2 Chronicles 11:14

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

For the Levites {H3881} left {H5800} their suburbs {H4054} and their possession {H272}, and came {H3212} to Judah {H3063} and Jerusalem {H3389}: for Jeroboam {H3379} and his sons {H1121} had cast them off {H2186} from executing the priest's office {H3547} unto the LORD {H3068}:

Complete Jewish Bible

The L'vi'im left their pasture lands and property and came to Y'hudah and Yerushalayim; since Yarov'am and his sons had thrown them out, not allowing them to function as cohanim for ADONAI,

Berean Standard Bible

For the Levites left their pasturelands and their possessions and went to Judah and Jerusalem, because Jeroboam and his sons had rejected them as priests of the LORD.

American Standard Version

For the Levites left their suburbs and their possession, and came to Judah and Jerusalem: for Jeroboam and his sons cast them off, that they should not execute the priest’s office unto Jehovah;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse records the significant migration of the Levites from their traditional territories in the northern kingdom of Israel to Judah and Jerusalem, a pivotal event precipitated by King Jeroboam's deliberate rejection of the divinely ordained priesthood. By establishing alternative worship sites and appointing non-Levitical priests, Jeroboam actively "cast off" the Levites from their sacred duties to the LORD, compelling them to seek refuge and continue their faithful service in the southern kingdom where true worship was maintained.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 2 Chronicles 11:14 is situated immediately after the account of the kingdom's division following Solomon's death, with Rehoboam ruling Judah and Jeroboam ruling Israel. The preceding verses in [2 Chronicles 11](/2_chronicles/11 "2 Chronicles 11 - Rehoboam's Reign and the Levites' Migration") detail Rehoboam's initial intent to wage war against Israel, which was divinely forbidden, and his subsequent fortification of cities in Judah. This verse then shifts focus to Jeroboam's actions in the north, specifically his establishment of idolatrous worship centers at Dan and Bethel, as detailed in [1 Kings 12:28-30](/1_kings/12-28 "1 Kings 12:28-30 - Jeroboam's Golden Calves"). The Levites' migration, described here, is a direct consequence of Jeroboam's apostasy and serves as a crucial bridge to the subsequent verses that highlight the gathering of other faithful Israelites to Judah ([2 Chronicles 11:16](/2_chronicles/11-16 "2 Chronicles 11:16 - Faithful Israelites Join Judah")), thereby strengthening Rehoboam's kingdom and emphasizing the Chronicler's theological agenda concerning legitimate worship and the Davidic covenant.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Historically, 2 Chronicles 11:14 marks a critical juncture in the early years of the divided monarchy, approximately 931 BCE. Following the schism, King Jeroboam of Israel faced a significant political challenge: the annual pilgrimages of his subjects to Jerusalem, the capital of Judah, for the prescribed festivals. Fearing this would erode his authority and lead to their return to Rehoboam, Jeroboam strategically established alternative cultic centers at Dan and Bethel. Culturally, this act was a radical departure from the Mosaic Law, which mandated a centralized worship system at the place the LORD would choose ([Deuteronomy 12:5](/deuteronomy/12-5 "Deuteronomy 12:5 - Centralized Worship")). The Levites, as the divinely appointed priestly class, held specific responsibilities for temple service and lived in designated "suburbs and possessions" (Levitical cities) throughout Israel, as outlined in [Numbers 35:2-8](/numbers/35-2 "Numbers 35:2-8 - Levitical Cities and Pasturelands"). Jeroboam's reforms necessitated their removal, as he could not rely on those whose loyalty was intrinsically tied to the Jerusalem Temple and the true worship of Yahweh.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent in the book of Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the stark contrast between **apostasy and fidelity**, exemplified by Jeroboam's deliberate abandonment of Yahweh's commands for political gain versus the Levites' unwavering commitment to the LORD, even at great personal cost. Secondly, it underscores the importance of **legitimate worship**, emphasizing the divinely ordained nature of the Jerusalem Temple and the Levitical priesthood, as opposed to Jeroboam's illicit innovations. The Chronicler consistently champions true worship as the foundation of national blessing and stability. Finally, the migration of the Levites and other faithful Israelites (as seen in [2 Chronicles 11:16](/2_chronicles/11-16 "2 Chronicles 11:16 - Faithful Israelites Join Judah")) illustrates the theme of **God's preservation of a faithful remnant**, demonstrating that even amidst widespread spiritual decline and national division, God maintains a people loyal to Him, reinforcing the enduring nature of His covenant promises.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **suburbs (Hebrew, _migrāš_):** This term refers to the common lands and pasturelands surrounding the Levitical cities, which were allotted to them for their livestock and sustenance (cf. [Numbers 35:2-5](/numbers/35-2 "Numbers 35:2-5 - Levitical Cities and Pasturelands")). It signifies their designated living and working spaces, part of their divinely ordained inheritance. Their departure from these "suburbs" underscores the complete disruption of their established lives and livelihoods.
* **possession (Hebrew, _ʾaḥuzzâ_):** This word denotes an inherited property or a permanent holding, often land. For the Levites, unlike other tribes, their "possession" was not a tribal land allocation but rather their cities and their associated pasturelands scattered throughout Israel (cf. [Numbers 18:20-24](/numbers/18-20 "Numbers 18:20-24 - The Levites' Inheritance")). Leaving their "possession" meant abandoning their divinely granted means of support and their ancestral homes, highlighting the depth of their sacrifice for faithfulness.
* **cast them off (Hebrew, יִזְנְחוּהוּ, _yizneḥūhū_):** Derived from the root זנח (_zanaḥ_), meaning "to reject," "to abandon," or "to spurn." The Hiphil imperfect form here strongly implies Jeroboam's active, forceful, and deliberate act of dismissing or disbarring the Levites from their sacred duties. It wasn't a voluntary departure on their part initially, but a forced expulsion, emphasizing Jeroboam's direct antagonism towards the legitimate priesthood and the LORD's appointed worship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For the Levites left their suburbs and their possession":** This clause highlights the profound sacrifice made by the Levites. Their "suburbs" and "possession" refer to the Levitical cities and their surrounding pasturelands, which were their divinely appointed inheritance and means of livelihood throughout Israel. Their act of leaving signifies a voluntary departure in response to an untenable situation, choosing spiritual fidelity over material security and ancestral heritage.
* **"and came to Judah and Jerusalem":** This indicates their destination, the southern kingdom where Rehoboam reigned and, crucially, where the Jerusalem Temple stood as the sole legitimate center of Yahweh worship. Their migration was not merely a flight but a deliberate movement towards the place where they could continue to fulfill their sacred calling "unto the LORD."
* **"for Jeroboam and his sons had cast them off from executing the priest's office unto the LORD":** This final clause provides the crucial reason for the Levites' exodus. Jeroboam's actions were not passive; he actively "cast them off" (a strong term implying forceful rejection and dismissal) from their divinely ordained role. His establishment of golden calves and appointment of non-Levitical priests directly contravened God's law, making it impossible for the Levites to perform their legitimate duties "unto the LORD" in the northern kingdom.

