Whereupon the king took counsel, and made two calves of gold, and said unto them, It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem: behold thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.
After getting advice, the king made two golden calves and said to the people, 'It's too difficult for you to travel all the way to Jerusalem. Look, here are your gods, Israel—the ones that brought you out of Egypt!'
King Jeroboam created false gods to prevent his people from worshiping in Jerusalem, making it convenient for them but leading them away from the true God.
📚 Historical Context
This happened after Israel split into two kingdoms around 930 BC. Jeroboam, king of the northern kingdom, feared his people would return their loyalty to King Rehoboam in Jerusalem if they continued traveling there to worship at the temple. To prevent this political threat, he set up alternative worship sites with golden calves, similar to what the Israelites had done during their wilderness wandering.
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.