Topical Encyclopedia 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 the biblical narrative as a significant departure from the worship of Yahweh, the God of Israel, and is seen as a grievous sin that led the people into idolatry.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, placing one in Bethel and the other in Dan, as recorded in 1 Kings 12:28-29: "After seeking advice, the king made two golden calves and said 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.' He set up one in Bethel, and the other in Dan." Religious Significance The establishment of these calves was a direct violation of the first two commandments given to Moses, which prohibited the making of graven images and the worship of other gods (Exodus 20:3-4). Jeroboam's actions were a calculated political move to consolidate his rule, but they had profound religious implications. By introducing these idols, Jeroboam led the people into syncretism, blending the worship of Yahweh with pagan practices. Sacrifices and Worship The worship of the golden calves involved sacrifices and offerings, which were intended to mimic the legitimate worship practices prescribed in the Mosaic Law. 1 Kings 12:31-32 describes how Jeroboam established a non-Levitical priesthood and instituted a festival similar to the Feast of Tabernacles: "Jeroboam built shrines on high places and appointed priests from all sorts of people, even though they were not Levites. He instituted a festival on the fifteenth day of the eighth month, like the festival held in Judah, and offered sacrifices on the altar." These actions were a direct affront to the divinely ordained worship system centered in Jerusalem. The sacrifices offered to the calves were seen as illegitimate and idolatrous, leading to the spiritual decline of the northern kingdom. Prophetic Condemnation The prophets of Israel consistently condemned the worship of the golden calves. Hosea, in particular, denounced the idolatry of the northern kingdom, referring to the calf of Samaria as a cause of God's anger: "The calf of Samaria will be broken to pieces. For they sow the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind" (Hosea 8:6-7). This prophetic imagery underscores the futility and destructive consequences of idolatry. Legacy and Impact The sin of Jeroboam became a benchmark for evaluating the kings of Israel, with subsequent rulers often described as walking in the ways of Jeroboam and perpetuating his idolatrous practices. The worship of the calves contributed to the eventual downfall of the northern kingdom, as it led the people away from the covenant relationship with Yahweh. The narrative of the calves of Jeroboam serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of idolatry and the importance of faithful adherence to God's commandments. It highlights the tension between political expediency and religious fidelity, a theme that resonates throughout the biblical text. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Kings 12:32And Jeroboam ordained a feast in the eighth month, on the fifteenth day of the month, like to the feast that is in Judah, and he offered on the altar. So did he in Bethel, sacrificing to the calves that he had made: and he placed in Bethel the priests of the high places which he had made. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Kings 13:1 Library Political Religion All the Apostles Urge the Observance of the Order of the Church. On Idolatry Comparison Between the False Church and the True. The Prophet Hosea. Impure Zeal Funeral Oration on the Great S. Basil, Bishop of C??sarea in ... Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus The First vision "On Earth" 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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