#### Literary Devices
This verse employs several potent **literary devices**. The most prominent is **Contrast**, starkly juxtaposing King Jeroboam's apostasy and political expediency with the unwavering spiritual fidelity of the Levites. Jeroboam's actions represent a deliberate break from divine command, while the Levites' response demonstrates radical obedience. There is also an element of **Irony**, as Jeroboam's attempt to consolidate his power by rejecting God's ordained worship ultimately leads to the spiritual impoverishment of his kingdom and the loss of its legitimate religious leadership. The migration itself functions as **Symbolism**, with Judah and Jerusalem becoming a sanctuary for true Yahweh worship, symbolizing the preservation of a faithful remnant amidst widespread spiritual compromise. The Levites, in turn, symbolize the enduring commitment to God's covenant even in the face of persecution. This event also **Foreshadows** the ongoing spiritual decline and eventual judgment that would characterize the northern kingdom of Israel due to its persistent idolatry.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse offers profound theological insights into the nature of true worship and the cost of faithfulness. It underscores that loyalty to God often demands significant personal sacrifice, even the abandonment of one's livelihood and heritage, when confronted with spiritual compromise or apostasy. The Levites' actions affirm the supremacy of God's commands over political expediency or material comfort. Their migration also highlights God's consistent method of preserving a faithful remnant amidst widespread spiritual decline, ensuring that His covenant promises and true worship endure. This serves as a powerful reminder that God's people are called to prioritize His truth and presence above all earthly attachments.

* [Matthew 10:37-39](/matthew/10-37 "The Cost of Following Christ")
* [Hebrews 11:13-16](/hebrews/11-13 "Pilgrims and Strangers on Earth")
* [Revelation 18:4](/revelation/18-4 "Come Out of Her, My People")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of the Levites in 2 Chronicles 11:14 offers a timeless challenge to believers regarding the nature of their allegiance. Their willingness to forsake their homes, livelihoods, and ancestral heritage for the sake of preserving their sacred calling and upholding true worship serves as a potent example of radical discipleship. In a world often characterized by compromise, convenience, and the pursuit of personal gain, the Levites' actions call us to examine our own priorities. Are we willing to stand for biblical truth, maintain integrity in our service to God, and align ourselves with authentic worship, even when it demands personal sacrifice or social ostracization? This verse encourages us to cultivate a spiritual discernment that recognizes and rejects spiritual counterfeits, and to actively seek out and support communities where the worship of God is pure and unadulterated, thereby contributing to the preservation of His faithful remnant in every generation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "suburbs and possessions"—whether material, relational, or ideological—might God be calling me to re-evaluate or even release for the sake of His truth and kingdom?**
* **How do I respond when faced with spiritual compromise or pressure to deviate from biblical principles in my personal life, church, or broader society?**
* **In what practical ways can I contribute to strengthening and encouraging the "remnant" of faithful believers in my community and around the world?**
* **How can I cultivate deeper discernment to recognize and resist forms of worship or belief that, like Jeroboam's, deviate from God's revealed will?**

