What does the Bible say about calves of jeroboam?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible condemns Jeroboam’s calves as sinful idolatry that led Israel away from the true worship of the Lord. Fearing that pilgrimages to Jerusalem would weaken his kingdom, Jeroboam set golden calves at Bethel and Dan and told the people, “Behold thy gods,” echoing Israel’s earlier rebellion in the wilderness (1 Kings 12:26-29). This was not merely a political mistake but a rejection of God’s appointed worship and priesthood. Later kings, even Jehu, failed to abandon these sins (2 Kings 10:29). The prophets mourned and denounced the calves of Samaria, declaring that they would bring shame, judgment, and exile rather than security (Hosea 8:5; 10:5). God calls his people to worship him according to his Word alone.