1 Kings 12:31

KJV

And he made an house of high places, and made priests of the lowest of the people, which were not of the sons of Levi.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he made {H6213} an house {H1004} of high places {H1116}, and made {H6213} priests {H3548} of the lowest {H7098} of the people {H5971}, which were not of the sons {H1121} of Levi {H3878}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He also set up temples on the high places and made cohanim from among all the people, even though they were not descended from Levi.

Berean Standard Bible

Jeroboam also built shrines on the high places and appointed from every class of people priests who were not Levites.

American Standard Version

And he made houses of high places, and made priests from among all the people, that were not of the sons of Levi.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 12:31 vividly portrays King Jeroboam I's profound spiritual rebellion and political expediency following the division of the Israelite monarchy. Fearing the loss of his northern kingdom subjects to the legitimate worship center in Jerusalem, Jeroboam established an alternative, illicit religious system. This verse specifically details two egregious violations of Mosaic Law: the construction of unauthorized "houses of high places" for worship, and the appointment of priests "of the lowest of the people" who were explicitly "not of the sons of Levi," thereby directly defying God's ordained order for the priesthood and setting a dangerous precedent for the Northern Kingdom's spiritual decline.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated immediately after the dramatic schism of the united monarchy, detailed in [1 Kings 12:1-19](/1_kings/12-19 "1 Kings 12:1-19 - The Division of the Kingdom"). Following Rehoboam's refusal to lighten the people's burden, ten tribes seceded and crowned Jeroboam as their king. Jeroboam's actions in [1 Kings 12:26-33](/1_kings/12-26 "1 Kings 12:26-33 - Jeroboam's Religious Innovations") are presented as a direct response to his political insecurity. He reasoned that if his people continued to go to Jerusalem for worship, their allegiance would revert to the Davidic line in Judah. To prevent this, he devised a counterfeit religious system, first establishing golden calves in Bethel and Dan ([1 Kings 12:28-30](/1_kings/12-28 "1 Kings 12:28-30 - The Golden Calves of Jeroboam")), and then, as described in verse 31, building "houses of high places" and appointing non-Levitical priests. This verse thus marks the foundational and systemic corruption of worship in the Northern Kingdom, a sin that would be repeatedly condemned by prophets and attributed to every subsequent king of Israel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period immediately following Solomon's reign was one of political instability and religious vulnerability. The concept of a centralized place of worship was firmly established by Mosaic Law, particularly in [Deuteronomy 12](/deuteronomy/12 "Deuteronomy 12 - The Command for Centralized Worship"), which mandated worship at "the place the LORD your God will choose." Prior to the Temple, "high places" (Hebrew: *bamot*) were sometimes used for legitimate worship, but after the Temple's construction and the command for centralization, they became associated with Canaanite fertility cults and idolatrous practices, thus strictly forbidden. Furthermore, the priesthood was divinely restricted to the descendants of Aaron, within the tribe of Levi ([Numbers 3:10](/numbers/3-10 "Numbers 3:10 - The Appointment of the Levitical Priesthood"), [Numbers 18:7](/numbers/18-7 "Numbers 18:7 - The Exclusive Role of the Priests")). Jeroboam's actions were not merely a pragmatic political move but a deliberate and profound theological rebellion, usurping God's authority and establishing a state-controlled religion that blended Yahwism with pagan elements, designed to secure his throne rather than honor God.
* **Key Themes:** Jeroboam's actions in [1 Kings 12:31](/1_kings/12-31 "1 Kings 12:31 - Jeroboam's Illicit Priests and High Places") highlight several critical themes. Firstly, **Religious Apostasy and Idolatry** are central, as Jeroboam deliberately turns away from the pure worship of Yahweh, introducing pagan elements like high places and the golden calves ([1 Kings 12:28](/1_kings/12-28 "1 Kings 12:28 - Jeroboam's Golden Calves")) into Israelite worship. Secondly, the theme of **Usurpation of Divine Authority** is prominent; by appointing priests outside the divinely ordained Levitical line, Jeroboam directly defies God's specific instructions, attempting to control spiritual life for political gain rather than submitting to God's revealed will. Thirdly, this verse underscores the **Consequences of Disobedience**, as Jeroboam's foundational sin sets a precedent of spiritual corruption and syncretism that plagues the Northern Kingdom throughout its history, ultimately leading to its destruction. Lastly, it emphasizes the vital importance of **Purity of Worship**, demonstrating that true worship demands strict adherence to God's commands, not human innovations or political expediency, a principle echoed throughout the prophetic literature condemning Israel's idolatry ([Hosea 8:4-6](/hosea/8-4 "Hosea 8:4-6 - Condemnation of Israel's Idolatry")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **high places (Hebrew, _bamot'_):** The term בָּמוֹת (*bamot*) refers to elevated cultic sites. While some *bamot* were used for legitimate worship before the construction of the Temple, after the command for centralized worship in Jerusalem ([Deuteronomy 12:5](/deuteronomy/12-5 "Deuteronomy 12:5 - The Chosen Place of Worship")), they became synonymous with illicit, often Canaanite, worship practices. These sites typically involved altars, standing stones, and Asherah poles, and were frequently condemned by prophets and kings committed to Yahweh's exclusive worship. Jeroboam's construction of "houses of high places" indicates a deliberate establishment of multiple, decentralized, and illegitimate worship centers, directly competing with the Temple in Jerusalem.
