King James Version
What Does 1 Kings 12:30 Mean?
“And this thing became a sin: for the people went to worship before the one, even unto Dan.”
1 Kings 12:30 · KJV
Context
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.
29
And he set the one in Bethel, and the other put he in Dan.
30
And this thing became a sin: for the people went to worship before the one, even unto Dan.
31
And he made an house of high places, and made priests of the lowest of the people, which were not of the sons of Levi.
32
And Jeroboam ordained a feast in the eighth month, on the fifteenth day of the month, like unto the feast that is in Judah, and he offered upon the altar. So did he in Bethel, sacrificing unto the calves that he had made: and he placed in Bethel the priests of the high places which he had made. offered: or, went up to the altar, etc sacrificing: or, to sacrifice
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAnd this thing became a sin: for the people went to worship before the one, even unto Dan.
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of kingdom divided: rehoboam and jeroboam, within the book's focus on kingdom division as judgment for Solomon's idolatry.
The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of kingdom divided: rehoboam and jeroboam, within the book's focus on kingdom division as judgment for Solomon's idolatry.
The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
First Kings was written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), reflecting on the monarchy period (10th-9th centuries BCE) to explain why the kingdoms fell. The kingdom division (c. 930 BCE) created the northern kingdom (Israel, 10 tribes) and southern kingdom (Judah, 2 tribes).
Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.
Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.
Reflection Questions
- How can leaders today avoid Rehoboam's mistakes and lead with wisdom rather than pride?
- What does the kingdom division teach about the long-term consequences of generational sin and compromise?
- How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 10 wordsוַיְהִ֛י1 of 10
H1961to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
הַדָּבָ֥ר2 of 10
“And this thing”
H1697a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
לְחַטָּ֑את4 of 10
“became a sin”
H2403an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender
הָעָ֛ם6 of 10
“for the people”
H5971a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
לִפְנֵ֥י7 of 10
“to worship before”
H6440the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
עַד9 of 10
H5704as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
דָּֽן׃10 of 10
“even unto Dan”
H1835dan, one of the sons of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory; likewise a place in palestine colonized by them
Study Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of 1 Kings. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
1 Kings 12:30 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to 1 Kings 12:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge