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, following the division of the united monarchy after the reign of Solomon. This act is recorded in 1 Kings 12:28-30 : "After seeking advice, the king made two golden calves and said to the people, 'Going up to Jerusalem is too much for you. 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."Historical and Cultural Context Jeroboam's decision to create these golden calves was likely influenced by political and religious motivations. Politically, Jeroboam sought to establish a distinct identity for the northern kingdom and prevent his subjects from traveling to Jerusalem in the southern kingdom of Judah for worship, which could potentially lead to divided loyalties. Religiously, the calves were intended to provide a tangible representation of Yahweh, similar to the practices observed in neighboring cultures. The choice of calves as symbols of worship may have been inspired by Egyptian religious practices. In Egypt, the bull was a prominent symbol of strength and fertility, often associated with deities such as Apis and Hathor. Jeroboam, having spent time in Egypt during his exile (1 Kings 11:40), would have been familiar with these religious symbols. The use of golden calves could thus reflect an adaptation of Egyptian iconography to represent the God of Israel, albeit in a manner that was contrary to the commandments given to Moses. Theological Implications The 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). Jeroboam's actions led Israel into idolatry, a recurring theme in the history of the northern kingdom. The narrative in 1 Kings emphasizes that this sin had lasting consequences, contributing to the spiritual decline and eventual downfall of Israel. The prophet Hosea later condemned the idolatry initiated by Jeroboam, highlighting the futility and destructive nature of such practices. 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." Legacy and Lessons The account of the calves of Jeroboam serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of syncretism and the temptation to conform to surrounding cultural practices at the expense of true worship. It underscores the importance of adhering to God's commandments and the perils of substituting human innovation for divine instruction. The narrative invites reflection on the nature of idolatry, not only in its ancient forms but also in contemporary expressions that may divert believers from wholehearted devotion to God. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Kings 11:40Solomon sought therefore to kill Jeroboam. And Jeroboam arose, and fled into Egypt, to Shishak king of Egypt, and was in Egypt until the death of Solomon. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... Funeral Oration on the Great S. Basil, Bishop of C??sarea in ... 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 |
    |