1 Kings 12:29

One calf he set up in Bethel, and the other in Dan.

Study Bible

One calf
The term "calf" here refers to a young bull, which in ancient Near Eastern cultures, including Israel, was often associated with strength and fertility. The Hebrew word for calf is "עֵגֶל" (egel), which is the same term used in the infamous incident of the golden calf in Exodus 32. This connection highlights the recurring temptation of idolatry among the Israelites, despite their covenant with Yahweh. The choice of a calf as an idol reflects a syncretism with Canaanite religious practices, where bulls were symbols of the god Baal.

he set up
The act of setting up these idols was a deliberate and rebellious move by King Jeroboam. The Hebrew verb "שׂוּם" (sum) means to place or set, indicating a purposeful establishment of these idols as objects of worship. This action was a direct violation of the first two commandments given to Israel, which prohibited the making of graven images and the worship of other gods (Exodus 20:3-4). Jeroboam's decision to set up these calves was politically motivated, aiming to prevent the people from returning to Jerusalem for worship, thereby consolidating his own power.

in Bethel
Bethel, meaning "house of God" in Hebrew, was a significant religious site in Israel's history. It was the place where Jacob had his vision of the ladder reaching to heaven (Genesis 28:19). By setting up a calf in Bethel, Jeroboam was corrupting a site that had been associated with genuine encounters with God. This act of desecration turned a place of divine revelation into a center of idolatry, illustrating how political expediency can lead to spiritual compromise.

and the other in Dan
Dan was located in the northernmost part of the kingdom, making it geographically strategic for Jeroboam's religious reforms. The city of Dan had a history of idolatry, as seen in Judges 18, where the tribe of Dan set up a carved image. By placing a calf in Dan, Jeroboam was tapping into existing pagan practices, making it easier for the people to accept this new form of worship. This decision reflects a pragmatic but spiritually disastrous approach to leadership, prioritizing political stability over faithfulness to God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeroboam
The first king of the northern kingdom of Israel after the division of the united monarchy. He is responsible for setting up the golden calves in Bethel and Dan as alternative worship sites to Jerusalem.

2. Bethel
A significant religious site in the northern kingdom, historically associated with the patriarch Jacob. Jeroboam established one of the golden calves here to prevent his people from traveling to Jerusalem for worship.

3. Dan
The northernmost city of the kingdom of Israel, where Jeroboam placed the second golden calf. This location was chosen to make worship convenient for those living far from Jerusalem.

4. Golden Calves
Idols made by Jeroboam to represent God, intended to prevent the Israelites from returning to Jerusalem for worship. This act was a direct violation of the commandments against idolatry.

5. Division of the Kingdom
The event where the united kingdom of Israel split into two: the northern kingdom (Israel) under Jeroboam and the southern kingdom (Judah) under Rehoboam.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Convenience in Worship
Jeroboam's decision to set up alternative worship sites was driven by political convenience rather than obedience to God. This teaches us to prioritize God's commands over convenience in our worship practices.

The Consequences of Idolatry
The establishment of the golden calves led Israel into sin and ultimately contributed to their downfall. We must guard against modern forms of idolatry that can lead us away from true worship.

Leadership and Responsibility
As a leader, Jeroboam's actions had a profound impact on the spiritual direction of his people. This reminds us of the responsibility leaders have to guide others in accordance with God's will.

Faithfulness to God's Commands
Despite political pressures, we are called to remain faithful to God's instructions. This includes worshiping Him in the manner He has prescribed.

Bible Study Questions

1. What motivated Jeroboam to set up the golden calves in Bethel and Dan, and how can we avoid similar motivations in our own lives?

2. How does the account of the golden calf in Exodus 32 relate to Jeroboam's actions in 1 Kings 12:29, and what lessons can we learn about the nature of idolatry?

3. In what ways might modern Christians be tempted to create "convenient" forms of worship, and how can we ensure our worship remains true to God's commands?

4. How does the division of the kingdom and the establishment of alternative worship sites illustrate the importance of unity and obedience in the body of Christ?

5. Reflect on a time when you faced a choice between convenience and obedience to God. What did you learn from that experience, and how can it inform your future decisions?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 32
The incident of the golden calf at Mount Sinai, where the Israelites made an idol while Moses was on the mountain. This parallels Jeroboam's sin and highlights the recurring issue of idolatry.

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.