1 Kings 13:33

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

After {H310} this thing {H1697} Jeroboam {H3379} returned {H7725} not from his evil {H7451} way {H1870}, but made {H6213} again {H7725} of the lowest {H7098} of the people {H5971} priests {H3548} of the high places {H1116}: whosoever would {H2655}, he consecrated {H4390}{H3027} him, and he became one of the priests {H3548} of the high places {H1116}.

Complete Jewish Bible

After this, Yarov'am did not turn back from his evil way but continued appointing cohanim for the high places from among all the people; he consecrated anyone who wanted to be a cohen of the high places.

Berean Standard Bible

Even after these events, Jeroboam did not repent of his evil ways, but again he appointed priests for the high places from every class of people. He ordained anyone who desired to be a priest of the high places.

American Standard Version

After this thing Jeroboam returned not from his evil way, but made again from among all the people priests of the high places: whosoever would, he consecrated him, that there might be priests of the high places.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 13:33 delivers a somber verdict on King Jeroboam's unyielding rebellion against God, even after experiencing profound divine intervention and explicit warnings. Despite witnessing the miraculous destruction of his idolatrous altar and the healing of his own withered hand, Jeroboam stubbornly refused to abandon his "evil way," doubling down on his self-devised religious system by appointing unqualified individuals from all social strata as priests for his illegitimate high places, thereby cementing a legacy of spiritual apostasy for the northern kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a concluding summary statement following the dramatic events of [1 Kings 13](/1_kings/13 "1 Kings 13 - The Man of God from Judah"). The chapter details a direct confrontation between God's prophet from Judah and Jeroboam's idolatrous worship at Bethel. The man of God prophesied against the altar, which immediately split, and Jeroboam's hand withered as he attempted to seize the prophet. God's power was undeniably displayed, leading to the altar's destruction and Jeroboam's miraculous healing. The subsequent narrative, involving the old prophet of Bethel and the man of God's disobedience, further underscores the gravity of divine commands and the severe consequences of straying from them. Verse 33, therefore, is not merely a statement of fact but a damning indictment of Jeroboam's hardened heart, revealing that even such powerful, personal encounters with God's judgment and grace failed to prompt repentance or a change in his foundational "evil way." It sets the stage for the subsequent divine judgment pronounced against Jeroboam's house in [1 Kings 14](/1_kings/14 "1 Kings 14 - Ahijah's Prophecy Against Jeroboam").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the recent division of the united kingdom of Israel into two distinct entities: the northern kingdom (Israel) under Jeroboam and the southern kingdom (Judah) under Rehoboam. Jeroboam's primary motivation for establishing alternative worship centers at Bethel and Dan, complete with golden calves, was political. He feared that if his people continued to go to Jerusalem to worship, their allegiance would shift back to the Davidic dynasty in Judah, leading to his overthrow ([1 Kings 12:26-27](/1_kings/12-26-27 "1 Kings 12:26-27 - Jeroboam's Political Fear")). To legitimize his new religious system and consolidate power, Jeroboam needed a priesthood that was loyal to him, not to the Levitical order divinely appointed to serve at the Temple in Jerusalem. The "high places" were traditional sites of worship, often associated with Canaanite idolatry, which Israel was commanded to destroy ([Deuteronomy 12:2-4](/deuteronomy/12-2-4 "Deuteronomy 12:2-4 - Destroying Idolatrous Worship Sites")). By appointing "the lowest of the people" as priests, Jeroboam deliberately circumvented the divinely ordained Levitical priesthood, which was reserved for the descendants of Aaron ([Numbers 3:10](/numbers/3-10 "Numbers 3:10 - The Role of the Priests")). This act was a profound act of rebellion against God's covenantal law and a foundational corruption of Israelite worship.

