King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 11:15 Mean?

2 Chronicles 11:15 in the King James Version says “And he ordained him priests for the high places, and for the devils, and for the calves which he had made.” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he ordained him priests for the high places, and for the devils, and for the calves which he had made.”

2 Chronicles 11:15 · KJV

Context

13

And the priests and the Levites that were in all Israel resorted to him out of all their coasts. resorted: Heb. presented themselves to him

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:

15

And he ordained him priests for the high places, and for the devils, and for the calves which he had made.

16

And after them out of all the tribes of Israel such as set their hearts to seek the LORD God of Israel came to Jerusalem, to sacrifice unto the LORD God of their fathers.

17

So they strengthened the kingdom of Judah, and made Rehoboam the son of Solomon strong, three years: for three years they walked in the way of David and Solomon.

Read 2 Chronicles 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he ordained him priests for the high places, and for the devils, and for the calves which he had made.

This verse is part of the narrative of Judah's kings, specifically addressing Initial faithfulness giving way to compromise. The Chronicler's theological perspective emphasizes immediate divine retribution—kings who seek God prosper, while those who forsake Him face judgment. This pattern provides instruction for the post-exilic community on the conditions for God's blessing.

The account demonstrates God's covenant faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. Even in judgment, God preserves a remnant and offers restoration through repentance. The repeated cycle of apostasy, judgment, and restoration reveals both human sinfulness and divine mercy. References to the temple, proper worship, and priestly service emphasize the Chronicler's concern for correct religious observance.

Theologically, these accounts point beyond immediate history to God's ultimate purposes through the Davidic line. Despite repeated failures, God preserves David's dynasty, anticipating the perfect King who will reign in righteousness. The pattern of judgment for sin and restoration through repentance prefigures the gospel message of salvation through Christ.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This passage occurs during the divided monarchy period when Judah existed separately from northern Israel. The Chronicler writes from a post-exilic perspective, addressing the restored community in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile (539 BCE onward). His emphasis on temple worship, proper religious observance, and God's covenant faithfulness speaks directly to the needs of his audience who had just rebuilt the temple and were reestablishing their identity as God's people.

The historical context demonstrates both God's judgment on persistent sin and His readiness to restore those who genuinely repent. The Chronicler omits most northern kingdom material, focusing on Judah and the Davidic line to emphasize God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Lachish, Beersheba, and Jerusalem corroborate the biblical accounts of various kings' reigns and building projects.

Understanding the Chronicler's post-exilic perspective is crucial—he's not merely recording history but applying past lessons to his contemporary audience, showing that the same principles of seeking God, maintaining proper worship, and covenant faithfulness that determined blessing or judgment in the past still apply.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse illustrate the principle of divine retribution (blessing for obedience, judgment for sin)?
  2. What specific applications does this passage have for maintaining spiritual faithfulness in contemporary Christian life?
  3. How does this account point to God's ultimate purposes through the Davidic line and the coming Messiah?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וַיַּֽעֲמֶד1 of 8

“And he ordained”

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

לוֹ֙2 of 8
H0
כֹּֽהֲנִ֔ים3 of 8

“him priests”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

לַבָּמ֖וֹת4 of 8

“for the high places”

H1116

an elevation

וְלַשְּׂעִירִ֑ים5 of 8

“and for the devils”

H8163

shaggy; as noun, a he-goat; by analogy, a faun

וְלָֽעֲגָלִ֖ים6 of 8

“and for the calves”

H5695

a (male) calf (as frisking round), especially one nearly grown (i.e., a steer)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר7 of 8
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עָשָֽׂה׃8 of 8

“which he had made”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Chronicles 11:15 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 2 Chronicles 11:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 12:28Deuteronomy 32:171 Kings 12:311 Kings 13:33Exodus 32:31Revelation 16:14

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