1 Kings 12:32

And Jeroboam ordained a feast on the fifteenth day of the eighth month, like the feast that was in Judah, and he offered sacrifices on the altar; he made this offering in Bethel to sacrifice to the calves he had set up, and he installed priests in Bethel for the high places he had set up.

Study Bible

And Jeroboam ordained a feast
Jeroboam, the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel after the division, took significant steps to establish his rule and religious practices distinct from Judah. The Hebrew root for "ordained" (וַיַּעַשׂ, vaya'as) implies an authoritative action, indicating Jeroboam's deliberate attempt to create a new religious identity. This act of ordaining a feast was a strategic move to consolidate his power and prevent his people from returning to Jerusalem for worship, which could have undermined his authority.

on the fifteenth day of the eighth month
The timing of this feast is significant. It mirrors the Feast of Tabernacles, which was celebrated on the fifteenth day of the seventh month in Judah. By choosing the eighth month, Jeroboam was creating a parallel religious calendar, further distancing his kingdom from the religious practices of Judah. This decision reflects a calculated effort to establish a separate national identity, which was crucial for maintaining political control over the northern tribes.

like the feast in Judah
Jeroboam's feast was intentionally similar to the one in Judah, suggesting a desire to provide a familiar religious experience for the Israelites in the north. This similarity was likely intended to ease the transition and reduce resistance to the new religious practices. However, it also highlights the counterfeit nature of Jeroboam's religious reforms, as they were imitations rather than divinely ordained practices.

and he offered sacrifices on the altar
The act of offering sacrifices was central to Israelite worship and was meant to be conducted by the Levitical priesthood in the temple in Jerusalem. Jeroboam's actions here represent a significant departure from the divinely established order. The Hebrew word for "sacrifices" (זָבַח, zavach) underscores the gravity of this act, as it was a direct challenge to the sacrificial system ordained by God.

This he did in Bethel
Bethel, meaning "house of God," was a significant location in Israel's history, associated with patriarchal worship and divine encounters. By choosing Bethel as a site for his altar, Jeroboam was attempting to legitimize his religious innovations by associating them with a place of historical and spiritual significance. However, this act also represents a distortion of Bethel's sacred heritage.

sacrificing to the calves he had made
The reference to "calves" hearkens back to the sin of the golden calf in Exodus, symbolizing idolatry and rebellion against God. Jeroboam's creation of golden calves was a direct violation of the first and second commandments, illustrating the spiritual apostasy of his reign. The Hebrew word for "calves" (עֵגֶל, egel) evokes the image of idolatrous worship, which was a recurring issue in Israel's history.

And he installed priests in Bethel
Jeroboam's installation of priests who were not from the Levitical line further underscores his departure from God's commandments. The Hebrew term for "installed" (וַיַּעֲמֵד, vaya'amed) suggests an official appointment, indicating that Jeroboam was establishing a new religious order. This act was a direct affront to the Levitical priesthood, which was divinely appointed to serve in the temple.

for the high places he had set up
The "high places" were sites of worship often associated with idolatry and syncretism. Jeroboam's establishment of these high places was a continuation of his efforts to create a separate religious identity for the northern kingdom. The Hebrew word for "set up" (עָשָׂה, asah) implies deliberate construction, highlighting Jeroboam's intentional deviation from the worship practices commanded by God. This act of setting up high places was a significant factor in the spiritual decline of Israel, leading to eventual judgment and exile.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeroboam
The first king of the northern kingdom of Israel after the division of the united monarchy. He is known for leading Israel into idolatry by setting up golden calves in Bethel and Dan.

2. Bethel
A significant city in the northern kingdom of Israel, chosen by Jeroboam as a center for idol worship. Historically, Bethel was a place where God appeared to Jacob, making its use for idolatry particularly grievous.

3. Festival on the Fifteenth Day of the Eighth Month
A man-made festival instituted by Jeroboam to rival the God-ordained Feast of Tabernacles in Judah, demonstrating his attempt to establish a separate religious identity for the northern kingdom.

4. Golden Calves
Idols made by Jeroboam, reminiscent of the golden calf made by Aaron in the wilderness, representing a direct violation of the first two commandments.

5. Priests for the High Places
Non-Levitical priests appointed by Jeroboam to serve at the high places, further deviating from the Levitical priesthood established by God.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Idolatry
Jeroboam's actions serve as a warning against the subtle and overt forms of idolatry that can infiltrate our lives. We must guard our hearts and remain faithful to God’s commandments.

The Importance of True Worship
God desires worship that is in spirit and truth, not based on human inventions or convenience. We should evaluate our worship practices to ensure they align with biblical principles.

Leadership and Responsibility
Leaders have a profound influence on the spiritual direction of their people. It is crucial for leaders to seek God’s guidance and lead with integrity and obedience to His Word.

Consequences of Disobedience
Jeroboam’s disobedience led to spiritual decline and eventual judgment. We must remember that our choices have consequences, and obedience to God brings blessing.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Jeroboam's establishment of a festival and idol worship in Bethel reflect a departure from God's commands, and what can we learn from this about the importance of adhering to biblical worship?

2. In what ways can modern-day Christians be tempted to create "golden calves" in their lives, and how can we guard against these forms of idolatry?

3. How does the account of Jeroboam challenge us to consider the impact of our leadership and influence on others, whether in our families, churches, or communities?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure that our worship is in spirit and truth, as Jesus described in John 4:24?

5. Reflect on a time when you faced a choice between following God's commands and taking an easier, more convenient path. What did you learn from that experience, and how can it inform your future decisions?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 32
The making of the golden calf by Aaron and the Israelites in the wilderness parallels Jeroboam's actions, highlighting the recurring theme of idolatry and rebellion against God.

Leviticus 23
The God-ordained festivals, including the Feast of Tabernacles, contrast with Jeroboam's man-made festival, emphasizing the importance of adhering to God's commands.

2 Chronicles 11:13-17
The migration of the Levites and faithful Israelites to Judah due to Jeroboam's idolatry underscores the division and spiritual decline in Israel.