2 Chronicles 13:9

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Have ye not cast out {H5080} the priests {H3548} of the LORD {H3068}, the sons {H1121} of Aaron {H175}, and the Levites {H3881}, and have made {H6213} you priests {H3548} after the manner of the nations {H5971} of other lands {H776}? so that whosoever cometh {H935} to consecrate {H4390}{H3027} himself with a young {H1121}{H1241} bullock {H6499} and seven {H7651} rams {H352}, the same may be a priest {H3548} of them that are no {H3808} gods {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yes, you drove out the cohanim of ADONAI, the descendants of Aharon, and the L'vi'im; and you made yourselves priests as do the peoples in other countries, so that anyone who comes to consecrate himself with a young bull and seven rams can become a priest of those non-gods.

Berean Standard Bible

But did you not drive out the priests of the LORD, the sons of Aaron, and the Levites? And did you not make priests for yourselves as do the peoples of other lands? Now whoever comes to consecrate himself with a young bull and seven rams can become a priest of things that are not gods.

American Standard Version

Have ye not driven out the priests of Jehovah, the sons of Aaron, and the Levites, and made you priests after the manner of the peoples 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Chronicles 13:9, King Abijah of Judah delivers a scathing indictment against Jeroboam and the Northern Kingdom of Israel, exposing their profound spiritual apostasy. This verse, part of a pivotal pre-battle address, condemns Israel's rejection of God's divinely appointed Aaronic and Levitical priesthood, accusing them of replacing it with an unauthorized, man-made system mirroring the pagan practices of surrounding nations. Abijah highlights the ease with which anyone could "consecrate himself" into this illegitimate priesthood, ultimately serving "no gods," thereby underscoring the stark contrast between Judah's adherence to covenant fidelity and Israel's grievous deviation into idolatry and religious syncretism.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a crucial part of King Abijah's impassioned speech to Jeroboam and the army of Israel, delivered just before a significant battle (2 Chronicles 13:4-12). Abijah's address is not merely a pre-battle rallying cry but a theological and historical argument for Judah's legitimacy and Israel's apostasy. He systematically contrasts Judah's covenant loyalty—evidenced by their adherence to the Davidic covenant and the true worship of the LORD in Jerusalem—with Israel's rebellion. Verse 9 specifically targets Jeroboam's most egregious religious innovation: the rejection of the legitimate priesthood and the establishment of a counterfeit system. This accusation sets the stage for Abijah's declaration that "the LORD is our God" (2 Chronicles 13:10) and that Judah's victory is assured because they have not forsaken Him. The speech culminates in a decisive victory for Judah, reinforcing the Chronicler's theme that faithfulness to God brings blessing, while apostasy leads to judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the divided kingdom following the death of King Solomon. Jeroboam, the first king of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, feared that his subjects' continued pilgrimage to Jerusalem for worship would lead them to return their allegiance to the Davidic dynasty in Judah ([1 Kings 12:26-27](/1_kings/12-26 "1 Kings 12:26-27 - Jeroboam's Fear of Reunification")). To prevent this, he established alternative cultic centers in Dan and Bethel, erecting golden calves for worship and declaring, "Behold your gods, O Israel, which brought you up out of the land of Egypt!" ([1 Kings 12:28](/1_kings/12-28 "1 Kings 12:28 - Jeroboam's Idolatry")). This religious innovation necessitated the expulsion of the legitimate Aaronic priests and Levites, who subsequently migrated to Judah ([2 Chronicles 11:13-16](/2_chronicles/11-13 "2 Chronicles 11:13-16 - Levites Migrate to Judah")). In their place, Jeroboam appointed priests "from all the people who were not of the sons of Levi" ([1 Kings 12:31](/1_kings/12-31 "1 Kings 12:31 - Jeroboam Appoints Non-Levitical Priests")), mirroring the practices of surrounding pagan nations where priesthood was often a matter of royal appointment or personal initiative rather than hereditary divine mandate. This was a direct affront to God's covenant law, which strictly limited priesthood to the descendants of Aaron within the tribe of Levi ([Numbers 3:10](/numbers/3-10 "Numbers 3:10 - Aaron's Sons Appointed Priests")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several core themes central to the Chronicler's theological agenda. Firstly, it highlights **Apostasy and False Worship**, directly confronting Jeroboam's rejection of God's prescribed worship and the institution of a man-made system that adopted pagan practices, representing a severe breach of the covenant. