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. This act is recorded in the biblical narrative as a significant moment of idolatry and apostasy, leading Israel away from the worship of Yahweh. Jeroboam's decision to create these idols is detailed in 1 Kings 12:25-33.Historical Context After the division of the united monarchy following Solomon's reign, Jeroboam became the first king of the newly formed northern kingdom of Israel. 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. His political motivations were clear: to consolidate his rule and prevent the reunification of the kingdoms under the Davidic line. The Establishment of the Calves Jeroboam's solution was to set up two golden calves, placing one in Bethel and the other in Dan. Bethel, located near the southern border of his kingdom, and Dan, at the northern extremity, were strategically chosen to make worship accessible to all his subjects. In 1 Kings 12:28-30 , Jeroboam declares 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." This statement echoes the infamous incident of the golden calf at Mount Sinai, as recorded in Exodus 32, and represents a direct violation of the first two commandments given to Moses. Religious and Theological Implications The introduction of the golden calves was a grave sin in the eyes of the biblical authors, as it constituted a breach of the covenant relationship between Yahweh and Israel. The calves were not merely alternative symbols of Yahweh but were seen as a complete departure from the prescribed worship. This act of idolatry is consistently condemned throughout the biblical narrative, and Jeroboam's sin became a benchmark for evaluating the faithfulness of subsequent kings of Israel. The prophets, including Hosea and Amos, later denounced the worship at Bethel and Dan. Hosea 8:5-6 states, "Your calf is rejected, 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 and Legacy The establishment of the calves had long-lasting consequences for the northern kingdom. It entrenched a pattern of idolatry that persisted until the kingdom's fall to Assyria in 722 BC. The biblical narrative attributes the eventual downfall of Israel to the sins initiated by Jeroboam, as seen in 2 Kings 17:21-23 , which recounts how the Israelites "walked in all the sins that Jeroboam had committed." The "Calves of Jeroboam" serve as a cautionary tale within the biblical text, illustrating the dangers of idolatry and the importance of fidelity to God's commandments. This episode underscores the theological principle that true worship must align with divine revelation and covenantal obligations, a theme that resonates throughout the Scriptures. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Kings 12:29And he set the one in Bethel, and the other put he in Dan. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Jeroboam Political Religion The Twelve Minor Prophets. Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus On Reconciling Religious Dissensions among Christians Appendices Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ... 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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