1 Kings 13:33 – “Even after this, Jeroboam did not change his evil ways, but once more appointed priests for the high places from all sorts of people. Anyone who wanted to become a priest he consecrated for the high places.”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, despite the clear demonstration of God’s judgment against disobedience through the man of God’s prophecy and subsequent death, King Jeroboam persists in his idolatrous practices. Instead of repenting and turning back to God, Jeroboam continues to appoint unauthorized priests to serve at the high places, places of false worship. His actions reflect a total disregard for God’s commands concerning who is permitted to serve as priests. Rather than limiting the priesthood to the Levites as commanded by God, Jeroboam allows anyone to become a priest, further deepening the nation’s rebellion against God.
This verse highlights Jeroboam’s hardened heart and unwillingness to repent, even after witnessing God’s judgment firsthand. It demonstrates the danger of persistent disobedience and the refusal to heed God’s warnings.
Historical Context
Jeroboam was the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel after it split from the southern kingdom of Judah. In an attempt to secure his rule and prevent the people from returning to Jerusalem for worship, Jeroboam set up golden calves in Bethel and Dan, establishing these places as alternative centers of worship. He also appointed priests who were not from the tribe of Levi, which violated God’s instructions for the priesthood.
Throughout Jeroboam’s reign, he continued to lead the people of Israel into idolatry, despite repeated warnings from prophets, including the man of God from Judah who prophesied against the altar at Bethel. This verse shows that even after the dramatic events involving the man of God and the lion, Jeroboam remained defiant, refusing to turn away from his idolatrous practices.
Theological Implications
Theologically, this verse illustrates the stubbornness of human hearts in the face of God’s clear warnings. Jeroboam had numerous opportunities to repent and return to God, yet he chose to continue in his rebellious ways. This shows the dangerous progression of sin, where disobedience can harden a person’s heart to the point where they become indifferent to God’s judgment. Jeroboam’s actions also reflect the consequences of appointing unauthorized leaders in spiritual roles, a practice that leads to further corruption and distance from God.
The verse reminds us that God’s patience does not mean His approval. While God gave Jeroboam time to repent, Jeroboam’s continued rebellion shows that a lack of repentance leads to further judgment. God’s standards for worship and leadership are not negotiable, and when people deviate from them, it brings dishonor to God’s name.
Literary Analysis
This verse serves as a turning point in the narrative, highlighting Jeroboam’s refusal to repent. The phrase “even after this” emphasizes that Jeroboam’s actions were in direct defiance of the clear evidence of God’s displeasure. The repetition of the king’s evil ways and the casual manner in which he appoints anyone as a priest illustrates the depth of his rebellion and disregard for God’s authority.
The literary contrast between the clear judgment on the man of God for his disobedience and Jeroboam’s continued defiance underscores the theme of stubbornness in the face of divine correction. It also foreshadows the eventual downfall of Jeroboam and his dynasty due to his persistent sin.
Biblical Cross-References
- Exodus 28:1 – God’s command to Moses to set apart Aaron and his descendants as priests, showing that the priesthood was meant to be limited to those whom God had chosen.
- 2 Chronicles 11:15 – A reference to Jeroboam appointing priests for the high places, further illustrating his disregard for God’s commands about the priesthood.
- 1 Samuel 15:23 – The warning that rebellion is like the sin of divination, showing that persistent disobedience, like Jeroboam’s, is a serious offense before God.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse serves as a warning about the dangers of ignoring God’s clear instructions and persisting in sin. Jeroboam’s refusal to repent, despite witnessing God’s judgment firsthand, shows how sin can harden a person’s heart over time. It also reminds believers that true repentance involves turning away from sin and aligning one’s life with God’s commands. The casual way in which Jeroboam appointed anyone as a priest also challenges believers to consider the importance of godly leadership in the church and the dangers of allowing spiritual roles to be filled by those who are not called by God.
This passage encourages Christians to remain sensitive to God’s correction and to respond with repentance when they recognize areas of disobedience in their lives. It also highlights the importance of maintaining the integrity of worship and leadership within the church, ensuring that those who serve are called and equipped by God.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is evident in His patience with Jeroboam, giving him multiple opportunities to repent and turn back to the Lord. Despite Jeroboam’s continued rebellion, God continued to send warnings through prophets, demonstrating His desire for the king and the people to return to Him. However, God’s love is not permissive—He does not allow sin to go unchecked indefinitely. This verse shows that while God is patient and long-suffering, He is also just and will hold people accountable for their disobedience. His love includes discipline, as He desires His people to walk in righteousness and truth.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse connects to Jesus Christ by highlighting the importance of true worship and the proper role of spiritual leadership. In contrast to Jeroboam’s unauthorized appointment of priests, Jesus is the ultimate High Priest, appointed by God to intercede for His people (Hebrews 5:5-6). While Jeroboam corrupted the priesthood by allowing anyone to serve, Jesus perfectly fulfilled the role of the priest, offering the final and perfect sacrifice for sins.
Jesus also calls His followers to true worship, as seen in John 4:23, where He teaches that true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth. This verse reminds believers that God is seeking authentic worship and that leadership in the church must align with God’s standards, as Jesus exemplified.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does Jeroboam’s continued disobedience challenge us to reflect on areas of our own lives where we may be resisting God’s correction?
- What does this passage teach us about the importance of godly leadership and maintaining the integrity of worship in the church?
- How can we guard our hearts against the hardening effect of persistent sin, as seen in Jeroboam’s refusal to repent?
- In what ways does Jesus, as our High Priest, show us the perfect model of leadership and worship, in contrast to Jeroboam’s corrupt practices?