They have set up kings, but not by me: they have made princes, and I knew it not: of their silver and their gold have they made them idols, that they may be cut off.
Unauthorized kingship and idols: 'They have set up kings, but not by me: they have made princes, and I knew it not: of their silver and their gold have they made them idols, that they may be cut off.' Two indictments:
political—kings established לֹא מִמֶּנִּי (lo mimmenni, not from Me), princes without divine approval (לֹא יָדָעְתִּי, lo yada'ti, I knew not)
religious—using wealth for idol-making leading to destruction.
This demonstrates that autonomous political and religious systems apart from divine authority ensure judgment. Human sovereignty must submit to divine sovereignty. Only Christ rules by divine right (Revelation 19:16), establishing legitimate authority.
Historical Context
From northern kingdom's inception under Jeroboam I (931 BC)—not Davidically legitimate—through violent succession of dynasties (Jeroboam's, Baasha's, Omri's, Jehu's), kings ruled 'not by God.' Political authority lacked divine sanction, contrasting with Davidic covenant (2 Samuel 7:12-16). The rapid turnover (especially post-Jeroboam II) demonstrated instability of human-established authority. Simultaneously, wealth (silver, gold) funded idol production rather than temple/tabernacle. Archaeological findings show metal idols and cult objects from this period. The phrase 'that they may be cut off' (לְמַעַן יִכָּרֵת, lema'an yikkaret) indicates purpose: their idol-making ensures their destruction.
Questions for Reflection
How does establishing authority structures 'not by God' lead to instability and eventual collapse?
What modern parallels exist to using resources ('silver and gold') for creating idols—investing in what ultimately destroys?
Analysis & Commentary
Unauthorized kingship and idols: 'They have set up kings, but not by me: they have made princes, and I knew it not: of their silver and their gold have they made them idols, that they may be cut off.' Two indictments:
This demonstrates that autonomous political and religious systems apart from divine authority ensure judgment. Human sovereignty must submit to divine sovereignty. Only Christ rules by divine right (Revelation 19:16), establishing legitimate authority.