Topical Encyclopedia The "Calves of Jeroboam" refers to the two golden calves that King Jeroboam I of Israel established as objects of worship in the northern kingdom of Israel. This act is considered a significant turning point in the spiritual history of Israel, leading the nation into idolatry and away from the worship of Yahweh, the God of Israel.Historical Context After the death of King Solomon, the united kingdom of Israel was divided into two: the southern kingdom of Judah and the northern kingdom of Israel. Jeroboam, who became the first king of the northern kingdom, feared that his subjects would return to the house of David if they continued to worship in Jerusalem, which was located in Judah. To prevent this, Jeroboam devised a plan to establish alternative centers of worship within his own territory. Establishment of the Calves Jeroboam's solution was to create two golden calves, placing one in Bethel and the other in Dan. He proclaimed to the people, "Here are your gods, Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt" (1 Kings 12:28). This declaration was a direct violation of the first two commandments given by God, which prohibited the making of idols and the worship of other gods (Exodus 20:3-4). Religious and Political Implications The establishment of the golden calves had both religious and political implications. Religiously, it represented a syncretism that blended the worship of Yahweh with Canaanite religious practices, which often involved idol worship. Politically, it was a strategic move by Jeroboam to consolidate his rule and prevent the reunification of the northern and southern kingdoms. Condemnation by the Prophets The worship of the golden calves was repeatedly condemned by the prophets of Israel. Hosea, for instance, referred to the calf of Samaria as an abomination, stating, "The calf of Samaria will be broken to pieces" (Hosea 8:6). The prophets viewed this idolatry as a betrayal of the covenant relationship between God and Israel, leading to divine judgment. Consequences for Israel The sin of Jeroboam had lasting consequences for the northern kingdom. It set a precedent for idolatry that persisted throughout the history of Israel, ultimately leading to the nation's downfall and exile. The biblical narrative consistently refers to the worship of the calves as "the sin of Jeroboam," a term that underscores the gravity of this transgression (1 Kings 14:16). Legacy The legacy of the calves of Jeroboam serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of idolatry and the importance of faithfulness to God's commandments. It highlights the ease with which political expediency can lead to spiritual compromise and the enduring impact of such decisions on a nation's spiritual health. The account of the calves of Jeroboam remains a powerful reminder of the need for unwavering devotion to God and His ways. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Kings 12:30And this thing became a sin: for the people went to worship before the one, even to Dan. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Kings 10:31 2 Chronicles 13:8 Library Jeroboam Political Religion Jeroboam The Right Understanding of the Law The Kingdom of Samaria. "This Thing is from Me" The Twelve Minor Prophets. The Prophet Hosea. Here Followeth the History of Tobit Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... 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 |
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