Topical Encyclopedia The "Calves of Jeroboam" refer to the two golden calves that King Jeroboam I of Israel established as objects of worship in the northern kingdom of Israel. This act is recorded in 1 Kings 12:25-33 and is a significant event in the history of Israel, marking a departure from the worship of Yahweh in the manner prescribed in the Mosaic Law.Historical Context After the death of King 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. Jeroboam, concerned that his subjects would return to Rehoboam if they continued to worship in Jerusalem, sought to establish alternative centers of worship within his own territory. The Establishment of the Calves Jeroboam's solution was to create two golden calves, placing one in Bethel and the other in Dan. He proclaimed to the people, "Here are your gods, Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt" (1 Kings 12:28). This statement echoes the words of Aaron during the incident of the golden calf at Mount Sinai (Exodus 32:4), suggesting a deliberate attempt to provide a familiar form of worship. Religious and Political Motivations Jeroboam's actions were driven by both religious and political motivations. Politically, he aimed to consolidate his rule by preventing the people from traveling to Jerusalem, which was under the control of his rival, Rehoboam. Religiously, he sought to provide a tangible representation of God that would be accessible to the people of the northern kingdom. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, Jeroboam's establishment of the golden calves was a direct violation of the first and second commandments, which prohibit the worship of other gods and the creation of graven images (Exodus 20:3-4). Despite his intention to represent Yahweh, the use of idols was strictly forbidden and considered an act of apostasy. The narrative in 1 Kings 12:30 states, "This thing became a sin; the people walked as far as Dan to worship before one of the calves" . The introduction of these idols led Israel into sin, setting a precedent for future idolatry and ultimately contributing to the spiritual decline of the northern kingdom. Prophetic Condemnation The prophets of Israel consistently condemned the worship of the golden calves. Hosea, in particular, denounced the idolatry of the northern kingdom, declaring, "With their silver and gold they made idols for themselves, to their own destruction" (Hosea 8:4). The prophets viewed the calves as a symbol of Israel's unfaithfulness to God and a cause of divine judgment. Legacy and Impact The legacy of the calves of Jeroboam is one of spiritual compromise and disobedience. They represent a turning point in Israel's history, where political expediency led to religious corruption. The worship of the calves persisted throughout the history of the northern kingdom until its eventual destruction by the Assyrians in 722 BC. In summary, the calves of Jeroboam were designed to represent God but ultimately led the people of Israel away from true worship. This event serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of idolatry and the importance of adhering to God's commandments. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Kings 12:28Whereupon the king took counsel, and made two calves of gold, and said to them, It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem: behold your gods, O Israel, which brought you up out of the land of Egypt. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Jeroboam The Hebrew Prophecies. The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Resources What are the curses God promised Israel for disobedience? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the blessings God promised Israel for obedience? | GotQuestions.org What is the story of Rehoboam and Jeroboam? | 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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