The "Calves of Jeroboam" refers to the idolatrous worship system established by Jeroboam I, the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel, following the division of the united monarchy after the reign of Solomon. This system was characterized by the creation and worship of golden calves, which became a significant sin in the history of Israel and was perpetuated by subsequent kings.

Historical Context

After the death of Solomon, the united kingdom of Israel was divided into two: the southern kingdom of Judah, ruled by Rehoboam, Solomon's son, and the northern kingdom of Israel, ruled by Jeroboam I. Concerned that his subjects might return to the house of David if they continued to worship in Jerusalem, Jeroboam sought to establish an alternative religious center within his own territory. To this end, 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 trouble for you to go up to Jerusalem. 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."

Religious Significance

Jeroboam's establishment of calf worship was a direct violation of the first and second commandments, which prohibit the worship of other gods and the making of graven images (Exodus 20:3-4). By introducing this idolatrous practice, Jeroboam led the people of Israel into sin, as noted in 1 Kings 12:30: "And this thing became a sin; the people walked as far as Dan to worship before one of the calves."

Adoption by Succeeding Kings

The idolatrous practice initiated by Jeroboam did not end with his reign. Instead, it was adopted and perpetuated by succeeding kings of Israel. Each king, in turn, failed to remove the high places and continued in the sin of Jeroboam, as seen in the accounts of various kings:

· Nadab: Jeroboam's son, who "did evil in the sight of the LORD and walked in the way of his father and in his sin, which he had caused Israel to commit" (1 Kings 15:26).
· Baasha: Continued in the sins of Jeroboam (1 Kings 15:34).
· Omri: "Walked in all the ways of Jeroboam son of Nebat and in his sin, which he had caused Israel to commit" (1 Kings 16:26).
· Ahab: Although he introduced the worship of Baal, he also continued in the sins of Jeroboam (1 Kings 16:31).
· Jehu: Despite his reforms against Baal worship, he did not turn away from the sins of Jeroboam (2 Kings 10:29).

Prophetic Condemnation

The prophets of Israel consistently condemned the worship of the golden calves. Hosea, for instance, denounced the idolatry of the northern kingdom, declaring, "With their silver and gold they make idols for themselves to their own destruction. He has rejected your calf, O Samaria. My anger burns against them" (Hosea 8:4-5). The prophets warned that such idolatry would lead to the downfall of the nation, a prophecy fulfilled with the Assyrian conquest and exile of Israel in 722 BC.

Theological Implications

The worship of the calves of Jeroboam represents a significant theological departure from the covenantal faithfulness required by Yahweh. It illustrates the dangers of syncretism and the human tendency to create tangible representations of the divine, contrary to God's revealed will. The persistence of this sin throughout the history of the northern kingdom serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of disobedience and the importance of adhering to the true worship of God as prescribed in Scripture.1 Kings 15:34
And he did evil in the sight of the LORD, and walked in the way of Jeroboam, and in his sin with which he made Israel to sin.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 16:26
For he walked in all the way of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, and in his sin with which he made Israel to sin, to provoke the LORD God of Israel to anger with their vanities.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Kings 10:29,31
However, from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin, Jehu departed not from after them, to wit, the golden calves that were in Bethel, and that were in Dan.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Kings 14:24
And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD: he departed not from all the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... The word "judges," which has been adopted to designate ... came and fought;"then fought
the kings of Canaan ... in Ascalon;**** and their mode of worship, with its ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

What was the sin of Jeroboam? | GotQuestions.org

What 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