“And this thing became a sin: for the people went to worship before the one, even unto Dan.”
Context:To understand the significance of this verse, let’s provide some context. The book of 1 Kings records the history of Israel following the death of King Solomon. In 1 Kings 12, we read about the division of the united kingdom of Israel into two separate kingdoms: the northern kingdom of Israel (ten tribes) and the southern kingdom of Judah (two tribes).
In 1 Kings 12:25-33, we see the newly appointed king of the northern kingdom, Jeroboam, concerned that if the people of Israel continued to go to Jerusalem to worship at the temple, their loyalty might shift back to Rehoboam, the king of Judah. Fearing this, Jeroboam devised a plan to prevent the people from going to Jerusalem.
Verse 30 specifically mentions that Jeroboam made two golden calves and set up one of them in Bethel, located in the southern part of his kingdom, and the other in Dan, located in the northern part. Jeroboam’s intention was to establish these golden calves as objects of worship and redirect the people’s attention away from Jerusalem.
However, this act of setting up the golden calves as objects of worship was a direct violation of God’s commandments. In Exodus 20:3-5, God commanded the Israelites not to have any other gods before Him or worship graven images. Therefore, what Jeroboam did in establishing the golden calves became a sin in the eyes of God.
Significance and Lessons:
- Idolatry:The incident in 1 Kings 12:30 serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of idolatry. God strictly forbids His people from worshiping any other gods or creating physical representations of Him. This verse reminds us to remain faithful and devoted to the one true God, worshiping Him alone.
- Consequences of disobedience:Jeroboam’s decision to set up the golden calves ultimately led to disastrous consequences for the kingdom of Israel. It marked the beginning of a pattern of idolatry and rebellion that plagued the northern kingdom throughout its existence. The verse highlights the importance of obedience to God’s commands and the consequences that can result from willful disobedience.
- God’s desire for true worship:God desires genuine worship from His people. Establishing the golden calves in Bethel and Dan was an attempt by Jeroboam to control the people and their allegiance. However, God desires heartfelt worship that stems from a genuine relationship with Him rather than external rituals or false substitutes.
- Need for discernment:The verse also underscores the importance of discernment and critical thinking. The people of Israel were led astray by Jeroboam’s actions. It serves as a reminder for us to be cautious and discerning, testing everything against the truth of God’s Word to avoid falling into deceptive practices.
In summary, 1 Kings 12:30 teaches us about the sin of idolatry, the consequences of disobedience, the importance of true worship, and the need for discernment. It serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us to remain faithful to God’s commands and to worship Him alone.
