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 consistently denounced by prophets throughout the Scriptures.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, Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.'" Prophetic Denunciation The worship of these calves was a direct violation of the first and second commandments, which prohibit the worship of other gods and the making of idols (Exodus 20:3-4). Prophets in Israel and Judah repeatedly denounced this idolatry. One of the most notable prophetic condemnations came from a man of God from Judah, who confronted Jeroboam at the altar in Bethel. This event is detailed in 1 Kings 13:1-2: "By the word of the LORD, a man of God came from Judah to Bethel, as Jeroboam was standing by the altar to burn incense. By the word of the LORD, he cried out against the altar: 'Altar, altar! This is what the LORD says: A son named Josiah will be born to the house of David. On you he will sacrifice the priests of the high places who burn incense here, and human bones will be burned on you.'" The prophet's message was a clear denunciation of the idolatrous practices initiated by Jeroboam. The prophecy also foretold the eventual desecration of the altar, which would be fulfilled during the reign of King Josiah of Judah (2 Kings 23:15-16). Theological Implications The establishment of the golden calves by Jeroboam is often seen as a pivotal moment in the spiritual decline of the northern kingdom. It set a precedent for idolatry that persisted throughout the history of Israel, leading to the eventual downfall and exile of the northern tribes. The denunciation by the prophets underscores the seriousness with which God views idolatry and the importance of faithfulness to His covenant. The narrative of the calves of Jeroboam serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of compromising true worship for political or pragmatic reasons. It highlights the role of prophets as God's messengers, calling His people back to covenant fidelity and warning of the consequences of disobedience. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Kings 13:1-3And, behold, there came a man of God out of Judah by the word of the LORD to Bethel: and Jeroboam stood by the altar to burn incense. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ... The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ... 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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