12:25-33

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False religion in the north (1Ki 12:25-33)

Shechem, where Rehoboam had hoped to unite all Israel, now became the capital of Jeroboam’s breakaway kingdom.

Jeroboam established a second capital at Penuel, east of Jordan, probably with the aim of holding the allegiance of the two and a half eastern tribes (1Ki 12:25).

Later he moved his capital a short distance north to Tirzah, which remained the capital during the reigns of several kings (see 1Ki 14:17; 15:21,33).

Jeroboam saw that his people might be tempted to transfer their allegiance to Rehoboam if they went to Jerusalem for sacrifices and festivals.

He therefore set up his own shrines at Bethel (near his southern border) and Dan (near his northern border), complete with his own order of priests, sacrifices and festivals.

This new religion included many ideas taken from the religions of Canaan and neighbouring countries. It was a rebellion against God for which the writer of Kings repeatedly condemns Jeroboam.

It led Israel into increasing moral and religious corruption over the next two centuries (1Ki 12:26-33).