### FAQ
**Why were the Levites so important in ancient Israel?**

Answer: The Levites held a unique and divinely appointed role in ancient Israel, distinct from the other tribes. They were set apart for sacred service to the LORD, primarily assisting the priests (who were from the lineage of Aaron, a Levite himself) in the tabernacle and later the Temple. Their duties included caring for the sanctuary, transporting sacred items, teaching the Law, maintaining the purity of worship, and serving as musicians and gatekeepers. Unlike other tribes, they did not receive a territorial inheritance but were instead supported by tithes and lived in specific cities scattered throughout Israel, as detailed in [Numbers 35](/numbers/35 "Numbers 35 - Levitical Cities"). Their importance lay in their indispensable role in facilitating Israel's covenant relationship with God through proper worship and instruction.

**Did all the Levites leave the northern kingdom?**

Answer: While 2 Chronicles 11:14 states that "the Levites left their suburbs and their possession," it's unlikely that every single Levite departed. The text implies a significant and influential number who were committed to the true worship of the LORD. Those who chose to remain might have done so for various reasons, including family ties, fear, or perhaps a willingness to compromise with Jeroboam's new religious system. However, the Chronicler highlights the departure of those who were faithful, emphasizing their commitment to the legitimate priesthood and the Jerusalem Temple, and their subsequent strengthening of Judah, as further elaborated in [2 Chronicles 11:16](/2_chronicles/11-16 "2 Chronicles 11:16 - Faithful Israelites Join Judah").

**What was Jeroboam's primary motivation for casting off the Levites and establishing new worship centers?**

Answer: Jeroboam's primary motivation was political, not theological. He feared that if his subjects continued to go to Jerusalem to worship the LORD, their hearts would eventually turn back to King Rehoboam and the house of David, leading to his overthrow. As stated in [1 Kings 12:26-27](/1_kings/12-26 "1 Kings 12:26-27 - Jeroboam's Fear"), he reasoned, "If these people go up to offer sacrifices in the temple of the LORD in Jerusalem, they will again give their allegiance to their lord, Rehoboam king of Judah. Then they will kill me and return to King Rehoboam." To prevent this, he established alternative cultic sites at Dan and Bethel, complete with golden calves, and appointed non-Levitical priests, effectively creating a state-controlled religion that served his political agenda rather than God's commands.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The forced migration of the Levites, who abandoned their earthly possessions to pursue true worship "unto the LORD," powerfully foreshadows the ultimate call to discipleship found in Christ. Just as the Levites left their physical homes to gather around the legitimate worship in Jerusalem, so too are believers called to leave behind worldly allegiances and comforts to follow Jesus, the true [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") and the ultimate High Priest, who perfectly fulfills the Levitical priesthood (cf. [Hebrews 7:26-28](/hebrews/7-26 "Hebrews 7:26-28 - Christ Our High Priest")). He is the true [Temple](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Destroy This Temple"), in whom all true worship is centered. The Levites' sacrifice for fidelity to God's law finds its ultimate expression in the New Covenant, where believers are called to worship God [in spirit and truth](/john/4-23 "John 4:43 - Worship in Spirit and Truth"), not bound by geographical location or physical temple, but by allegiance to Christ. This narrative reminds us that God always preserves a faithful remnant, a spiritual Israel, who, like the Levites, choose to prioritize His kingdom above all else, finding their true "possession" and purpose in Christ, who is our ultimate inheritance (cf. [Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ")).

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

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.

Numbers 35:2

Command the children of Israel, that they give unto the Levites of the inheritance of their possession cities to dwell in; and ye shall give [also] unto the Levites suburbs for the cities round about them.

Numbers 35:5

And ye shall measure from without the city on the east side two thousand cubits, and on the south side two thousand cubits, and on the west side two thousand cubits, and on the north side two thousand cubits; and the city [shall be] in the midst: this shall be to them the suburbs of the cities.

1 Kings 12:28

Whereupon the king took counsel, and made two calves [of] gold, and said unto them, It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem: behold thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.

1 Kings 12:33

So he offered upon the altar which he had made in Bethel the fifteenth day of the eighth month, [even] in the month which he had devised of his own heart; and ordained a feast unto the children of Israel: and he offered upon the altar, and burnt incense.

Joshua 21:20

And the families of the children of Kohath, the Levites which remained of the children of Kohath, even they had the cities of their lot out of the tribe of Ephraim.

Joshua 21:42

These cities were every one with their suburbs round about them: thus [were] all these cities.