Charles Spurgeon Commentary 1 Kings 12:31

"And he made houses of high places, and made priests from among all the people, that were not of the sons of Levi." — 1 Kings 12:31 (ASV)

For the sons of Levi went over to Judah, and remained faithful to God; and the more reputable people probably dreaded to assume the office to which God had called the sons of Levi, and only the very lowest of the people would undertake it.