1 Kings 12:32

And Ieroboam ordeined a feast in the eight moneth, on the fifteenth day of the moneth, like vnto the feast that is in Iudah, and he offered vpon the altar (so did he in Bethel,) sacrificing vnto the calues that he had made: and he placed in Bethel the priests of the high places which he had made. 1 Kings 12:32 (KJV)

Here, we see the actions of Jeroboam, who became the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel after the kingdom was divided. It’s important to understand the historical and religious context to grasp the significance of this passage.

“And Jeroboam made a feast in the eighth month, on the fifteenth day of the month, like unto the feast that is in Judah” (1 Kings 12:26, KJV). He also “made a molten image of a calf, and set it up in Bethel; and he built a pillar, and set up a high place there, where he offered burnt offerings and made peace offerings” (1 Kings 12:28‑30, KJV).

Jeroboam’s Feast: The verse begins by mentioning that Jeroboam established a feast in the eighth month on the fifteenth day. This feast was likely intended to replace or parallel the significant religious festivals in Judah that took place in the seventh month, giving the northern kingdom its own comparable celebration and separating it from the southern kingdom’s worship.

Sacrificing to the Calves: Jeroboam not only established a feast but also offered sacrifices. Instead of adhering to the authorized worship of God at the temple in Jerusalem, he sacrificed to the golden calves that he had made. These golden calves echo the idol worship described in Exodus 32 when the Israelites fashioned a golden calf at Mount Sinai.

Priests of the High Places: Jeroboam appointed priests from among the people to serve in the high places he had built, particularly in Bethel. These high places were locations of unauthorized worship, often associated with pagan practices. The priests were not from the Aaronic lineage prescribed by the Law, but were chosen by Jeroboam to staff his new religious system.

The actions described illustrate Jeroboam’s effort to establish a separate religious system for the northern kingdom of Israel. By introducing idolatry and unauthorized worship practices, he led the people away from the worship prescribed for the temple in Jerusalem, leading them astray.

This incident set a precedent for the religious practices in the northern kingdom throughout its history. The worship of the golden calves and the presence of high places became deeply rooted, contributing to spiritual decline and disobedience to God’s commands.

As we study this passage, we can draw lessons about the dangers of straying from God’s prescribed ways of worship and the importance of adhering to His commands. It serves as a reminder to worship God in spirit and truth, following His revealed Word rather than succumbing to the temptations of idolatry and unauthorized practices.