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **The Legitimate Priesthood**, emphasizing the divine appointment of the "priests of the LORD, the sons of Aaron, and the Levites" as the sole authorized ministers of God's sanctuary. Jeroboam’s unauthorized appointments were a direct defiance of God's established order for sacred service ([Numbers 16](/numbers/16 "Numbers 16 - Korah's Rebellion")). Thirdly, it contrasts **Man-Made Religion vs. Divine Mandate**, illustrating the dangers of human innovation in spiritual matters. The phrase "whosoever cometh to consecrate himself" reveals a system open to anyone who could afford the prescribed offerings, regardless of their lineage or divine calling, a stark perversion of God's sacred institutions. Finally, the verse exposes **The Futility of Idolatry**, declaring that Jeroboam's new priests served "them that are no gods." This emphasizes the powerlessness and non-existence of idols compared to the living God of Israel, a theme echoed throughout the prophetic literature ([Isaiah 44:9-20](/isaiah/44-9 "Isaiah 44:9-20 - The Folly of Idolatry")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cast out (Hebrew, _garash'_):** This verb signifies a forceful expulsion or divorce. It implies a deliberate and violent removal, not merely a resignation or departure. Abijah uses this strong term to emphasize the aggressive and unlawful nature of Jeroboam's actions in expelling the legitimate priests and Levites from their divinely ordained roles and territories. This was a direct act of rebellion against God's established order.
* **Consecrate himself (Hebrew, _male' yado'_):** Literally meaning "to fill his hand," this is a technical idiom for ordination or induction into the priesthood. In the Mosaic Law, the process involved specific offerings and rituals where portions of the sacrifice were placed into the hands of the one being consecrated, symbolizing their empowerment and authorization for priestly service (e.g., [Exodus 29:24](/exodus/29-24 "Exodus 29:24 - Consecration of Priests")). Abijah's use of this phrase highlights the perversion of this sacred rite: Jeroboam's system allowed anyone, regardless of lineage, to "fill his hand" with offerings and become a priest, thereby mimicking the outward form of legitimate consecration while utterly lacking its divine authorization.
* **No gods (Hebrew, _lo' 'elohim'_):** This powerful and dismissive phrase emphasizes the absolute non-existence and impotence of the idols and false deities worshipped by the surrounding nations. It is a theological declaration of monotheism, asserting that there is only one true and living God, Yahweh, and all other purported deities are nothing more than human constructs, utterly devoid of power, life, or reality. This contrasts sharply with the omnipotent and active God of Israel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Have ye not cast out the priests of the LORD, the sons of Aaron, and the Levites":** Abijah begins with a rhetorical question, implying an undeniable truth. He accuses Israel of forcibly expelling the legitimate priesthood, which comprised both the Aaronic priests (descendants of Aaron, responsible for sacrificial duties) and the Levites (responsible for temple service, music, and teaching). This act was a direct rejection of God's covenant instructions concerning the proper administration of worship and the sacred personnel He had appointed.
* **"and have made you priests after the manner of the nations of [other] lands?":** This clause condemns Israel for adopting the pagan practice of appointing priests based on human decree rather than divine lineage or calling. Unlike the hereditary Aaronic priesthood established by God, pagan nations often allowed anyone to become a priest, sometimes for a fee or through a self-initiated ritual. Jeroboam's system mirrored this idolatrous practice, making the priesthood a human institution rather than a divine one.
* **"so that whosoever cometh to consecrate himself with a young bullock and seven rams":** This specifies the "open door" policy of Jeroboam's illegitimate priesthood. The phrase "consecrate himself" (literally, "fill his hand") refers to the act of ordination. The required offerings—a young bullock and seven rams—were substantial, indicating that while the priesthood was open to anyone, it still required a significant investment, perhaps making it accessible only to those with means. This highlights the transactional, man-centered nature of Jeroboam's religious system, where access to sacred office was determined by human ability to pay, not divine election.
* **"[the same] may be a priest of [them that are] no gods.":** This is the damning conclusion. The ultimate consequence of Israel's religious innovations was that their newly appointed priests served deities that were utterly powerless and non-existent. Abijah explicitly states that these "gods" of the nations were mere idols, incapable of hearing, seeing, or acting. This underscores the futility and spiritual emptiness of Israel's apostasy, contrasting their worship of nothing with Judah's worship of the living God.

