Jeroboam, after becoming king of the northern tribes of Israel, sought to establish a distinct religious practice to prevent his people from going to Jerusalem, which was in the southern kingdom of Judah, for worship. He chose a date for a festival that was not ordained by God, creating a new tradition to solidify his political power. This act of creating a festival and offering sacrifices on an altar he built at Bethel was significant because it marked a departure from the worship practices that were centered in Jerusalem, where the Temple was located.
Jeroboam's actions highlight the human inclination to prioritize political and personal agendas over spiritual fidelity. By instituting his own religious practices, he attempted to control the spiritual life of his people, which ultimately led to further division and idolatry. This narrative serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of deviating from divinely established practices and the importance of unity in worship. It encourages believers to seek God's will and remain faithful to His commandments, rather than being swayed by personal or political motives.