In this passage, the speaker is addressing the people of Israel, pointing out their significant error in religious practice. They had expelled the legitimate priests, who were the sons of Aaron and the Levites, and instead appointed their own priests, much like the surrounding nations who worshipped false gods. This action represented a serious departure from the worship system God had established for Israel. By allowing anyone who could afford the required offerings to become a priest, they were undermining the sacredness and divine appointment of the priesthood.
This verse serves as a warning against the dangers of forsaking God's commands for human traditions or convenience. It highlights the importance of adhering to the divine order and the consequences of straying from it. The message is clear: true worship requires obedience to God's instructions, not the adoption of practices that are contrary to His will. This call to return to authentic worship and obedience is timeless, reminding believers of the need to remain faithful to God's established ways.
