ESV Reformation Study Bible – 1 Kings 12:33
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1 Kings 12:33

12:33 the month that he had devised. That is, one not sanctioned by God. By instituting his own religious centers, festival, and priesthood, Jeroboam deliberately wished to disassociate himself and his people from the Jerusalem temple and the worship practiced there. This clearly goes against the intent of Jeroboam’s commission from God as described in 11:36–39 and 12:15, which mandated a political but not a religious separation between Israel and Judah. Loyalty to the covenant (11:38) requires loyalty to the temple established for God’s honor and to its priests, festivals, and sacrifices.