1 Kings 12:28

After seeking advice, the king made two golden calves and said to the people, "Going up to Jerusalem is too much for you. Here, O Israel, are your gods, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt."

Study Bible

After seeking advice
This phrase indicates that King Jeroboam consulted with others before making his decision. In the biblical context, seeking advice was a common practice for leaders, but the quality of the advice depended on the advisors' wisdom and spiritual insight. Jeroboam's advisors likely prioritized political stability over spiritual fidelity, leading to idolatry. This contrasts with the biblical ideal of seeking God's guidance, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6.

the king made two golden calves
The creation of golden calves echoes the sin of the Israelites in Exodus 32, where Aaron made a golden calf while Moses was on Mount Sinai. This act of idolatry was a direct violation of the first two commandments (Exodus 20:3-4). Jeroboam's decision to make two calves suggests a deliberate attempt to establish a new religious system, countering the worship in Jerusalem. Archaeological findings in sites like Dan and Bethel, where these calves were placed, support the historical reality of such practices.

and said to the people,
Jeroboam's address to the people indicates his role as a leader influencing the spiritual direction of the nation. His words reflect a political strategy to consolidate his rule by redirecting religious practices away from Jerusalem, the center of worship established by God. This highlights the tension between political power and spiritual obedience.

“Going up to Jerusalem is too much for you.
Jeroboam's statement appeals to the people's convenience and comfort, suggesting that the journey to Jerusalem was burdensome. This reflects a common human tendency to prioritize ease over obedience. Theologically, it represents a departure from God's ordained place of worship, as Jerusalem was the location of the temple, the dwelling place of God's presence (1 Kings 8:29).

Here, O Israel, are your gods,
This declaration is a direct affront to the monotheistic worship of Yahweh. By presenting the calves as "gods," Jeroboam introduces a syncretistic form of worship, blending elements of Yahweh worship with pagan practices. This mirrors the temptation faced by Israel throughout its history to adopt the religious practices of surrounding nations, as warned against in Deuteronomy 12:29-31.

who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.”
This phrase is a distortion of the truth, as it attributes the deliverance from Egypt to the golden calves rather than to Yahweh. It is a deliberate manipulation of Israel's foundational story of salvation, found in Exodus 20:2. This act of revisionism serves to legitimize the new religious system Jeroboam is establishing, but it ultimately leads the nation into sin and judgment, as seen in 2 Kings 17:21-23.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeroboam
The first king of the northern kingdom of Israel after the division of the united monarchy. He is the central figure in this passage, making a significant decision that impacts the spiritual direction of Israel.

2. Golden Calves
Idols made by Jeroboam to prevent the people of Israel from going to Jerusalem to worship. These calves were placed in Bethel and Dan.

3. Bethel and Dan
Locations in the northern kingdom where Jeroboam set up the golden calves as alternative worship sites to Jerusalem.

4. Jerusalem
The city where the temple of the Lord was located, and where the people of Israel were supposed to go for worship.

5. Israel
The northern kingdom consisting of ten tribes that split from Judah and Benjamin after Solomon's reign.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Pragmatism in Worship
Jeroboam's decision was based on political convenience rather than obedience to God. This teaches us the importance of prioritizing God's commands over human reasoning or convenience.

The Consequences of Idolatry
Introducing idols led Israel away from true worship and had long-lasting negative effects. We must guard against modern forms of idolatry that can subtly infiltrate our lives.

Leadership Responsibility
Leaders have a profound influence on the spiritual direction of their people. This passage challenges leaders to guide others toward God, not away from Him.

The Importance of True Worship
God desires worship according to His instructions. We should strive to worship God in spirit and truth, as Jesus emphasized in John 4.

The Repetition of Sin
The Israelites' repeated return to idolatry serves as a warning about the persistent nature of sin. We must remain vigilant and repentant to avoid falling into the same traps.

Bible Study Questions

1. What motivated Jeroboam to create the golden calves, and how can we avoid making similar compromises in our faith journey?

2. How does the account of the golden calves in 1 Kings 12:28 relate to the incident in Exodus 32, and what lessons can we learn about the nature of idolatry?

3. In what ways can modern Christians be tempted to create "golden calves" in their lives, and how can we guard against this?

4. How does Jeroboam's decision to set up alternative worship sites contrast with God's instructions in Deuteronomy 12, and what does this teach us about obedience?

5. Reflect on the role of leadership in spiritual matters. How can we ensure that our influence leads others toward God rather than away from Him?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 32
The incident of the golden calf made by Aaron while Moses was on Mount Sinai. This event parallels Jeroboam's actions and highlights the recurring temptation of idolatry among the Israelites.

Deuteronomy 12
God's command to the Israelites to worship at the place He chooses, which was Jerusalem. Jeroboam's actions directly contradict this command.

2 Kings 17
The eventual downfall of the northern kingdom due to persistent idolatry, which began with Jeroboam's establishment of the golden calves.