* **lowest of the people (Hebrew, _miqqesot ha'am'_):** The phrase מִקְצוֹת הָעָם (*miqqesot ha'am*) literally means "from the ends of the people" or "from all sorts of people." This does not necessarily imply that Jeroboam chose the socially inferior or marginalized, but rather that he appointed priests indiscriminately, without regard for the specific tribal lineage (Levi) or the divine qualifications mandated by God's law. It highlights the arbitrary and unauthorized nature of his appointments, drawing priests from any and every segment of the population, thereby demonstrating a radical disregard for the divinely established order of the priesthood.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he made an house of high places":** This clause describes Jeroboam's initiative to construct multiple cultic sites throughout his kingdom, specifically designed to draw people away from Jerusalem. By establishing these "houses" (implying permanent structures for worship) on "high places," he deliberately mimicked and integrated pagan worship practices, directly violating the Mosaic command for a single, centralized sanctuary for Yahweh worship. This act was a calculated move to decentralize worship and sever the religious ties that bound the northern tribes to Jerusalem and the Davidic dynasty.
* **"and made priests of the lowest of the people":** This part details Jeroboam's arbitrary selection of individuals to serve as priests. As elucidated in the Key Word Analysis, "lowest of the people" signifies that he appointed priests from any and all segments of the population, without adherence to the strict divine requirements for priestly service. This was a profound affront to God's law, which had meticulously defined the lineage and qualifications for those who could serve in sacred office. Jeroboam's action was an act of human innovation and political expediency over divine revelation.
* **"which were not of the sons of Levi":** This final clause explicitly states the most egregious aspect of Jeroboam's sin regarding the priesthood. God had specifically ordained that only the descendants of Aaron, from the tribe of Levi, were permitted to serve as priests ([Exodus 28-29](/exodus/28 "Exodus 28 - Priestly Garments"), [Numbers 3:10](/numbers/3-10 "Numbers 3:10 - The Consecration of Priests")). By appointing non-Levites, Jeroboam directly usurped God's authority, desecrated the sacred office, and fundamentally corrupted the divinely established system of worship and mediation between God and His people. This act was a clear and defiant rejection of God's revealed will.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of [1 Kings 12:31](/1_kings/12-31 "1 Kings 12:31 - Jeroboam's Illicit Priests and High Places") employs several potent literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is evident, as Jeroboam's actions lay the groundwork for the spiritual decline and ultimate judgment that will plague the Northern Kingdom for generations, leading to its eventual exile. His innovations are repeatedly cited as "the sin of Jeroboam" throughout Kings, signaling a pattern of apostasy. There is also a strong element of **Irony**: Jeroboam's desperate attempt to secure his political power through religious manipulation ultimately leads to the spiritual corruption and eventual downfall of his kingdom, demonstrating that human strategies that defy divine law are self-defeating. The passage also uses **Contrast** to highlight the stark difference between God's divinely ordained, centralized, and pure worship (represented by the Temple and Levitical priesthood) and Jeroboam's man-made, decentralized, and syncretistic system. Finally, the specific mention of "not of the sons of Levi" serves as a powerful **Understatement** or **Litotes**, as it subtly emphasizes the profound nature of the transgression by stating what they *were not*, rather than fully articulating the gravity of their illegitimacy and the complete disregard for divine law.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound theological implication of 1 Kings 12:31 lies in its depiction of human attempts to redefine divine worship for self-serving ends. Jeroboam's actions illustrate the dangerous interplay between political ambition and spiritual compromise, where the fear of man overrides the fear of God. His establishment of alternative worship centers and a counterfeit priesthood was not merely a pragmatic decision but a direct assault on God's sovereignty and His revealed will concerning how He is to be approached and worshipped. This act fundamentally corrupted the covenant relationship between God and Israel, laying the groundwork for generations of idolatry and spiritual decline in the Northern Kingdom. It serves as a timeless warning against syncretism, man-made religion, and the usurpation of God's authority in matters of faith and practice.

