1 Kings 12:28 – “After seeking advice, the king made two golden calves. He said to the people, ‘It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem. Here are your gods, Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.'”
Extended Explanation of the Verse:
In this verse, Jeroboam, the king of the northern kingdom of Israel, takes a drastic step to keep the people from returning to Jerusalem for worship. Fearing that continued pilgrimage to Jerusalem might cause the people to shift their loyalty back to Rehoboam, Jeroboam seeks counsel and decides to set up two golden calves as alternative objects of worship. He places one calf in Bethel and the other in Dan. By doing this, Jeroboam leads the people into idolatry, claiming that these golden calves are the gods who brought them out of Egypt, mimicking the grievous sin committed during the Exodus when the Israelites made the golden calf at Mount Sinai.
Historical Context:
Jeroboam was chosen by God to lead the northern tribes of Israel after the kingdom split following Solomon’s death. Solomon’s son, Rehoboam, ruled in the south over Judah, where the temple in Jerusalem was located. Religious life in Israel was centered on the temple, where the people were commanded to bring sacrifices and observe the major festivals. Jeroboam feared that if the people continued to go to Jerusalem, they would be drawn back to Rehoboam’s rule. So, he created his own centers of worship in Bethel and Dan, offering the people an easier alternative to going to Jerusalem. This act of setting up the golden calves was a direct violation of God’s commandments, and it led Israel down a path of spiritual corruption.
Theological Implications:
This verse highlights the dangers of compromise in matters of faith and worship. Jeroboam’s decision to set up golden calves reveals his lack of trust in God’s plan and his willingness to lead the people into idolatry for political reasons. Theologically, it serves as a warning that when leaders prioritize their own interests over obedience to God, they can lead entire communities astray. Jeroboam’s actions also show how easily people can be misled when worship becomes a matter of convenience rather than a matter of reverence and truth. God’s command to worship Him alone is clear, and any deviation from that brings consequences, both spiritually and morally.
Literary Analysis:
The phrase “after seeking advice” suggests that Jeroboam’s decision was deliberate and not made in isolation. The advice he sought was likely from political counselors rather than spiritual leaders, indicating that his focus was on securing power, not following God. The declaration, “Here are your gods, Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt,” is striking because it mirrors the language used in Exodus 32:4, when Aaron presented the golden calf to the Israelites at Mount Sinai. This deliberate repetition highlights the gravity of Jeroboam’s sin, as he leads the people back into the same idolatry that had once angered God during the Exodus. The verse emphasizes the tragic irony of Jeroboam’s actions—by trying to secure his rule, he leads the people into rebellion against the very God who delivered them.
Biblical Cross-References:
- Exodus 32:4: The golden calf incident at Mount Sinai, where Aaron declared the same words, leading the people into idolatry.
- Deuteronomy 12:5-6: God’s command for His people to bring their sacrifices to the place He would choose (Jerusalem), which Jeroboam ignored by setting up alternate worship centers.
- Hosea 8:4-6: A prophetic rebuke of Israel’s idolatry, referencing the calf of Samaria and condemning the false worship that began under Jeroboam.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian:
For modern Christians, this verse serves as a warning against compromising true worship of God for convenience or personal gain. Jeroboam’s actions show how easily idolatry can creep in when leaders or individuals prioritize their own interests over faithfulness to God. In our own lives, we may be tempted to seek shortcuts or make compromises in our worship, turning to things that give us comfort or security rather than remaining true to God’s commands. This verse challenges believers to guard against idolatry in any form, whether it is the worship of material possessions, status, or even religious practices that deviate from the truth of God’s word.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God:
God’s love is shown in His desire for His people to worship Him alone because He knows that only He can provide the true security, purpose, and meaning they need. Though Jeroboam led the people astray, God’s love for Israel did not fade. Throughout the history of Israel, God continually called His people back to Himself through prophets and leaders who urged them to abandon their idols and return to the true worship of God. This verse highlights the contrast between God’s steadfast love and the fickle nature of human leadership, reminding us that God’s love always calls us back to what is right and true, even when we stray.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ:
Jesus Christ came to restore the true worship of God, fulfilling the law and the prophets. Where Jeroboam led the people into false worship, Jesus called people back to worship God “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection opened the way for believers to come directly to God, removing the need for earthly intermediaries like golden calves or false worship systems. Through Jesus, we have access to the Father, and He is the perfect example of what it means to worship God with pure devotion. Jesus is the one true King who leads us into right relationship with God, contrasting with Jeroboam’s failed leadership that led people into idolatry.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion:
- In what ways are we tempted to compromise in our worship of God, and how can we guard against allowing convenience to take precedence over true devotion?
- How does Jeroboam’s decision to seek advice from political counselors rather than from God challenge us to seek God’s wisdom first in our own decision-making?
- What does this passage teach us about the dangers of idolatry and how easily it can creep into our lives when we are not vigilant in our faith?
- How does Jesus’ example of true worship help us refocus our lives on God, and how can we make sure our worship reflects our trust in Him alone?