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 the First Book of Kings and is considered a significant event in the history of Israel's idolatry, leading to widespread apostasy among the Israelites.Historical Context Jeroboam I, the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel after the division of the united monarchy, reigned from approximately 931 to 910 BC. Following the death of Solomon, the kingdom was divided, with Jeroboam ruling over the ten northern tribes. Concerned that his subjects might return to the house of David if they continued to worship in Jerusalem, Jeroboam sought to establish alternative centers of worship. Biblical Account The account of the golden calves is found in 1 Kings 12:26-30 : "Jeroboam said in his heart, 'Now the kingdom might revert to the house of David. If these people go up to offer sacrifices at the house of the LORD in Jerusalem, the hearts of these people will return to their lord, Rehoboam king of Judah. Then they will kill me and return to King Rehoboam.' After seeking advice, the king made two golden calves and said to the people, 'It is too much trouble for you to go up to Jerusalem. Here are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.' One calf he set up in Bethel, and the other in Dan. And this thing became a sin; the people walked as far as Dan to worship before one of the calves." Religious and Political Implications Jeroboam's establishment of the golden calves was both a political and religious maneuver. Politically, it was intended to solidify his rule by providing a convenient alternative to the temple in Jerusalem, thus preventing his subjects from returning to the southern kingdom. Religiously, however, it was a direct violation of the first and second commandments, which prohibit the worship of other gods and the making of graven images (Exodus 20:3-4). The golden calves were reminiscent of the incident at Mount Sinai, where Aaron fashioned a golden calf for the Israelites to worship (Exodus 32). Jeroboam's actions were a repetition of this earlier sin, leading the people into idolatry and away from the worship of Yahweh. Consequences and Legacy The establishment of the golden calves had long-lasting consequences for the northern kingdom. It set a precedent for idolatry that persisted throughout the history of Israel, contributing to the spiritual decline that ultimately led to the Assyrian conquest and exile in 722 BC. The prophets repeatedly condemned the idolatry initiated by Jeroboam, and his name became synonymous with sin and rebellion against God. The phrase "the sin of Jeroboam" is frequently used in the biblical narrative to describe the idolatrous practices that plagued the northern kingdom. This sin is mentioned in several passages, including 1 Kings 13:34 and 2 Kings 17:21-23, highlighting its enduring impact on the spiritual state of Israel. Theological Reflection From a theological perspective, the calves of Jeroboam serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of compromising true worship for political expediency. They illustrate the ease with which leaders and people can be led astray when they prioritize convenience and self-interest over obedience to God's commandments. The narrative underscores the importance of faithfulness to God's revealed will and the consequences of turning away from His prescribed form of worship. 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 Jeroboam Political Religion On Idolatry "It is the King's Chapel. " Amos vii. 13 The Assyrian Captivity Letter of Origen to Gregory. Of the Two Kinds of Trials, which Come Upon us in a Three-Fold Way ... Here Followeth the History of Tobit "This Thing is from Me" 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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