* [Deuteronomy 12:5](/deuteronomy/12-5 "The Chosen Place of Worship")
* [Numbers 3:10](/numbers/3-10 "The Appointment of the Levitical Priesthood")
* [Hosea 8:4-6](/hosea/8-4 "Condemnation of Israel's Idolatry and Illicit Kingship")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeroboam's calculated religious innovations in 1 Kings 12:31 offer a sobering mirror for contemporary believers and leaders. His sin was rooted in a fear of losing political power, leading him to compromise divine truth for perceived security. This warns us against the temptation to dilute or redefine God's commands to fit our personal comfort, cultural trends, or perceived needs for success and acceptance. When we prioritize expediency over biblical fidelity, or when we allow human traditions, personal preferences, or political agendas to dictate our worship and doctrine, we risk creating our own "man-made religion" that, like Jeroboam's, ultimately leads to spiritual barrenness and judgment. This verse calls us to a radical commitment to the purity of worship, reminding us that true faith is defined solely by God's revealed Word, not by human innovation or convenience. It challenges leaders, whether in the church, family, or public sphere, to exercise their influence with utmost integrity, guiding others in truth and righteousness rather than leading them astray for personal gain or popularity. We are called to submit to God's authority in every area of life, resisting the pervasive temptation to reshape divine truth to suit our own desires.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How might we, like Jeroboam, be tempted to compromise biblical truth for personal comfort, social acceptance, or perceived security in our own lives or ministries?**
* **In what ways do we sometimes create "man-made religion" by prioritizing traditions, personal preferences, or cultural norms over God's explicit commands in Scripture?**
* **What is the role of discerning true spiritual authority in our lives today, and how can we ensure our worship is truly God-centered and not self-serving or politically motivated?**

### FAQ
**Why was the appointment of non-Levitical priests such a severe sin?**

Answer: The appointment of non-Levitical priests was a severe sin because it directly violated God's explicit and meticulously detailed instructions regarding the priesthood. From the time of Moses, God had divinely ordained that only the descendants of Aaron, from the tribe of Levi, were permitted to serve as priests ([Exodus 28:1](/exodus/28-1 "Exodus 28:1 - Aaron and His Sons Set Apart"), [Numbers 3:10](/numbers/3-10 "Numbers 3:10 - The Consecration of Priests")). This was not an arbitrary rule but a foundational aspect of Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh. The priesthood was a sacred office, mediating between God and His people, and its legitimacy rested entirely on divine appointment, not human selection. Jeroboam's action was a usurpation of God's authority, a desecration of a holy office, and a profound act of rebellion that undermined the entire sacrificial system and the very nature of true worship.

