Topical Encyclopedia The "Calves of Jeroboam," also referred to as the "Calves of Samaria," are significant symbols of idolatry in the history of Israel, representing a pivotal moment of spiritual decline and apostasy. These golden calves were established by Jeroboam I, the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel, as a means to consolidate his rule and prevent the Israelites from returning to Jerusalem for worship.Historical Context After the division of the united monarchy following the reign of Solomon, Jeroboam became the ruler of the northern kingdom, comprising ten of the twelve tribes of Israel. Concerned that his subjects might return to the house of David if they continued to worship in Jerusalem, Jeroboam sought to create alternative centers of worship. He established two golden calves, placing one in Bethel and the other in Dan, as recorded in 1 Kings 12:28-29 : "After seeking advice, the king made two golden calves and said to the people, 'It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem. Here are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.' And he set up one in Bethel, and the other in Dan." Religious Significance The calves were intended to represent the God of Israel, but their creation directly violated the commandments given to Moses, particularly the prohibition against idolatry. This act of creating physical representations for worship was reminiscent of the sin of the golden calf at Mount Sinai (Exodus 32), which had previously incurred God's wrath. Jeroboam's actions led the people into sin, as they began to worship these idols instead of the LORD. Prophetic Condemnation The prophets of Israel consistently condemned the worship of the calves, viewing it as a grave sin that led the nation away from true worship of Yahweh. Hosea, in particular, speaks against the idolatry of the northern kingdom, referring to the calves as the "calves of Samaria." Hosea 8:5-6 states, "He has rejected your calf, O Samaria. My anger burns against them. How long will they be incapable of innocence? For this thing is from Israel—a craftsman made it, and it is not God. It will be broken to pieces, that calf of Samaria." Consequences The establishment of the calves had long-lasting consequences for the northern kingdom. It set a precedent for idolatry that persisted throughout the history of Israel, leading to spiritual corruption and eventual judgment. The prophets warned that such idolatry would result in the downfall of the nation, and indeed, the northern kingdom was eventually conquered by the Assyrians in 722 BC, fulfilling the prophetic warnings. Legacy The "Calves of Jeroboam" serve as a cautionary tale within the biblical narrative, illustrating the dangers of compromising true worship for political or pragmatic reasons. They are a reminder of the importance of fidelity to God's commandments and the perils of idolatry, which can lead a nation away from its covenant relationship with the LORD. Torrey's Topical Textbook Hosea 8:5Your calf, O Samaria, has cast you off; my anger is kindled against them: how long will it be ere they attain to innocence? Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Twelve Minor Prophets. Preparation for Advent The Prophet Hosea. The Hebrew Prophecies. Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... On Reconciling Religious Dissensions among Christians Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ... The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Appendices The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem: Resources Why did Jehu destroy the Baal worship in Israel but not the worship of golden calves? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the sun of righteousness (Malachi 4:2)? | GotQuestions.org When and how was Israel conquered by the Assyrians? | GotQuestions.org Calves: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Calves of Jeroboam were Kissed in Adoration Calves of Jeroboam: Called The: Calves of Bethaven Calves of Jeroboam: Called The: Calves of Samaria Calves of Jeroboam: Called The: Golden Calves Calves of Jeroboam: Designed to Represent God Calves of Jeroboam: Feasts Appointed For Calves of Jeroboam: God's People Refused to Worship Calves of Jeroboam: Guilt of Making Calves of Jeroboam: Guilt of Worshipping Calves of Jeroboam: Made of Gold Calves of Jeroboam: Made to Prevent the Israelites Going to Jerusalem Calves of Jeroboam: Placed in Dan and Bethel Calves of Jeroboam: Predictions Respecting: Captivity Calves of Jeroboam: Predictions Respecting: Destruction Calves of Jeroboam: Predictions Respecting: Punishment of the Worshippers Calves of Jeroboam: Priests Appointed For Calves of Jeroboam: Probably from an Egyptian Model Calves of Jeroboam: Sacrifices offered To Calves of Jeroboam: Worship of Adopted by Succeeding Kings Calves of Jeroboam: Worship of Became the Sin of Israel Calves of Jeroboam: Worship of Denounced by a Prophet Related Terms |
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