Topical Bible: Calf: Worshiped by Jehu

◄ Calf: Worshiped by Jehu ►

Topical Encyclopedia

The worship of the calf in ancient Israel is a significant event that highlights the recurring struggle between the worship of Yahweh and the idolatrous practices that infiltrated the nation. Jehu, the tenth king of the northern kingdom of Israel, is a pivotal figure in this narrative. His reign is marked by both zeal for the Lord and a failure to fully eradicate idolatry from the land.

Historical Context

Jehu came to power after a divinely orchestrated coup against the house of Ahab, as recorded in 2 Kings 9-10. Anointed by a prophet sent by Elisha, Jehu was tasked with executing judgment on the house of Ahab and eradicating Baal worship from Israel. His initial actions demonstrated a fervent commitment to the Lord's command, as he destroyed the temple of Baal and killed the prophets and worshipers of Baal (2 Kings 10:18-28).

The Calf Worship

Despite Jehu's efforts against Baal worship, he failed to remove the golden calves that were set up by Jeroboam, the first king of the northern kingdom. These calves were located in Bethel and Dan and were intended to prevent the Israelites from traveling to Jerusalem to worship at the temple, thus maintaining political control over the northern tribes. The Bible records, "Yet Jehu did not turn away from the sins that Jeroboam son of Nebat had caused Israel to commit—the worship of the golden calves at Bethel and Dan" (2 Kings 10:29).

Religious and Political Implications

Jehu's tolerance of calf worship reveals the complex interplay between religious devotion and political expediency. While he was zealous in eliminating Baal worship, his failure to remove the golden calves suggests a compromise that allowed him to consolidate his rule and maintain the allegiance of the northern tribes. This decision, however, perpetuated the sin of idolatry in Israel and ultimately contributed to the spiritual decline of the nation.

Theological Significance

From a theological perspective, Jehu's reign serves as a cautionary tale about partial obedience to God. His actions demonstrate that zeal for the Lord must be accompanied by complete adherence to His commands. The continued presence of the golden calves in Israel was a direct violation of the first and second commandments, which prohibit the worship of other gods and the making of idols (Exodus 20:3-4).

Legacy

Jehu's legacy is a mixed one. While he is commended for his actions against the house of Ahab and Baal worship, his failure to remove the golden calves is a significant blemish on his record. The Bible notes, "So Jehu destroyed Baal worship in Israel, but he did not turn away from the sins of Jeroboam" (2 Kings 10:28-29). This duality in Jehu's reign underscores the importance of wholehearted devotion to God and the dangers of allowing idolatry to persist in any form.

In summary, the worship of the calf during Jehu's reign is a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by the leaders of Israel in maintaining true worship of Yahweh amidst political and cultural pressures.

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2 Kings 10:29
However, from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin, Jehu departed not from after them, to wit, the golden calves that were in Bethel, and that were in Dan.
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