Definition: And he made an house of high places, and made priests of the lowest of the people, which were not of the sons of Levi.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from 1 Kings 12:31. It’s a really important part of understanding how the Israelites initially structured their religious leadership. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, King David built a complex system where priests were given special privileges and positions within the temple – essentially, a “house of high places.” Let’s unpack that a bit: “And he made an house of high places…” - This refers to a large, elaborate building complex within the Temple in Jerusalem. It was designed to be a place for ritualistic worship and special ceremonies. “…and made priests of the lowest of the people…” – This is the crucial part. Traditionally, priests were primarily responsible for performing the main rituals – offering sacrifices, praying, and overseeing the temple's upkeep. However, David decided that he wanted to give more power and influence to those who were considered less important – the poorest members of society. He appointed people from the lowest ranks (often farmers, laborers, or those without formal training) as priests. “…which were not of the sons of Levi.” - This is a key point. The priests were traditionally associated with the Sons of Levi (a specific group of priests). David broke with tradition and chose to elevate other groups. He essentially created a new class of priests – those who weren't part of the traditional priestly lineage. Why was this done? This was a significant shift in how the Israelites organized their religious life. It’s often seen as a move towards: Increased Power: Giving more influence to those outside the traditional priestly class meant they could have more say in decisions related to worship and sacrifices. Control & Authority: David, as king, wanted to solidify his own power and authority within the religious community. He felt he needed a wider pool of people to manage the rituals effectively. Important Note: This practice wasn't always completely entrenched. It was a change in tradition that developed over time. --- Do you want me to explain any of these points further? For example, would you like me to: Explain the historical context surrounding this event? Discuss the significance of this change in religious leadership?