* **Key Themes:** [1 Kings 13:33](/1_kings/13-33 "1 Kings 13:33 - Jeroboam's Persistent Disobedience") powerfully underscores several critical themes. Firstly, it highlights the danger of **stubborn disobedience** and a hardened heart. Despite direct divine intervention and clear warnings, Jeroboam refused to repent, demonstrating a profound spiritual blindness and an unwillingness to submit to God's authority. His actions directly contradicted God's law regarding proper worship and priesthood, setting a precedent of rebellion. Secondly, the verse exposes the profound **corruption of religious leadership**. By appointing "the lowest of the people" and "whosoever would" as priests, Jeroboam debased the sacred office, prioritizing political expediency and personal will over divine ordination and holiness. This move was a deliberate and calculated act to consolidate his power, demonstrating a complete disregard for the qualifications and sacred duties of a priest as outlined in the Mosaic Law ([Leviticus 21:1-23](/leviticus/21 "Leviticus 21 - Laws for Priests")). Finally, the verse serves as a crucial point illustrating the **consequences of apostasy**. Jeroboam's persistent sin established a pattern of religious corruption and idolatry for the northern kingdom that would ultimately lead to its spiritual decline and eventual downfall, as prophesied by Ahijah the prophet in [1 Kings 14:15-16](/1_kings/14-15-16 "1 Kings 14:15-16 - Prophecy of Israel's Exile")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **returned not (Hebrew, _shuv_):** The verb _shuv_ (שׁוּב) means "to turn back," "to return," or "to repent." In this context, it carries the strong theological implication of repentance, a turning away from evil and back to God. The phrase "returned not from his evil way" signifies Jeroboam's absolute refusal to change his course, despite overwhelming evidence of God's power and displeasure. It emphasizes his hardened heart and deliberate choice to persist in rebellion, rejecting the opportunity for spiritual restoration.
* **lowest of the people (Hebrew, _miqtsoth ha'am_):** This phrase (מִקְצוֹת הָעָם) literally means "from the ends of the people" or "from all classes of the people." However, in this pejorative context, it strongly implies those who were unqualified, unsuitable, or even disreputable for the sacred office of priesthood. It highlights Jeroboam's contempt for the divinely established Levitical priesthood and his willingness to appoint anyone, regardless of tribal lineage, moral character, or spiritual fitness, as long as they served his political agenda. This was a direct violation of God's law, which reserved the priesthood for the descendants of Aaron from the tribe of Levi.
* **consecrated (Hebrew, _male' yad_):** The Hebrew idiom _male' yad_ (מָלֵא יָד) literally means "to fill the hand." This phrase is a technical term for ordination or installation into the priesthood. In the Mosaic Law, it referred to the ceremony where the hands of the priests were "filled" with portions of the sacrifice, symbolizing their empowerment and authority for sacred service (e.g., [Exodus 29:24](/exodus/29-24 "Exodus 29:24 - Consecration of Priests")). Here, Jeroboam uses this sacred terminology to describe his illegitimate ordinations, underscoring the perversion of a holy act for profane purposes. It signifies his usurpation of divine authority in establishing a priesthood that was not of God's choosing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"After this thing Jeroboam returned not from his evil way":** This clause directly links Jeroboam's continued rebellion to the preceding events of 1 Kings 13. "This thing" refers to the dramatic divine intervention—the prophecy against the altar, its miraculous destruction, and Jeroboam's withered and restored hand. Despite these clear signs of God's power and warning, Jeroboam's "evil way"—his idolatrous religious system at Bethel and Dan—remained unchanged. This highlights his unrepentant heart and deliberate defiance of God's explicit will.
* **"but made again of the lowest of the people priests of the high places":** Instead of repenting, Jeroboam intensified his sin. The phrase "made again" indicates a continuation and reinforcement of his earlier policy ([1 Kings 12:31](/1_kings/12-31 "1 Kings 12:31 - Jeroboam's Priests")). By appointing "the lowest of the people," he deliberately disregarded the divine requirement for Levitical priests, choosing individuals who were not of the tribe of Levi and likely lacked any spiritual qualifications or moral integrity. These priests served at the "high places," which were centers of illegitimate worship established by Jeroboam, further solidifying his apostate religious system.
* **"whosoever would, he consecrated him, and he became [one] of the priests of the high places":** This final clause emphasizes the open and indiscriminate nature of Jeroboam's appointments. There were no qualifications, no divine call, no tribal requirements—simply a willingness to serve Jeroboam's agenda. The phrase "whosoever would" underscores the complete lack of discernment and the purely human, self-serving basis of this priesthood. By "consecrating" them, Jeroboam mimicked a sacred act, but with profane intent, empowering these unqualified individuals to lead Israel in idolatry and further corrupting the nation's spiritual life.

#### Literary Devices
The text of [1 Kings 13:33](/1_kings/13-33 "1 Kings 13:33 - Jeroboam's Persistent Disobedience") employs several powerful literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as Jeroboam, having just experienced a miraculous display of God's power and mercy (his hand healed, the altar destroyed), responds not with repentance but with a deepening of his rebellion. The divine warning, intended to turn him, instead highlights his stubbornness. There is a strong sense of **Foreshadowing**, as Jeroboam's persistent "evil way" and the institutionalization of illegitimate worship foreshadow the spiritual decay and eventual judgment that will befall the northern kingdom of Israel. The **Repetition** of the phrase "priests of the high places" (or similar phrasing throughout 1 Kings) emphasizes the pervasive nature of Jeroboam's religious corruption and its lasting impact. The contrast between God's clear command and Jeroboam's defiant action creates a powerful **Antithesis**, underscoring the profound spiritual conflict at the heart of the narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 13:33 profoundly illustrates the perilous nature of unrepentant rebellion against divine authority, particularly in matters of worship and spiritual leadership. Jeroboam’s actions reveal a fundamental misunderstanding of God's sovereignty and holiness, opting instead for a religion of convenience and political expediency. His disregard for the divinely ordained priesthood and the sacred place of worship (Jerusalem) demonstrates a human-centered approach to faith that inevitably leads to apostasy. This verse serves as a stark reminder that true worship must be on God's terms, not our own, and that spiritual leadership requires divine appointment and adherence to God's revealed will, not merely human ambition or availability. The consequences of such compromise are far-reaching, impacting not only the individual but an entire nation, leading them further away from the living God.

