Topical Encyclopedia The "Calves of Jeroboam" refers to the idolatrous golden calves set up by King Jeroboam I of Israel, as recorded in the Old Testament. This act of apostasy was a significant event in the history of Israel, marking a departure from the worship of Yahweh in Jerusalem and leading to the establishment of a rival religious system in the northern kingdom.Historical Context After the division of the united monarchy following the reign of Solomon, 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. He set up two golden calves, one in Bethel and the other in Dan, declaring to the people, "Here are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt" (1 Kings 12:28). Priests Appointed for the Calves In order to legitimize this new form of worship, Jeroboam appointed priests who were not from the tribe of Levi, contravening the Mosaic Law which stipulated that only Levites could serve as priests. The Bible records, "Jeroboam also made shrines on the high places and appointed priests from all sorts of people who were not Levites" (1 Kings 12:31). This action was a direct violation of the divine order established in the Torah, where the priesthood was reserved for the descendants of Aaron within the tribe of Levi (Exodus 28:1). Religious and Political Implications Jeroboam's establishment of the golden calves and the appointment of non-Levitical priests had profound religious and political implications. It represented a deliberate attempt to create a distinct religious identity for the northern kingdom, separate from the southern kingdom of Judah. This schism not only led to the spiritual decline of Israel but also set a precedent for future kings who continued in the sin of Jeroboam, leading the nation further away from the covenantal relationship with Yahweh. Prophetic Denunciation The prophets of Israel denounced the idolatry initiated by Jeroboam. The prophet Hosea, for instance, condemned the worship of the calves, declaring, "With their silver and gold they made idols for themselves, to their own destruction" (Hosea 8:4). The prophetic literature consistently portrays the calves of Jeroboam as a grievous sin that provoked the Lord's anger and ultimately contributed to the downfall of the northern kingdom. Legacy The legacy of Jeroboam's calves is one of apostasy and rebellion against God's commandments. The unauthorized priesthood and the idolatrous worship practices became a recurring theme in the narrative of Israel's history, symbolizing the nation's persistent unfaithfulness. The account of the calves serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of deviating from divine instructions and the consequences of leading a nation into idolatry. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Kings 12:31And he made an house of high places, and made priests of the lowest of the people, which were not of the sons of Levi. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Chronicles 11:15 Library All the Apostles Urge the Observance of the Order of the Church. Jeroboam Impure Zeal Comparison Between the False Church and the True. "This Thing is from Me" The Hebrew Prophecies. The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Appendices Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem: 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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