Have ye not cast out the priests of the LORD, the sons of Aaron, and the Levites, and have made you priests after the manner of the nations of other lands? so that whosoever cometh to consecrate himself with a young bullock and seven rams, the same may be a priest of them that are no gods.

2 CHRONICLES 13:9KJV
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2 Chronicles 13:9 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 13:9 mean?

2 Chronicles 13:9 points out that the people of Israel have rejected the priests who were chosen by the LORD—descendants of Aaron and the Levites—and instead have appointed their own priests, copying the customs of other nations. The verse criticizes this, saying anyone who brings the right offerings can become a priest, even if they serve idols that are not truly gods.

In this verse, King Abijah of Judah is speaking to the northern kingdom of Israel during a confrontation. He accuses Israel of abandoning the priesthood established by God (through Aaron and the Levites) and adopting foreign religious practices. Abijah highlights how Israel’s new system allows anyone to become a priest if they simply perform the right rituals, rather than being called by God.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 13:9

  • "Priests" (כֹּהֵן, kohen): This word refers specifically to those set apart for service to God, originally from Aaron’s family. The verse contrasts true priests with those chosen by human decision.
  • "Consecrate" (מָלֵא, male; יָד, yad): The phrase means to "fill the hand," a Hebrew way of describing the ordination or appointment of priests. Here, it suggests that anyone can "fill his hand" and become a priest, which was not how God intended.
  • "No gods" (לֹא אֱלֹהִים, lo elohim): This phrase makes it clear that the idols being served are not real gods at all, emphasizing the emptiness of the new priesthood.

Why 2 Chronicles 13:9 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the priesthood in Israel had become corrupted, with anyone able to buy their way into religious leadership, which was a break from God’s original instructions.
  • The verse highlights the difference between worship as God commanded and the practices borrowed from other nations, showing the seriousness of Israel’s departure from their faith roots.
  • Understanding this verse helps explain the tension between Judah and Israel at this point in history, and why the legitimacy of the priesthood was such a major concern.