1 Kings 12:33 – “On the fifteenth day of the eighth month, a month of his own choosing, he offered sacrifices on the altar he had built at Bethel. So he instituted the festival for the Israelites and went up to the altar to make offerings.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse:
In this verse, Jeroboam, the king of the northern kingdom of Israel, is seen taking further steps to solidify his control over religious practices in his kingdom. He creates a festival on the fifteenth day of the eighth month, which was a date that he personally selected, rather than following the traditional festivals established by God in the Mosaic law. This act reflects Jeroboam’s desire to divert the people’s worship away from the temple in Jerusalem and toward his newly established religious system centered around the golden calves he placed in Bethel and Dan. By offering sacrifices himself and instituting a festival, Jeroboam took on roles that were reserved for the priests, further distorting true worship.
Historical Context:
After the death of King Solomon, the kingdom of Israel was divided into two: the northern kingdom, ruled by Jeroboam, and the southern kingdom, ruled by Rehoboam, Solomon’s son. Jerusalem, located in the southern kingdom, remained the central place of worship, where the temple was located. Fearful that the people would return to worship in Jerusalem and renew their allegiance to Rehoboam, Jeroboam set up alternative places of worship in Bethel and Dan, using golden calves as objects of worship. He then established his own festivals, such as the one mentioned in this verse, which was meant to compete with the traditional feasts held in Jerusalem, such as the Feast of Tabernacles. Jeroboam’s actions not only led to political division but also plunged the northern kingdom into idolatry.
Theological Implications:
Theologically, this verse demonstrates the danger of human pride and self-reliance when it comes to worship. Jeroboam ignored God’s established pattern for worship and created his own system, based on what suited his political needs rather than obedience to God’s commands. This reflects a broader theological principle: true worship must be grounded in God’s revealed will, not in human innovation or convenience. By instituting his own festivals and sacrifices, Jeroboam was leading the people of Israel away from God, distorting the worship that was meant to honor Him. This verse reminds us of the seriousness of idolatry and the consequences of altering God’s instructions for worship.
Literary Analysis:
The verse uses phrases like “a month of his own choosing” to emphasize Jeroboam’s personal involvement in creating a false system of worship. The language highlights the contrast between Jeroboam’s man-made festivals and the God-ordained festivals outlined in the Law of Moses. The repetition of “he offered sacrifices” and “he instituted” further underscores Jeroboam’s active role in leading the people into idolatry. The detail that Jeroboam himself “went up to the altar” to make offerings, a task reserved for priests, underscores the level of his pride and rebellion, as he assumed a role that was not his to take.
Biblical Cross-References:
- Leviticus 23:33-34: God’s instruction for the Feast of Tabernacles, which took place in the seventh month, not the eighth, contrasting with Jeroboam’s creation of a festival in the eighth month.
- 2 Chronicles 11:15: A passage that further condemns Jeroboam’s actions, stating that he appointed his own priests for the high places and for the idols he had made.
- Exodus 32:6: The golden calf incident in the wilderness, which parallels Jeroboam’s idolatry and creation of false worship practices.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian:
For modern Christians, this verse serves as a warning about the dangers of creating or accepting forms of worship that deviate from what God has revealed in His word. Jeroboam’s actions were motivated by political concerns, but they led the people away from true worship and into idolatry. In our own lives, we must guard against the temptation to make worship about our own preferences, traditions, or convenience rather than following the guidelines God has given us in Scripture. This verse challenges believers to remain faithful to God’s commands, ensuring that our worship is centered on Him and not distorted by human inventions or desires.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God:
God’s love for His people is reflected in His desire for them to worship Him in truth and purity. Even though Jeroboam led the people astray, God’s love never wavered. Throughout Israel’s history, God sent prophets to call the people back to true worship and repentance, demonstrating His patience and long-suffering. This verse highlights the contrast between Jeroboam’s self-centered leadership and God’s loving care for His people. Despite the sin and rebellion that Jeroboam introduced, God’s ultimate desire was for His people to return to Him and experience the blessings of true worship.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ:
Jesus Christ is the perfect fulfillment of God’s plan for worship. Where Jeroboam created a false system of worship that led the people into idolatry, Jesus came to restore the true worship of God. In John 4:24, Jesus teaches that true worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth, showing that worship is not about rituals or locations but about a genuine relationship with God. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus became the ultimate sacrifice, eliminating the need for man-made altars or false festivals. He provides the way for us to worship God fully and truthfully, in line with His will.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion:
- How can we ensure that our worship of God remains faithful to His word and is not influenced by human traditions or personal preferences?
- What are some modern-day “altars” or “festivals” that might distract us from true worship, and how can we guard against them?
- How does Jeroboam’s decision to alter God’s instructions for worship challenge us to be careful in our own approach to worship and obedience?
- In what ways does Jesus’ teaching on worship in spirit and in truth encourage us to focus on a deeper, more authentic relationship with God, free from compromise or distortion?