**What were "high places" and why were they condemned?**

Answer: "High places" (Hebrew: *bamot*) were elevated sites used for worship. Historically, before the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem, some high places were used for legitimate worship of Yahweh (e.g., [1 Samuel 9:12-14](/1_samuel/9-12 "1 Samuel 9:12-14 - Saul Meets Samuel at the High Place")). However, with the command for centralized worship at "the place the LORD your God will choose" ([Deuteronomy 12:5](/deuteronomy/12-5 "Deuteronomy 12:5 - The Chosen Place of Worship")), these decentralized sites became illicit. They were strongly associated with the idolatrous practices of the Canaanites, often involving pagan deities, fertility rites, and child sacrifice. By establishing "houses of high places," Jeroboam not only defied the command for centralized worship but also integrated syncretistic elements into Israelite religion, leading the people into idolatry and spiritual impurity.

**Did Jeroboam intend to completely abandon Yahweh worship?**

Answer: It is unlikely that Jeroboam intended to completely abandon Yahweh worship. Rather, his actions represent a form of syncretism – a blending of Yahwism with pagan elements and political expediency. He set up golden calves and declared, "Here are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!" ([1 Kings 12:28](/1_kings/12-28 "1 Kings 12:28 - Jeroboam's Golden Calves")). This suggests he intended to worship Yahweh, but through forbidden images and in unauthorized ways, making Yahweh accessible without requiring travel to Jerusalem. His primary motivation was political, to prevent his subjects from returning to the Davidic line. However, in attempting to control worship for political ends, he fundamentally corrupted it, leading to a system that was an abomination in God's eyes and consistently condemned by the prophets.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The egregious sin of Jeroboam in establishing a false priesthood and corrupted worship system in [1 Kings 12:31](/1_kings/12-31 "1 Kings 12:31 - Jeroboam's Illicit Priests and High Places") powerfully foreshadows and highlights the necessity of the true, divinely appointed High Priest, Jesus Christ. Jeroboam's illegitimate priests underscore the profound human need for a mediator who is not chosen by human will or political expediency, but by God's perfect design. In stark contrast to Jeroboam's "lowest of the people" who were "not of the sons of Levi," Jesus is the High Priest "after the order of Melchizedek" ([Hebrews 7:11](/hebrews/7-11 "Hebrews 7:11 - Christ, a Priest Like Melchizedek")), appointed by God Himself, not by human lineage or earthly decree. He is the perfect, holy, blameless, and undefiled High Priest ([Hebrews 7:26](/hebrews/7-26 "Hebrews 7:26 - The Perfection of Christ's Priesthood")) who, unlike the Levitical priests who offered repeated sacrifices ([Hebrews 10:11](/hebrews/10-11 "Hebrews 10:11 - The Inadequacy of Old Covenant Sacrifices")), offered "one sacrifice for sins forever" ([Hebrews 10:12](/hebrews/10-12 "Hebrews 10:12 - Christ's One Perfect Sacrifice")). Jeroboam's man-made high places and unauthorized worship stand in stark opposition to the new covenant reality where true worship is no longer confined to physical locations like Jerusalem or Bethel, but occurs "in spirit and truth" through Christ ([John 4:21-24](/john/4-21 "John 4:21-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")). Through His perfect priesthood and atoning sacrifice, Jesus provides the only legitimate access to God, making all believers a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - The Royal Priesthood of Believers")), empowered to offer spiritual sacrifices of praise and service through Him ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Kings 13:32

For the saying which he cried by the word of the LORD against the altar in Bethel, and against all the houses of the high places which [are] in the cities of Samaria, shall surely come to pass.

1 Kings 13:33

After this thing Jeroboam returned not from his evil way, but made again of the lowest of the people priests of the high places: whosoever would, he consecrated him, and he became [one] of the priests of the high places.

2 Chronicles 13:9

Have ye not cast out the priests of the LORD, the sons of Aaron, and the Levites, and have made you priests after the manner of the nations of [other] lands? so that whosoever cometh to consecrate himself with a young bullock and seven rams, [the same] may be a priest of [them that are] no gods.

2 Kings 17:32

So they feared the LORD, and made unto themselves of the lowest of them priests of the high places, which sacrificed for them in the houses of the high places.

Numbers 3:10

And thou shalt appoint Aaron and his sons, and they shall wait on their priest's office: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.

2 Chronicles 11:14

For the Levites left their suburbs and their possession, and came to Judah and Jerusalem: for Jeroboam and his sons had cast them off from executing the priest's office unto the LORD:

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.