“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.”
In this verse, we witness the actions of King Jeroboam, who became the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel after the division. Let’s break down the verse and explore its historical and theological significance.
“Whereupon the king took counsel”: King Jeroboam sought advice and made a decision based on the counsel he received. It highlights the importance of seeking wise counsel and the consequences of the choices made.
“And made two calves of gold”: Here, Jeroboam creates two golden calves, reminiscent of the golden calf incident during the time of Moses (Exodus 32). This act of creating idols was a direct violation of the first commandment, which states, “Thou shalt have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:3).
“It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem”: Jeroboam made these golden calves as an alternative place of worship for the people of Israel, to prevent them from going to Jerusalem in the southern kingdom, where the temple and the central place of worship were located. This was a political move aimed at consolidating his power and preventing his subjects from reuniting with the southern kingdom.
“Behold thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt”: Jeroboam declared these golden calves to be the gods who had delivered Israel from Egypt, directly contradicting the true worship of the one true God of Israel. This act of idolatry led the people astray and weakened their spiritual connection with God.
The significance of this verse lies in its portrayal of idolatry and its consequences. The incident foreshadows a persistent issue throughout the history of Israel—turning away from the worship of the true God and seeking alternative idols. This idolatry ultimately led to the downfall of both the northern and southern kingdoms of Israel.
As we reflect on this verse, we can learn several lessons:
- The importance of seeking wise counsel: Jeroboam’s decision was influenced by the advice he received. It highlights the need to surround ourselves with godly and wise individuals who can guide us in making righteous choices.
- The danger of idolatry: Jeroboam’s creation of the golden calves demonstrates the lure and destructive nature of idolatry. It reminds us to guard our hearts and remain steadfast in our worship of the one true God.
- The consequences of compromising worship: Jeroboam’s act of creating alternative places of worship weakened the spiritual fabric of the nation and led to spiritual decline. It serves as a reminder of the importance of honoring God’s commands and not compromising our worship.
In summary, 1 Kings 12:28 sheds light on the pivotal moment when idolatry and the division of Israel took root. It serves as a warning against the dangers of idolatry and compromising true worship. As we study this verse, let us strive to remain faithful to God, seeking His guidance and steadfastly worshipping Him alone.
