He set the one in Bethel, and the other he put in Dan.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 29. Bethel and Dan. Bethel was a city of the tribe of Ephraim, in the southern parts of the dominions of Jeroboam, about six leagues from Jerusalem: Dan was in the extremity of his dominions, to the north, on the confines of Syria. Challoner.—The Israelites did not hesitate to travel so far, verse 30. Calmet.—Those who lived nearer Bethel, went thither along with their king. Salien.—The latter city was assigned to Benjamin. Joshua 18:22. Menochius.—But probably many of the subjects of Jeroboam dwelt in it; so that it was the most southern city of his dominions. It had been consecrated by Jacob, (Genesis 28:19) and was a famous place of devotion. 1 Kennicott. 10:3. Septuagint (Alex.) and S. Cyril (in Osee, p. 5.) read Galgal. Dan had been long before infected with idolatry. Judges 18:30.