2 Chronicles 11:15

And Jeroboam appointed his own priests for the high places and for the goat demons and calf idols he had made.

Study Bible

And Jeroboam appointed
Jeroboam, the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel after the division, took significant steps to establish his rule. The Hebrew root for "appointed" is "וַיַּעֲמֵד" (vaya'amed), which implies setting up or establishing something with authority. This action reflects Jeroboam's deliberate move to consolidate power and create a religious system independent of Jerusalem, which was the center of worship for the united kingdom under David and Solomon. His appointment of priests was a direct challenge to the Levitical priesthood ordained by God, indicating a departure from divine instructions.

his own priests
The phrase "his own priests" signifies a deviation from the Levitical priesthood established by God through Moses. Jeroboam's priests were not from the tribe of Levi, which was a direct violation of the Mosaic Law. This act of appointing non-Levitical priests was a significant religious and political maneuver, as it was intended to prevent the people of Israel from returning to Jerusalem to worship, thereby solidifying Jeroboam's control over the northern kingdom. Historically, this move led to a syncretistic form of worship that mixed elements of true worship with idolatry.

for the high places
"High places" refers to elevated sites often used for worship in ancient Israel and surrounding cultures. The Hebrew term "בָּמוֹת" (bamot) indicates these were locations where sacrifices and offerings were made, often associated with pagan practices. Jeroboam's use of high places was a continuation of Canaanite religious customs, which were condemned by God. This practice was a direct affront to the centralized worship that God had established in Jerusalem, and it contributed to the spiritual decline of the northern kingdom.

and for the goat demons
The term "goat demons" is translated from the Hebrew "שְׂעִירִים" (se'irim), which can refer to goat-like deities or spirits associated with the wilderness. This indicates that Jeroboam's religious reforms included elements of pagan worship, which were strictly forbidden in the Torah. The worship of such entities was a form of idolatry that led the people away from the worship of Yahweh, the one true God. This highlights the spiritual corruption that took root in Israel under Jeroboam's leadership.

and calf idols
The "calf idols" refer to the golden calves that Jeroboam set up in Bethel and Dan, as recorded in 1 Kings 12:28-29. The Hebrew word "עֲגָלִים" (agalim) denotes young bulls or calves, which were symbols of strength and fertility in ancient Near Eastern cultures. Jeroboam's creation of these idols was a direct violation of the second commandment, which prohibits the making of graven images. This act was reminiscent of the sin of the golden calf at Mount Sinai, representing a significant regression in Israel's spiritual fidelity.

he had made
The phrase "he had made" underscores Jeroboam's personal responsibility for the introduction of idolatry in Israel. The Hebrew verb "עָשָׂה" (asah) means to make or create, indicating that these religious innovations were not divinely inspired but were the result of human initiative. Jeroboam's actions were driven by political expediency rather than obedience to God, leading to a legacy of idolatry that plagued the northern kingdom until its eventual destruction. This serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of departing from God's commandments and the importance of faithful leadership.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Rehoboam
The son of Solomon and king of Judah, who is central to the events of this chapter. His actions and decisions are pivotal in the religious and political landscape of the time.

2. Jeroboam
The first king of the northern kingdom of Israel, who led the ten tribes in rebellion against Rehoboam. His establishment of alternative worship centers is a key event in this context.

3. High Places
These were unauthorized worship sites often associated with idolatry and pagan practices, contrary to the worship of Yahweh in Jerusalem.

4. Goat Demons and Calf Idols
These represent the idolatrous practices that were introduced, which were in direct violation of the commandments given to Israel.

5. Levites and Priests
The legitimate religious leaders who were displaced by Rehoboam's appointment of his own priests, highlighting a significant religious shift.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Idolatry
Idolatry leads to spiritual decay and separation from God. Believers must guard against modern forms of idolatry, such as materialism or self-worship.

The Importance of True Worship
Worship should be directed to God alone, in spirit and truth, as Jesus taught. This requires discernment and adherence to biblical principles.

Leadership and Responsibility
Leaders have a profound impact on the spiritual direction of their people. Godly leadership should prioritize faithfulness to God's commands.

Consequences of Disobedience
Disobedience to God's commands leads to negative consequences, both spiritually and communally. Repentance and return to God are essential.

Preserving the Faith
Like the Levites who remained faithful, believers are called to preserve the faith and resist cultural pressures that lead away from biblical truth.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Rehoboam's appointment of his own priests reflect a departure from God's established order, and what can we learn about the importance of adhering to God's instructions?

2. In what ways do modern believers face similar temptations to idolatry, and how can we apply the lessons from 2 Chronicles 11:15 to resist these temptations?

3. How does the concept of "high places" relate to areas in our lives where we might be tempted to compromise our worship of God?

4. What role does leadership play in guiding the spiritual direction of a community, and how can we support and pray for our leaders to remain faithful to God's Word?

5. How can we, like the faithful Levites, stand firm in our faith amidst a culture that often promotes values contrary to biblical teachings?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 12:28-31
This passage describes Jeroboam's establishment of golden calves in Bethel and Dan, which parallels the idolatry mentioned in 2 Chronicles 11:15.

Exodus 32:1-6
The incident of the golden calf at Mount Sinai provides a historical backdrop for understanding the gravity of calf worship in Israel's history.

Leviticus 17:7
This verse condemns the worship of goat demons, showing the continuity of God's command against such practices.

Deuteronomy 12:2-4
God's command to destroy high places and worship only at the designated place, which underscores the disobedience in Rehoboam's actions.