“And he set the one in Bethel, and the other put he in Dan.”
This verse is part of the account of the division of the kingdom of Israel after the reign of King Solomon. To better understand the significance of this verse, let’s examine the broader context.
In 1 Kings 12, we find that Solomon’s son, Rehoboam, ascended to the throne after his father’s death. However, his reign was met with immediate challenges. The people of Israel, led by Jeroboam, approached Rehoboam and requested a lighter burden than what Solomon had imposed upon them. After seeking counsel from his advisors, Rehoboam chose to disregard their advice and instead declared that he would increase the people’s burdens.
This decision caused a rift between the tribes of Israel. Ten tribes, led by Jeroboam, rebelled against Rehoboam and established the northern kingdom, known as Israel or the Kingdom of Israel, with Jeroboam as their king. Rehoboam retained the southern kingdom, known as Judah or the Kingdom of Judah, consisting of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin.
Now, coming to 1 Kings 12:29, we read that Jeroboam, the newly appointed king of the northern kingdom, took certain actions to solidify his reign and maintain control over his subjects. The verse mentions that he set up two locations for worship: one in Bethel and the other in Dan. Jeroboam’s intention was to prevent the people of the northern kingdom from going to Jerusalem, the religious center in the southern kingdom, to worship God. By establishing alternative places of worship, he aimed to establish his own religious system and retain the loyalty of his people.
However, it is important to note that Jeroboam’s actions were contrary to God’s commandments. The Lord had made it clear that Jerusalem was the designated place for worship and sacrifice, as stated in Deuteronomy 12:5-6. Jeroboam’s decision to establish alternative worship centers and create golden calves as objects of worship in these locations was a direct violation of God’s commandments, leading the people of the northern kingdom into idolatry.
These actions by Jeroboam had severe consequences. They not only led the people astray from the true worship of God but also set a precedent of idolatry that persisted throughout the history of the northern kingdom. Subsequent kings of Israel followed in Jeroboam’s footsteps, leading the nation further away from God and ultimately resulting in their downfall.
In summary:1 Kings 12:29 highlights the establishment of alternative worship centers by Jeroboam in Bethel and Dan, which were contrary to God’s commandments and led the people of the northern kingdom into idolatry. This verse serves as a reminder of the consequences that can arise when people deviate from God’s prescribed ways and follow their own desires and plans.
