The "Calves of Jeroboam" refer to the golden calves that King Jeroboam I of Israel established as objects of worship in the northern kingdom. This act is recorded in 1 Kings 12:28-30, where Jeroboam, fearing that his people would return to the house of David if they continued to worship in Jerusalem, set up two golden calves in Bethel and Dan. He proclaimed, "Here are your gods, Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt" (1 Kings 12:28). This idolatrous practice was a direct violation of the first two commandments given by God and led Israel into sin.

The establishment of these calves was not only a political maneuver but also a spiritual rebellion against the Lord. The prophets of Israel repeatedly condemned this idolatry and warned of impending judgment. The predictions concerning the captivity of Israel due to this sin are found throughout the prophetic writings.

Prophetic Warnings and Predictions:

1. Hosea's Prophecy: The prophet Hosea explicitly addresses the sin of calf worship in his writings. 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." Hosea warns that the idolatry of the calves will lead to the destruction of Samaria and the captivity of the people.

2. Amos's Warning: Amos, another prophet, also speaks against the idolatry of the northern kingdom. In Amos 5:5 , he warns, "Do not seek Bethel, do not go to Gilgal, do not journey to Beersheba. For Gilgal will surely go into exile, and Bethel will come to nothing." The reference to Bethel, one of the locations of Jeroboam's calves, underscores the impending judgment and exile due to their idolatrous practices.

3. Fulfillment of Prophecy: The predictions of captivity due to the sin of calf worship were fulfilled when the Assyrian Empire conquered the northern kingdom of Israel. In 2 Kings 17:6 , it is recorded, "In the ninth year of Hoshea, the king of Assyria captured Samaria and deported the Israelites to Assyria. He settled them in Halah, in Gozan on the Habor River, and in the towns of the Medes." This captivity was a direct consequence of Israel's persistent idolatry, including the worship of the calves instituted by Jeroboam.

The calves of Jeroboam symbolize a significant turning point in Israel's history, marking a departure from the worship of Yahweh and leading to severe consequences, including the eventual captivity of the northern kingdom. The prophetic warnings serve as a testament to the seriousness of idolatry and the faithfulness of God in executing judgment as foretold by His prophets.Hosea 10:6
It shall be also carried to Assyria for a present to king Jareb: Ephraim shall receive shame, and Israel shall be ashamed of his own counsel.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Hebrew Prophecies.
... Among these predictions, those in Isaiah 29:1-8, appear to me ... the lambs out of the
flock, and the calves out of ... of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam, son of ...
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