Book of 1 Kings - Chapter 12 - Verse 31

This verse from the Bible speaks to the story of Jeroboam, the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel after the split from Judah. In an effort to establish his authority, Jeroboam deviated from the traditions set by God and the laws of Moses. He built high places for worship, an act which was strictly forbidden as the only acceptable place for sacrifice was the temple in Jerusalem. Jeroboam also appointed priests from among the common people, disregarding the requirement that priests must be from the tribe of Levi. This decision not only went against God's commandments but also weakened the spiritual leadership within the kingdom. By appointing priests who were not qualified according to the law, Jeroboam set a dangerous precedent that led to idolatry and ultimately the downfall of the northern kingdom. This verse serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of straying from God's laws and the importance of upholding true worship.

In this verse, the phrase "house of high places" typically refers to a place of worship that is not authorized by God. It often involves the worship of false gods or idols. The fact that priests were chosen from the lowest of the people, who were not from the tribe of Levi, goes against the specific instructions given by God regarding the priesthood in the Old Testament. The Levites were designated as the tribe from which priests were to come, and choosing priests from outside this tribe was seen as a violation of God's commands.

This act of setting up an unauthorized worship center with non-Levite priests demonstrates a disregard for the established religious practices and a willingness to depart from God's instructions. It serves as a reminder of the dangers of straying from God's Word and the consequences that can arise from following false teachings and engaging in idolatry. This verse highlights the importance of adhering to God's commands and seeking to worship Him in the manner that He has prescribed.