#### Literary Devices
Abijah's speech, particularly this verse, employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question** ("Have ye not cast out...?"), which serves to challenge Jeroboam directly and emphatically, implying that the answer is self-evident and damning. This device engages the audience and highlights the undeniable nature of Israel's transgression. There is also a strong element of **Contrast** throughout the verse and the broader speech, juxtaposing Judah's adherence to the legitimate Aaronic priesthood and worship of the true God with Israel's rejection of divine order and their service to "no gods." This stark comparison underscores the theological chasm between the two kingdoms. Furthermore, a subtle **Irony** is present: Jeroboam's attempt to secure his kingdom through religious innovation ultimately leads his people to serve "no gods," rendering their efforts futile and spiritually bankrupt, demonstrating the self-defeating nature of rebellion against divine truth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 13:9 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of true worship, divine authority, and the perils of religious syncretism. It underscores the biblical principle that God alone defines the terms of His worship and the qualifications for those who minister in His name. Any deviation from His prescribed order, born of human fear, ambition, or convenience, inevitably leads to a perversion of truth and a descent into idolatry, even if cloaked in religious ritual. The verse highlights that rejecting God's clear commands concerning His priesthood and sanctuary is tantamount to rejecting God Himself, leading to the worship of "no gods"—a stark reminder that true worship is directed solely to the living God, not to human constructs or empty idols. This passage calls believers to a rigorous discernment of spiritual authority and a steadfast adherence to God's revealed Word as the sole standard for faith and practice.

* [Deuteronomy 12:8](/deuteronomy/12-8 "Doing What Is Right in Your Own Eyes")
* [1 Samuel 15:23](/1_samuel/15-23 "Rebellion as Witchcraft")
* [Isaiah 44:9-20](/isaiah/44-9 "The Folly of Idolatry")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Chronicles 13:9 offers timeless warnings and profound insights for contemporary believers. It challenges us to examine the foundations of our faith and worship, urging us to prioritize God's revealed truth over human preferences, cultural trends, or personal convenience. In a world saturated with diverse spiritual expressions, this verse calls for a deep commitment to biblical authority in defining who God is, how He is to be worshipped, and who is authorized to lead His people. It reminds us that genuine spiritual authority flows from divine appointment and adherence to God's Word, not from human charisma, popularity, or self-proclamation. We are called to discern carefully, lest we inadvertently participate in forms of worship or follow leaders who, however well-intentioned, ultimately lead us to serve "no gods"—that is, anything other than the one true and living God. Our worship must be sincere, biblically informed, and directed solely to the LORD, recognizing that any deviation risks spiritual emptiness and futility.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might we, like Jeroboam, be tempted to create "man-made" religious systems or practices that deviate from God's revealed will out of fear, convenience, or a desire for control?**
* **How can we ensure that our worship and spiritual leadership are truly rooted in God's divine mandate rather than human tradition or ambition?**
* **What "no gods" (idols, self-reliance, worldly success, comfort) might subtly creep into our lives or churches, diverting our worship and allegiance from the one true God?**
* **How does understanding the importance of the legitimate priesthood in Old Testament times inform our view of spiritual authority and ministry in the New Covenant?**

### FAQ
**Why was Jeroboam's priesthood considered illegitimate?**

Answer: Jeroboam's priesthood was illegitimate for several fundamental reasons, all stemming from his direct defiance of God's explicit commands. First, God had established a hereditary priesthood exclusively through the lineage of Aaron, from the tribe of Levi ([Numbers 3:10](/numbers/3-10 "Numbers 3:10 - Aaron's Sons Appointed Priests")). Jeroboam appointed priests "from all the people who were not of the sons of Levi" ([1 Kings 12:31](/1_kings/12-31 "1 Kings 12:31 - Jeroboam Appoints Non-Levitical Priests")), violating this divine mandate. Second, he established unauthorized places of worship in Dan and Bethel, replacing Jerusalem, the divinely chosen center for worship ([Deuteronomy 12:5](/deuteronomy/12-5 "Deuteronomy 12:5 - The Chosen Place of Worship")). Third, his introduction of golden calves constituted idolatry, a direct breach of the first two commandments ([Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3-5 - The First Two Commandments")). Thus, his priesthood was a human invention, lacking divine authorization in its personnel, location, and objects of worship.

