“So he offered upon the altar which he had made in Bethel the fifteenth day of the eighth month, even in the month which he had devised of his own heart; and ordained a feast unto the children of Israel: and he offered upon the altar, and burnt incense.”
This verse is part of the historical account of the divided kingdom of Israel after the reign of King Solomon. Solomon’s son, Rehoboam, succeeded him as king, but due to his oppressive ruling style, ten of the twelve tribes of Israel rebelled against him, forming the Northern Kingdom, also known as the Kingdom of Israel. Jeroboam, one of Solomon’s former officials, became the king of the Northern Kingdom.
In an attempt to consolidate his power and prevent the people from going to Jerusalem to worship at the temple, Jeroboam made two golden calves and set up alternative places of worship in the cities of Dan and Bethel. He built altars and appointed priests from non‑Levitical tribes to officiate there, deviating from God’s prescribed system of worship in the Jerusalem temple.
Context: 1 Kings 12:33 specifically focuses on Jeroboam’s actions at Bethel. He offered sacrifices upon the altar he had made in Bethel on the fifteenth day of the eighth month, a time that he devised himself. This act of offering sacrifices in Bethel was intended to establish it as a rival center of worship to the Jerusalem temple.
By instituting this new religious system, Jeroboam hoped to maintain control over the people and prevent them from turning their allegiance back to the house of David in Judah. However, this act of setting up alternative places of worship and unauthorized altars was a direct violation of God’s commands and a departure from the true worship ordained by Him.
This verse highlights an important lesson about the dangers of compromising or deviating from God’s established patterns of worship. It serves as a warning against syncretism, which is the blending or merging of different religious practices and beliefs. Jeroboam’s actions demonstrated a lack of faith and obedience to God’s commands, as he sought to establish a form of worship that suited his own desires and ambitions.
As believers, we are called to worship and serve God in spirit and truth (John 4:23‑24). It is essential that we adhere to the principles and practices of worship that God has revealed in His Word. Deviating from God’s instructions can lead to idolatry and the dilution of true worship.
In conclusion, Kings 12:33 serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of compromising true worship and establishing alternative systems based on personal preferences or human wisdom. It reminds us of the importance of remaining faithful to God’s Word and seeking His guidance in all aspects of worship and service.
