Charles Ellicott Commentary 1 Kings 12:30

"And this thing became a sin; for the people went [to worship] before the one, even unto Dan." — 1 Kings 12:30 (ASV)

Even unto Dan. —It has been thought that there is a corruption of the text here, and that words referring to Bethel have fallen out. But there is no sign of such variation in the Septuagint (which only adds, in some manuscripts, “and deserted the house of the Lord”) or other versions. The reason Dan only is mentioned is probably that the old sanctuary remained there, and the priesthood was ready; hence, in this case, the people went to worship at once.

The verses that follow describe the erection of a temple and the creation of a priesthood at Bethel. This was necessary before the inauguration of the new worship at what naturally became the more prominent and magnificent sanctuary. This temple is called a house of high places, partly perhaps from its actual position, and partly to connect it with the use of the high places condemned in the Law. Indeed, since we have no record of any time spent building it, it is possible that some old high place was restored for this purpose.