritize our spiritual commitments over material comforts.

The Cost of Idolatry
Jeroboam's rejection of the Levites highlights the destructive nature of idolatry, which leads to the abandonment of true worship and spiritual leaders.

Spiritual Leadership
The Levites' decision underscores the importance of spiritual leaders who are willing to make sacrifices for the sake of truth and righteousness.

Community and Worship
The Levites' move to Judah and Jerusalem signifies the importance of being part of a community that upholds true worship and supports one another in faith.

God's Provision
Despite leaving their property, the Levites trusted in God's provision, reminding us that God provides for those who seek His kingdom first.

Bible Study Questions

1. What motivated the Levites to leave their pasturelands and property, and how can this inspire us in our own faith journey?

2. How does the Levites' decision to move to Judah and Jerusalem reflect the importance of community in maintaining true worship?

3. In what ways can we identify and resist modern forms of idolatry that may lead us away from true worship?

4. How can we support and encourage spiritual leaders who make sacrifices for the sake of truth and righteousness?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to make a difficult decision to prioritize your faith over comfort. What did you learn from that experience, and how did God provide for you?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 12
Provides the background of Jeroboam's rise to power and his establishment of idolatrous worship, which led to the Levites' departure.

Deuteronomy 18:1-2
Describes the Levites' role and inheritance, emphasizing their dependence on God and the offerings of the people.

Hebrews 11:8-10
Relates to the theme of leaving one's home for the sake of faith, as Abraham did, paralleling the Levites' faithfulness.