How do we know that the worship of Jeroboam was wrong?
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Jeroboam's worship was wrong because it was based on his own desires rather than God's commands, leading to a corrupt and idolatrous practice.
Jeroboam's actions, as recorded in 1 Kings 12, illustrate a fundamental departure from God's prescribed way of worship. He feared losing power and thus devised a religion that served his personal interests. By creating golden calves and appointing non-Levitical priests, he violated God's covenant, which commanded that worship must be conducted according to His ordained means. The term 'man-made religion' aptly describes Jeroboam's approach as it was steeped in selfishness and self-preservation rather than in reverence and obedience to God. This practice ultimately led Israel away from true worship and resulted in its condemnation (1 Kings 12:30).
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