Topical Encyclopedia The "Calves of Jeroboam" refer to the two golden calves that King Jeroboam I of Israel established as objects of worship in the northern kingdom. This act is recorded in 1 Kings 12:25-33 and is considered a significant sin in the biblical narrative, as it led the people of Israel into idolatry and away from the worship of Yahweh.Historical Context After the division of the united monarchy following Solomon's reign, 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 described 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, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.'" Theological Implications Jeroboam's actions were a direct violation of the first two commandments given by God, which prohibit the making of idols and the worship of other gods (Exodus 20:3-4). By creating these calves, Jeroboam not only led the people into idolatry but also distorted the true worship of Yahweh. The golden calves were reminiscent of the sin of the Israelites at Mount Sinai, where they made a golden calf and declared it to be their god (Exodus 32:4). The establishment of these idols is repeatedly condemned throughout the biblical narrative. The prophets and historical books of the Old Testament frequently refer to the "sin of Jeroboam" as a benchmark of idolatry and apostasy. For instance, 2 Kings 17:21-22 states, "When He tore Israel away from the house of David, they made Jeroboam son of Nebat their king. Then Jeroboam drove Israel away from following the LORD and caused them to commit a great sin. The Israelites persisted in all the sins that Jeroboam committed and did not turn away from them." Consequences The making of the calves had long-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 prophets Amos and Hosea, among others, spoke against the idolatry initiated by Jeroboam, warning of impending judgment due to the people's unfaithfulness. Hosea 8:5-6 highlights the futility and guilt of this idolatry: "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." Moral and Spiritual Lessons The account of the calves of Jeroboam serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of compromising true worship for political or personal gain. It underscores the importance of adhering to God's commandments and the peril of leading others into sin. Jeroboam's actions remind believers of the need for faithfulness to God and the rejection of any form of idolatry, whether physical or spiritual. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Kings 14:9,10But have done evil above all that were before you: for you have gone and made you other gods, and molten images, to provoke me to anger, and have cast me behind your back: Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Twelve Minor Prophets. Of the Two Kinds of Trials, which Come Upon us in a Three-Fold Way ... The Prophet Hosea. Catholic Spirit Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... I Will Pray with the Spirit and with the Understanding Also- Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ... On Reconciling Religious Dissensions among Christians The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem: An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ... 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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