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 1 Kings 12:28-30, where Jeroboam, fearing that his subjects might return to the house of David if they continued to worship in Jerusalem, set up two golden calves. He placed one in Bethel and the other in Dan, declaring, "Here are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt" (1 Kings 12:28).

The practice of kissing these idols as a form of adoration is mentioned in the prophetic literature, specifically in the book of Hosea. Hosea 13:2 states, "Now they sin more and more; they make for themselves cast images, idols skillfully made from their silver, all of them the work of craftsmen. It is said of them, 'They offer human sacrifice and kiss the calves!'"

This act of kissing the calves symbolizes the deep-seated idolatry and apostasy that had taken root in the northern kingdom. The gesture of kissing was a common ancient Near Eastern practice to show reverence or allegiance to a deity or idol. In this context, it underscores the people's devotion to the false gods represented by the golden calves, in direct violation of the first and second commandments given by God to the Israelites (Exodus 20:3-4).

Jeroboam's introduction of calf worship was a significant turning point in Israel's history, leading the nation into a pattern of idolatry that persisted throughout its existence. This idolatry was repeatedly condemned by the prophets, who called the people to return to the worship of Yahweh, the one true God. The prophets warned that such practices would lead to judgment and destruction, as seen in Hosea 8:5-6 : "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."

The adoration of the calves is emblematic of the broader spiritual decline in Israel, where the people exchanged the glory of God for man-made images. This apostasy serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of idolatry and the importance of remaining faithful to God's commandments. The narrative of the calves of Jeroboam and their worship highlights the tension between political expediency and spiritual fidelity, a theme that resonates throughout the biblical text.Hosea 13:2
And now they sin more and more, and have made them molten images of their silver, and idols according to their own understanding, all of it the work of the craftsmen: they say of them, Let the men that sacrifice kiss the calves.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

On Idolatry
... before these relics gifts and curses; when they present them to be viewed, kissed,
and adored by ... (Acts 7:41.) The calves of Jeroboam were representations or ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 23 on idolatry.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... The golden calves at Dan and ... The first three chapters probably date from the end
of the reign of Jeroboam, about 750 BC; the others were compiled under ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

What was the sin of Jeroboam? | GotQuestions.org

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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

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