2 Kings 21:7
And he set a graven image of the grove that he had made in the house, of which the LORD said to David, and to Solomon his son, In this house, and in Jerusalem, which I have chosen out of all tribes of Israel, will I put my name for ever:
2 Kings 21:7 · King James Version
Meaning
According to this verse, a graven image of a grove was set up in the house chosen by the LORD in Jerusalem, where His name would forever dwell. This verse highlights the importance of honoring God's chosen place and the significance of His presence in that holy place. The verse emphasizes the idea that the Lord's name is to be revered and respected in Jerusalem, which was selected out of all the tribes of Israel to be the location where God's name would reside. The construction of the graven image of the grove goes against the commandments of the Lord, as He had specifically instructed against the worship of idols. This verse serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobeying God's commands and the importance of following His will. It also underscores the need for faithful worship and devotion to the one true God, rather than placing trust in man-made idols or objects.
Theological Overview
When examining the theological interpretation of the verse in 1 Kings 14:21, it is crucial to understand the significance of the graven image of the grove that Jeroboam set up in the house. Jeroboam's act of worshiping false idols and setting up images of the grove was a direct violation of the commandments of the Lord, specifically the second commandment which prohibits the making of graven images for worship. The Lord had specifically chosen Jerusalem and the house of David to put His name forever, but Jeroboam's actions were a clear departure from the worship of the one true God. This verse serves as a reminder of the consequences of idolatry and the importance of following the Lord's commands. In conducting a word study of this verse, the term "grove" can also be translated as Asherah pole, which was a sacred symbol used in Canaanite religious practices. By setting up this graven image of the grove, Jeroboam was not only defying the Lord's chosen place of worship but also embracing the false beliefs of neighboring nations.
2 Kings 21:7 in other translations
American Standard Version
And he set the graven image of Asherah, that he had made, in the house of which Jehovah said to David and to Solomon his son, In this house, and in Jerusalem, which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, will I put my name for ever;
World English Bible
He set the engraved image of Asherah, that he had made, in the house of which Yahweh said to David and to Solomon his son, “In this house, and in Jerusalem, which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, will I put my name forever;
Douay-Rheims
He set also an idol of the grove, which he had made, in the temple of the Lord: concerning which the Lord said to David, and to Solomon his son: In this temple, and in Jerusalem, which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, I will put my name for ever.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And he set the image of the groue, that he had made, in the house, whereof ye Lord had saide to Dauid and to Salomon his sonne, In this house and in Ierusalem, which I haue chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, will I put my Name for euer.