1 Kings 12:30

And this thing became a sin; the people walked as far as Dan to worship before one of the calves.

Study Bible

And this thing became a sin
The phrase "this thing" refers to the establishment of golden calves by Jeroboam in Bethel and Dan, as described earlier in 1 Kings 12. The Hebrew word for "sin" here is "חַטָּאת" (chatta'ah), which often denotes an offense against God. In the context of Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh, this act of idolatry was a direct violation of the first two commandments. Historically, this sin set a precedent for the Northern Kingdom's persistent idolatry, leading to its eventual downfall. Theologically, it underscores the gravity of turning away from God's prescribed worship.

the people walked as far as Dan
The phrase "walked as far as Dan" indicates the extent to which the Israelites were willing to go to participate in this idolatrous worship. Dan was located in the northernmost part of the kingdom, suggesting that people from all over Israel were complicit in this sin. The Hebrew verb "walked" (הָלַךְ, halak) implies a deliberate action, highlighting the people's active choice to engage in this false worship. Archaeologically, the site of Dan has revealed a high place that aligns with biblical descriptions, providing tangible evidence of the historical context.

to worship the one there
The "one" refers to the golden calf set up by Jeroboam. The Hebrew word for "worship" is "שָׁחָה" (shachah), meaning to bow down or prostrate oneself, indicating an act of reverence or submission. This act of worship was a direct affront to Yahweh, who had explicitly forbidden the making of graven images. Scripturally, this event echoes the sin of the golden calf at Mount Sinai (Exodus 32), illustrating a recurring pattern of disobedience among the Israelites. From a conservative Christian perspective, this serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of idolatry and the importance of adhering to God's commandments.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeroboam
The first king of the northern kingdom of Israel after the division of the united monarchy. He established alternative worship centers to prevent his people from going to Jerusalem.

2. Dan
A city in the northern part of the kingdom of Israel. It became one of the centers of idol worship established by Jeroboam.

3. Bethel
Another city where Jeroboam set up a golden calf for worship, located in the southern part of the northern kingdom.

4. Golden Calves
Idols made by Jeroboam to prevent the Israelites from going to Jerusalem to worship, which led them into sin.

5. The People of Israel
The ten tribes that followed Jeroboam and were led into idolatry by his actions.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Idolatry
Idolatry is a recurring sin that leads people away from true worship of God. It is important to identify and remove any modern-day idols in our lives.

Leadership Responsibility
Leaders have a profound influence on the spiritual direction of their people. Jeroboam's actions led an entire nation into sin, reminding us of the weight of leadership.

Consequences of Sin
Sin has long-term consequences, not only for individuals but for entire communities. We must be vigilant in our obedience to God to avoid such outcomes.

Faithfulness to God's Commands
Despite cultural or political pressures, faithfulness to God's commands must remain paramount. Compromising on God's instructions can lead to spiritual downfall.

The Importance of True Worship
Worship must be directed towards God alone, in the manner He prescribes. Any deviation can lead to false worship and idolatry.

Bible Study Questions

1. What motivated Jeroboam to set up the golden calves, and how can we guard against similar motivations in our own lives?

2. How does the sin of idolatry in 1 Kings 12:30 compare to the incident in Exodus 32, and what lessons can we learn from these events?

3. In what ways can modern Christians fall into the trap of idolatry, and how can we ensure our worship remains true to God?

4. How does the leadership of Jeroboam contrast with the leadership God desires, and what qualities should we seek in our leaders today?

5. Reflect on a time when you faced pressure to compromise your faith. How did you respond, and what biblical principles can help you stand firm in the future?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 32
The incident of the golden calf at Mount Sinai, which parallels Jeroboam's sin and highlights the recurring temptation of idolatry among the Israelites.

2 Kings 17
The eventual downfall of the northern kingdom due to persistent idolatry, showing the long-term consequences of Jeroboam's actions.

Hosea 8:5-6
The prophet Hosea condemns the calf worship in Samaria, directly linking it to the sin initiated by Jeroboam.