2 Chronicles 11:15
And he ordained him priests for the high places, and for the devils, and for the calves which he had made.
2 Chronicles 11:15 (KJV)
Context
This verse appears in the account of King Rehoboam of Judah, after the kingdom divided. The northern tribes rejected Rehoboam and made Jeroboam their king. Jeroboam then set up his own religious system to keep his people from going to Jerusalem to worship. He made priests for the high places, for the devils, and for the calves he had made. This was a deliberate act of disobedience against God’s command to worship only in the place He chose. Jeroboam’s actions were not a small mistake; they were a planned rejection of God’s law.
Meaning
The phrase “ordained him priests” means Jeroboam appointed priests who were not from the tribe of Levi or the family of Aaron, as God had required. The “high places” were elevated sites where people offered sacrifices, often to false gods. The word “devils” refers to demons in the shape of goats, a form in which many heathen nations worshipped their idols. The “calves” were golden calf idols, similar to the one Aaron made in the wilderness. These idols were set up at Dan and Bethel for the people to worship. This was a complete departure from the worship God had designed for Israel.
Biblical connections
This verse connects to the First Commandment, “Thou shalt have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:3). It also relates to 1 Kings 12:31, where Jeroboam made priests from all the people, not from the Levites. The apostle Paul later warns that those who sacrifice to idols sacrifice to devils (1 Corinthians 10:21). In contrast, the priests and Levites from all Israel came to Jerusalem to seek the LORD, strengthening the kingdom of Judah (2 Chronicles 11:16-17). This contrast shows the difference between true worship and false worship.
Application
Jeroboam’s actions show how easily people can replace true worship with convenient substitutes. He wanted to keep his kingdom secure, but he disobeyed God to do it. We must examine our own lives for any “high places” where we give honour to something other than God. These may be money, success, relationships, or even religious activity that does not follow God’s Word. True worship requires obedience to God’s design, not our own preferences. We must ask God to reveal any hidden idols in our hearts.
Reflection
This verse reminds us that idolatry is serious and brings spiritual harm. Jeroboam led many people astray, and his sin affected the whole nation. Yet God remained faithful, and faithful priests and Levites chose to worship Him in Jerusalem. We are called to be like those faithful worshippers, turning away from false gods and serving the one true God with our whole hearts. Let us examine our worship and ensure it honours God alone.
