Topical Encyclopedia The "Calves of Jeroboam," often referred to as the "Golden Calves," are significant symbols of idolatry in the history of Israel, representing a pivotal moment of religious and political divergence from the worship of Yahweh as prescribed in the Mosaic Law. These calves were established by Jeroboam I, the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel, following the division of the united monarchy after the reign of Solomon.Historical Context After the death of Solomon, the united kingdom of Israel was divided into two: the southern kingdom of Judah, ruled by Rehoboam, Solomon's son, and the northern kingdom of Israel, ruled by Jeroboam I. Concerned about the potential political and religious implications of his subjects traveling to Jerusalem in Judah to offer sacrifices at the temple, Jeroboam sought to establish alternative centers of worship within his own territory. Establishment of the Golden Calves Jeroboam's solution was to create 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, 'Going up to Jerusalem is too much for you. Here are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.' He set up one in Bethel, and the other in Dan." This act was a direct violation of the first two commandments given to Moses on Mount Sinai, which prohibited the making of graven images and the worship of other gods (Exodus 20:3-4). Jeroboam's actions were not only politically motivated but also a significant theological departure from the worship of Yahweh, leading Israel into sin. Religious and Political Implications The establishment of the golden calves had profound religious implications. It marked the beginning of a syncretistic form of worship in the northern kingdom, blending elements of Yahweh worship with Canaanite religious practices. This idolatry was condemned by the prophets and is frequently cited as a reason for the eventual downfall of the northern kingdom. The political implications were equally significant. By creating these alternative worship sites, Jeroboam sought to consolidate his rule and prevent the reunification of the kingdoms. However, this act of idolatry set a precedent for future kings of Israel, who continued in the sin of Jeroboam, leading the nation further away from the covenantal relationship with God. Prophetic Condemnation The prophets of Israel consistently condemned the worship of the golden calves. Hosea, for instance, denounced the idolatry of the northern kingdom, warning of impending judgment: "With their silver and gold, they made idols for themselves to their own destruction. Your calf-idol is rejected, O Samaria. My anger burns against them. How long will they be incapable of innocence?" (Hosea 8:4-5). Similarly, the prophet Amos criticized the religious practices at Bethel, one of the sites of the golden calves, calling for justice and righteousness instead of empty ritual (Amos 5:21-24). Legacy The legacy of the golden calves is one of apostasy and judgment. The sin of Jeroboam became a recurring theme in the narrative of the northern kingdom, symbolizing the persistent rebellion against God. This idolatry ultimately contributed to the Assyrian conquest and the exile of the northern tribes in 722 BC. The account of the golden calves serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of idolatry and the importance of faithful adherence to God's commandments. It underscores the need for true worship and the rejection of any form of syncretism that compromises the purity of devotion to the one true God. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Kings 10:29However, 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. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Chronicles 13:8 Library Jeroboam Pamias. Paneas, the Spring of Jordan. Letter of Origen to Gregory. Preparation for Advent Catholic Spirit The Twelve Minor Prophets. Concerning the Sacrament of Penance Here Followeth the History of Tobit "This Thing is from Me" Occasion of Writing. Relative Position of Jews and Gentiles ... Resources What was the sin of Jeroboam? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of lions in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Are Jews saved because they are God's chosen people? Will Jews go to Heaven even if they do not trust in Jesus? | 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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