2 Chronicles 11:15

And Jeroboam appointed his own priests for the high places and for the goat demons and calf idols he had made.

Study Bible

And Jeroboam appointed his own priests
Jeroboam, the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel after the division of the united monarchy, took significant steps to establish a separate religious system from that of Judah. By appointing his own priests, he directly violated the Levitical priesthood established by God through Moses (Numbers 3:10). This act was a political move to consolidate his power and prevent the people from returning to Jerusalem to worship, which could have led to a reunification under Rehoboam, king of Judah. Jeroboam's actions reflect a disregard for the divine order and a prioritization of political expediency over spiritual fidelity.

for the high places
High places were elevated sites often used for worship in ancient Israel and surrounding regions. While some high places were initially used for the worship of Yahweh, they became associated with idolatry and pagan practices over time (1 Kings 3:2-3). Jeroboam's establishment of high places was a direct challenge to the centralization of worship in Jerusalem, as prescribed in Deuteronomy 12:5-14. This decentralization led to syncretism and the dilution of pure worship, contributing to the spiritual decline of the northern kingdom.

and for the goat demons
The reference to goat demons, or "se'irim" in Hebrew, indicates the worship of demonic entities associated with the wilderness and desolation (Leviticus 17:7). This practice was likely influenced by surrounding pagan cultures, such as the Egyptians and Canaanites, who worshipped similar entities. The worship of goat demons represents a departure from monotheism and a return to the animistic and polytheistic practices that God had explicitly forbidden (Deuteronomy 32:17). This idolatry was a spiritual corruption that led the people away from the covenant relationship with Yahweh.

and calf idols he had made
Jeroboam's creation of calf idols was a deliberate act of idolatry, reminiscent of the golden calf made by Aaron in Exodus 32. These idols were likely intended to represent Yahweh in a tangible form, but they violated the commandment against making graven images (Exodus 20:4-5). The calves were placed in Bethel and Dan, strategically located at the southern and northern ends of his kingdom, to provide convenient worship sites and discourage pilgrimages to Jerusalem. This act of idolatry set a precedent for future kings of Israel and was a significant factor in the eventual downfall of the northern kingdom (2 Kings 17:21-23).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Rehoboam
The son of Solomon and king of Judah, who is central to the events of this chapter. His actions and decisions are pivotal in the religious and political landscape of the time.

2. Jeroboam
The first king of the northern kingdom of Israel, who led the ten tribes in rebellion against Rehoboam. His establishment of alternative worship centers is a key event in this context.

3. High Places
These were unauthorized worship sites often associated with idolatry and pagan practices, contrary to the worship of Yahweh in Jerusalem.

4. Goat Demons and Calf Idols
These represent the idolatrous practices that were introduced, which were in direct violation of the commandments given to Israel.

5. Levites and Priests
The legitimate religious leaders who were displaced by Rehoboam's appointment of his own priests, highlighting a significant religious shift.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Idolatry
Idolatry leads to spiritual decay and separation from God. Believers must guard against modern forms of idolatry, such as materialism or self-worship.

The Importance of True Worship
Worship should be directed to God alone, in spirit and truth, as Jesus taught. This requires discernment and adherence to biblical principles.

Leadership and Responsibility
Leaders have a profound impact on the spiritual direction of their people. Godly leadership should prioritize faithfulness to God's commands.

Consequences of Disobedience
Disobedience to God's commands leads to negative consequences, both spiritually and communally. Repentance and return to God are essential.

Preserving the Faith
Like the Levites who remained faithful, believers are called to preserve the faith and resist cultural pressures that lead away from biblical truth.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Rehoboam's appointment of his own priests reflect a departure from God's established order, and what can we learn about the importance of adhering to God's instructions?

2. In what ways do modern believers face similar temptations to idolatry, and how can we apply the lessons from 2 Chronicles 11:15 to resist these temptations?

3. How does the concept of "high places" relate to areas in our lives where we might be tempted to compromise our worship of God?

4. What role does leadership play in guiding the spiritual direction of a community, and how can we support and pray for our leaders to remain faithful to God's Word?

5. How can we, like the faithful Levites, stand firm in our faith amidst a culture that often promotes values contrary to biblical teachings?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 12:28-31
This passage describes Jeroboam's establishment of golden calves in Bethel and Dan, which parallels the idolatry mentioned in 2 Chronicles 11:15.

Exodus 32:1-6
The incident of the golden calf at Mount Sinai provides a historical backdrop for understanding the gravity of calf worship in Israel's history.

Leviticus 17:7
This verse condemns the worship of goat demons, showing the continuity of God's command against such practices.

Deuteronomy 12:2-4
God's command to destroy high places and worship only at the designated place, which underscores the disobedience in Rehoboam's actions.