**What is the significance of "no gods" in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "no gods" (Hebrew: *lo' 'elohim*) is a powerful theological declaration emphasizing the absolute non-existence and impotence of the idols and false deities worshipped by the surrounding nations. It's not merely a statement that these are "false gods," but that they are literally "non-gods"—they have no being, no power, and no reality compared to the one true and living God, Yahweh. Abijah uses this phrase to underscore the utter futility and spiritual emptiness of Israel's apostasy. Their new priests were serving nothing, highlighting the stark contrast with Judah, who worshipped the God who truly exists and acts in history ([Isaiah 44:9-20](/isaiah/44-9 "Isaiah 44:9-20 - The Folly of Idolatry")).

**What does "consecrate himself" mean in this context?**

Answer: In 2 Chronicles 13:9, "consecrate himself" translates the Hebrew idiom *male' yado*, literally "to fill his hand." This phrase is a technical term for ordination or induction into the priesthood. In the legitimate Mosaic system, the "filling of the hand" involved specific rituals and offerings where portions of the sacrifice were placed into the hands of the one being consecrated, symbolizing their empowerment and authorization for priestly service by God ([Exodus 29:24](/exodus/29-24 "Exodus 29:24 - Consecration of Priests")). However, in Jeroboam's illegitimate system, it refers to a self-initiated or humanly sanctioned act where anyone could become a priest by bringing the required offerings (a young bullock and seven rams), regardless of their lineage or divine calling. It highlights the perversion of a sacred rite, turning a divinely ordained process into a man-made transaction.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Chronicles 13:9, with its condemnation of an illegitimate priesthood serving "no gods," finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament priesthood, though divinely ordained, was inherently temporary and imperfect, requiring continuous sacrifices and a succession of priests due to human mortality and sin ([Hebrews 7:23-28](/hebrews/7-23 "Hebrews 7:23-28 - Christ's Perfect Priesthood")). Jesus, however, is the [Great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest") "after the order of Melchizedek," not of Aaron, signifying a new and superior priesthood not bound by Mosaic law or human lineage ([Hebrews 7:11-17](/hebrews/7-11 "Hebrews 7:11-17 - A Priest Like Melchizedek")). Unlike Jeroboam's self-appointed priests who offered sacrifices for "no gods," Christ offered Himself as the [perfect, once-for-all sacrifice](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice") for the sins of the world, entering the true heavenly sanctuary ([Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ's Heavenly Sanctuary")). Through His finished work, believers are no longer dependent on an earthly, flawed priesthood but have direct access to God through Him ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Access to God Through Christ")). Furthermore, Christ, as the true King and Priest, establishes a new covenant where all believers are constituted as a "[royal priesthood](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")" and a "holy nation," called to offer spiritual sacrifices of praise and service to the one true God, effectively dismantling any need for man-made religious systems and fulfilling the longing for true, divinely sanctioned worship.

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 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.

Jeremiah 2:11

Hath a nation changed [their] gods, which [are] yet no gods? but my people have changed their glory for [that which] doth not profit.

Exodus 29:35

And thus shalt thou do unto Aaron, and to his sons, according to all [things] which I have commanded thee: seven days shalt thou consecrate them.

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.

1 Chronicles 29:5

The gold for [things] of gold, and the silver for [things] of silver, and for all manner of work [to be made] by the hands of artificers. And who [then] is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the LORD?

Exodus 32:29

For Moses had said, Consecrate yourselves to day to the LORD, even every man upon his son, and upon his brother; that he may bestow upon you a blessing this day.