Then he wentup to the altarwhichhe had madein Bethelon the fifteenthdayin the eighthmonth,even in the monthwhichhe had devisedin his own heart;and he instituteda feastfor the sonsof Israeland wentup to the altarto burnincense.
Now behold,there camea manof Godfrom Judahto Bethelby the wordof the LORD,while Jeroboamwas standingby the altarto burnincense.
When the kingcamefrom Damascus,the kingsawthe altar;then the kingapproachedthe altarand wentup to it,
They also fearedthe LORDand appointedfrom amongthemselves priestsof the highplaces,who actedfor them in the housesof the highplaces.
but soughtthe Godof his father,followedHis commandments,and did not actas Israeldid.
Now he wentout and warredagainst the Philistines,and brokedownthe wallof Gathand the wallof Jabnehand the wallof Ashdod;and he builtcitiesin [the area of] Ashdodand among the Philistines.
Thus they becameuncleanin their practices,And playedthe harlotin their deeds.
Then the Lordsaid,"Becausethispeopledrawnearwith their wordsAnd honorMe with their lipservice,But they removetheir heartsfarfrom Me, And their reverencefor Me consistsof traditionlearned[by rote],
"It shall be a tasselfor you to lookat and rememberallthe commandmentsof the LORD,so as to dothem and not followafteryour own heartand your own eyes,afterwhichyou playedthe harlot,
he is not to honorhis fatherorhis mother.' And [by this] you invalidatedthe wordof Godfor the sakeof your tradition.
[thus] invalidatingthe wordof Godby your traditionwhichyou have handed down;and you domany thingssuchas that."
therefore I said,'Nowthe Philistineswill comedownagainstme at Gilgal,and I have not askedthe favorof the LORD.'So I forcedmyself and offeredthe burntoffering."