* [Deuteronomy 12:8](/deuteronomy/12-8 "Deuteronomy 12:8 - Doing What is Right in Our Own Eyes")
* [Proverbs 14:12](/proverbs/14-12 "Proverbs 14:12 - The Way that Seems Right")
* [Jeremiah 23:30-32](/jeremiah/23-30-32 "Jeremiah 23:30-32 - False Prophets")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeroboam's story in 1 Kings 13:33 is a powerful, timeless warning for all believers. It challenges us to examine our own hearts: when confronted with God's truth, whether through His Word, providential circumstances, or the conviction of the Holy Spirit, do we truly repent and turn from our "evil way," or do we, like Jeroboam, harden our hearts and persist in self-devised paths? The temptation to compromise faith for convenience, to prioritize personal comfort or societal acceptance over divine commands, is ever-present. This verse also speaks to the critical importance of discerning true spiritual authority and leadership. We must be wary of those who, "whosoever would," appoint themselves or are appointed by human will rather than divine calling, leading others astray from God's established order and truth. Our worship must be pure, directed by God's Word, and led by those genuinely called and qualified by Him, rather than being shaped by human preference or political agenda.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be "returning not from my evil way" despite clear warnings or divine intervention?**
* **How do I discern between spiritual leadership that is genuinely God-appointed and that which is merely "whosoever would"?**
* **Am I tempted to create or participate in spiritual practices that are convenient for me rather than strictly adhering to God's revealed will?**
* **What are the potential long-term consequences of compromising on truth or legitimate authority in my spiritual life or community?**

### FAQ

**Why was Jeroboam's appointment of priests considered so wrong by God?**

Answer: Jeroboam's actions were a direct and egregious violation of God's covenantal law and the established order for worship in Israel. First, God had specifically ordained the Levitical priesthood, reserving the sacred office for the descendants of Aaron from the tribe of Levi ([Numbers 3:10](/numbers/3-10 "Numbers 3:10 - The Role of the Priests")). By appointing "the lowest of the people"—anyone who was willing, regardless of tribal lineage or qualification—Jeroboam usurped divine authority and showed utter contempt for God's clear commands. Second, his motivation was purely political, driven by fear that his people would return to Jerusalem to worship and thus shift allegiance back to the Davidic dynasty ([1 Kings 12:26-27](/1_kings/12-26-27 "1 Kings 12:26-27 - Jeroboam's Political Fear")). This made his religious innovations a means to an end, rather than genuine devotion. Finally, his establishment of alternative worship centers at Bethel and Dan, complete with golden calves, constituted idolatry and led the entire northern kingdom into widespread apostasy, directly contravening the first two commandments ([Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3-5 "Exodus 20:3-5 - The First Two Commandments")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeroboam's tragic story in [1 Kings 13:33](/1_kings/13-33 "1 Kings 13:33 - Jeroboam's Persistent Disobedience") highlights humanity's persistent rebellion and the inadequacy of self-appointed religious systems, pointing powerfully to the ultimate fulfillment found in Jesus Christ. Jeroboam sought to establish his own priesthood and means of access to God, but it was illegitimate, corrupt, and ultimately led to spiritual ruin. In stark contrast, Jesus is the divinely appointed, perfect High Priest, "not according to a legal requirement concerning bodily descent, but by the power of an indestructible life" ([Hebrews 7:16](/hebrews/7-16 "Hebrews 7:16 - Jesus, a Priest Forever")). Unlike Jeroboam's unqualified priests, Jesus is "holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens" ([Hebrews 7:26](/hebrews/7-26 "Hebrews 7:26 - The Perfect High Priest")). He entered the true heavenly sanctuary, not a man-made high place, and offered Himself as the one perfect sacrifice for sins, making a way for all who believe to draw near to God with confidence ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). Jeroboam's "evil way" led to separation from God, but Christ's "way" is the truth and the life, the only path to the Father ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). In Christ, the need for humanly devised religious systems and unqualified mediators is abolished, as He perfectly fulfills the law and establishes a new covenant, inviting all to enter into a genuine relationship with God through His finished work ([Hebrews 8:6-13](/hebrews/8-6-13 "Hebrews 8:6-13 - The New Covenant")).

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.