Book of 1 Kings - Chapter 12 - Verse 30

In this verse, the mention of the people worshipping before the one, even unto Dan, refers to a specific incident in the Bible where idolatry became a common practice among the Israelites. The tribe of Dan was located in the northern part of Israel, far from the central location where they were supposed to worship. Instead of going to the designated place of worship, the people began to worship a false god in Dan, which ultimately led to a departure from the true worship of God. This verse serves as a reminder of the seriousness of idolatry and the consequences that can follow when people stray from true worship. It highlights the importance of staying true to God and following His commandments, rather than being swayed by false gods and practices.

Within the theological interpretation of the verse, "And this thing became a sin: for the people went to worship before the one, even unto Dan," it is crucial to understand the broader context of idol worship in ancient Israel. In this particular verse, the sin being referred to is the worship of a false god or idol, as the people were turning away from the one true God. The mention of Dan in the verse is significant because Dan was one of the northern tribes of Israel where Jeroboam had set up a golden calf for worship, leading the people away from Jerusalem and the true worship of Yahweh. This idolatrous behavior was in direct violation of the first commandment given to Moses: "You shall have no other gods before me" (Exodus 20:3). The theological implication of this verse serves as a warning against the dangers of idol worship and emphasizes the importance of remaining faithful to God alone.