And this thing became a sin
The phrase "this thing" refers to the establishment of golden calves by Jeroboam in Bethel and Dan, as described earlier in 1 Kings 12. The Hebrew word for "sin" here is "חַטָּאת" (chatta'ah), which often denotes an offense against God. In the context of Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh, this act of idolatry was a direct violation of the first two commandments. Historically, this sin set a precedent for the Northern Kingdom's persistent idolatry, leading to its eventual downfall. Theologically, it underscores the gravity of turning away from God's prescribed worship.

the people walked as far as Dan
The phrase "walked as far as Dan" indicates the extent to which the Israelites were willing to go to participate in this idolatrous worship. Dan was located in the northernmost part of the kingdom, suggesting that people from all over Israel were complicit in this sin. The Hebrew verb "walked" (הָלַךְ, halak) implies a deliberate action, highlighting the people's active choice to engage in this false worship. Archaeologically, the site of Dan has revealed a high place that aligns with biblical descriptions, providing tangible evidence of the historical context.

to worship the one there
The "one" refers to the golden calf set up by Jeroboam. The Hebrew word for "worship" is "שָׁחָה" (shachah), meaning to bow down or prostrate oneself, indicating an act of reverence or submission. This act of worship was a direct affront to Yahweh, who had explicitly forbidden the making of graven images. Scripturally, this event echoes the sin of the golden calf at Mount Sinai (Exodus 32), illustrating a recurring pattern of disobedience among the Israelites. From a conservative Christian perspective, this serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of idolatry and the importance of adhering to God's commandments.

(30) Even unto Dan.--It has been thought that there is here a corruption of the text, and that words referring to Bethel have fallen out. But there is no sign of such variation in the LXX. (which only adds, in some MSS., "and deserted the house of the Lord") or other versions. The reason of the mention of Dan only is probably that there the old sanctuary remained, and the priesthood was ready: hence, in this case, "the people went to worship" at once. The verses which follow describe the erection of a temple and the creation of a priesthood at Bethel, necessary before the inauguration of the new worship at what naturally became the more prominent and magnificent sanctuary. This temple is called a "house of high places," partly perhaps from its actual position, partly to connect it with the use of "the high places" condemned in the Law. Indeed, as we have no notice of any time spent in building it, it is possible that some old "high place" was restored for the purpose.

Verse 30. - And this thing became a sin [It was in itself sinful, for it both set at nought the express prohibition of the Decalogue (Exodus 20:4), and also disregarded the one sanctuary of God's choice (Deuteronomy 12:5). And it led to other sins, e.g., the intrusion of a schismatic and irregular priesthood, and the performance of unauthorized rites, and to "an ever-deepening corruption of the national faith" (Ewald). Cf. Hosea 8:5; Hosea 13:2. But the meaning is, it became an occasion of sin to the people ("Quod fuit postea causa gravissimi peccati" - Vatab.) Jeroboam "made Israel to sin" (1 Kings 14:16; 1 Kings 15:26, etc.) It is difficult to conceive, in the face of these and similar words, how any one can seriously maintain that "the church of Israel was the national church" (Stanley, 2:264) ]: for the people went to worship before the one even unto Dan. [The people frequented both sanctuaries; why, then, is that at Dan especially mentioned? Some (Rawlinson, e.g.) have suggested that the text is here corrupt, and that we should read, "before the one to Bethel, and before the other to Dan." According to others, "the one" (הָאֶחַד) refers to the double הָאֶחַד ("the one," "the other"); cf. ver. 29. They would interpret, that is, "the people went to both, even to the distant Dan" (Bahr, Thenius). Keil would force the text and understand, "the people, even unto Dan," i.e., the people throughout the whole kingdom. Similarly, Wordsworth. Ewald understands "before the one" to mean כְּזֶחַד i.e., "as one," sc. man. On the whole it is better to take the words as they stand, literally. It is quite conceivable that, at first, the people resorted almost exclusively to the Danite sanctuary. Having been for long years a seat of worship, and having probably its "house of high places," or temple (see below), already built, it would naturally be in a position to receive worshippers some time before Bethel was prepared for that purpose. Jeroboam's offering in person at Bethel (ver. 32) which marks the inauguration of his new ritual there, may have been partly designed to attract worshippers to a shrine, which, as being nearer Jerusalem, or for some other reason, was neglected. But the verse is patient of another interpretation. It may intend to convey that the rebellious tribes, in their defiant disregard of the old order of things, the order now represented by a hostile kingdom, went en masse to the opposite point of the compass, even to the unhallowed and hitherto despised sanctuary of the Danites. The LXX. (Vat.) addition here is noticeable, "And they forsook the house of the Lord."]

Parallel Commentaries ...


And this
הַזֶּ֖ה (haz·zeh)
Article | Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088: This, that

thing
הַדָּבָ֥ר (had·dā·ḇār)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

became
וַיְהִ֛י (way·hî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

a sin;
לְחַטָּ֑את (lə·ḥaṭ·ṭāṯ)
Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2403: An offence, its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, expiation, an offender

the people
הָעָ֛ם (hā·‘ām)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

walked
וַיֵּלְכ֥וּ (way·yê·lə·ḵū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

as far as
עַד־ (‘aḏ-)
Preposition
Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while

Dan [to worship]
דָּֽן׃ (dān)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1835: Dan -- 'judge', a son of Jacob, also a place in Northern Israel

before
לִפְנֵ֥י (lip̄·nê)
Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440: The face

one [of the calves].
הָאֶחָ֖ד (hā·’e·ḥāḏ)
Article | Number - masculine singular
Strong's 259: United, one, first


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OT History: 1 Kings 12:30 This thing became a sin (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg)