Topical Bible: Ephraim: A Tribe of Israel: Jeroboam Set up a Golden Calf in Beth-El

◄ Ephraim: A Tribe of Israel: Jeroboam Set up a Golden Calf in Beth-El ►

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Ephraim, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, holds a significant place in biblical history. Named after the younger son of Joseph, Ephraim was blessed by Jacob, who placed him before his older brother Manasseh (Genesis 48:14-20). The tribe of Ephraim became one of the most prominent tribes in the northern kingdom of Israel, often representing the entire northern kingdom in biblical texts.

Jeroboam and the Division of the Kingdom

The division of the united monarchy of Israel occurred after the reign of Solomon, leading to the establishment of the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. Jeroboam, an Ephraimite, became the first king of the northern kingdom. His rise to power was prophesied by the prophet Ahijah, who tore a new garment into twelve pieces, symbolizing the division of the kingdom (1 Kings 11:29-31).

The Golden Calf in Beth-El

In an effort to consolidate his rule and prevent the people from returning to Jerusalem for worship, Jeroboam established alternative centers of worship in the northern kingdom. He set up golden calves in Beth-El and Dan, declaring, "Here are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt" (1 Kings 12:28). This act was a direct violation of the first and second commandments, which prohibit idolatry and the making of graven images (Exodus 20:3-4).

Beth-El, meaning "House of God," was a significant location in Israel's religious history, previously associated with the patriarch Jacob, who had a vision of a ladder reaching to heaven there (Genesis 28:10-19). Jeroboam's establishment of a golden calf in Beth-El was a strategic move to leverage the site's historical and religious significance, but it led the people into idolatry.

Prophetic Condemnation

The prophets of Israel consistently condemned the idolatry initiated by Jeroboam. The prophet Hosea, addressing the northern kingdom, lamented the spiritual adultery of Israel, often using Ephraim as a representative name for the entire kingdom. Hosea declared, "Ephraim is joined to idols; leave him alone" (Hosea 4:17). This idolatry ultimately led to the downfall of the northern kingdom, as the Assyrians conquered it in 722 BC.

Legacy of Ephraim

The tribe of Ephraim, despite its initial prominence and blessings, became synonymous with the idolatry and apostasy that plagued the northern kingdom. The actions of Jeroboam in setting up the golden calf in Beth-El marked a turning point in Israel's history, leading to a pattern of disobedience and judgment. The legacy of Ephraim serves as a cautionary tale of the consequences of turning away from the true worship of God.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 12:29
And he set the one in Bethel, and the other put he in Dan.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Jeroboam
... establishment of the separate kingdom of Israel, which for ... The men of Ephraim were
just now exasperated by ... precedence and supremacy of the rival tribe of Judah ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/jeroboam.htm

"This Thing is from Me"
... the house of Judah, with the tribe of Benjamin ... Then Jeroboam built Shechem in mount
Ephraim, and dwelt ... the wilderness: "Behold thy gods, O Israel, which brought ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 42 1896/this thing is from me.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... to be circulated,*** till a scribe of Ephraim, who flourished ... came in time to form
a tribe by themselves ... But Israel had sinned, Israel had followed after idols ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... a certain Michah in the hill-country of Ephraim and lodged ... of the captivity of the
land."* The tribe of Dan ... itself the most bellicose of the tribes of Israel. ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... And he that talked with me had a golden reed to ... captivity of this host of the children
of Israel shall possess ... At which day he will not only set up his kingdom ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm