Book of 2 Kings - Chapter 21 - Verse 7

According to this verse, a graven image of a grove was set up in the house chosen by the LORD in Jerusalem, where His name would forever dwell. This verse highlights the importance of honoring God's chosen place and the significance of His presence in that holy place. The verse emphasizes the idea that the Lord's name is to be revered and respected in Jerusalem, which was selected out of all the tribes of Israel to be the location where God's name would reside. The construction of the graven image of the grove goes against the commandments of the Lord, as He had specifically instructed against the worship of idols. This verse serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobeying God's commands and the importance of following His will. It also underscores the need for faithful worship and devotion to the one true God, rather than placing trust in man-made idols or objects.

When examining the theological interpretation of the verse in 1 Kings 14:21, it is crucial to understand the significance of the graven image of the grove that Jeroboam set up in the house. Jeroboam's act of worshiping false idols and setting up images of the grove was a direct violation of the commandments of the Lord, specifically the second commandment which prohibits the making of graven images for worship. The Lord had specifically chosen Jerusalem and the house of David to put His name forever, but Jeroboam's actions were a clear departure from the worship of the one true God. This verse serves as a reminder of the consequences of idolatry and the importance of following the Lord's commands. In conducting a word study of this verse, the term "grove" can also be translated as Asherah pole, which was a sacred symbol used in Canaanite religious practices. By setting up this graven image of the grove, Jeroboam was not only defying the Lord's chosen place of worship but also embracing the false beliefs of neighboring nations.