1 Kings 12:28

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Kings 12:25-33

We have here the beginning of the reign of Jeroboam. He built Shechem first and then Penuel?beautified and fortified them, and probably had a palace in each of them for himself (1 Kgs. 12:25), the former in Ephraim, the latter in Gad, on the other side Jordan. This might be proper; but he formed another project for the establishing of his kingdom which was fatal to the interests of religion in it. I. That which he designed was by some effectual means to secure those to himself who had now... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Kings 12:28

Whereupon the king took counsel ,.... Of some of his principal men, that had as little religion as himself, and were only concerned for the civil state; and the result of their consultation was as follows: and made two calves of gold ; in imitation of that which was made by Aaron, and encouraged by his example and success; and having been in Egypt some time, he might have learned the calf or ox worship there, and might take his pattern from thence, and have two as they had; the one they... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Kings 12:28

Made two calves of gold - He invented a political religion, instituted feasts in his own times different from those appointed by the Lord, gave the people certain objects of devotion, and pretended to think it would be both inconvenient and oppressive to them to have to go up to Jerusalem to worship. This was not the last time that religion was made a state engine to serve political purposes. It is strange that in pointing out his calves to the people, he should use the same words... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 12:21-33

I. AN ERROR THAT COULD NOT BE REPAIRED ( 1 Kings 12:21-24 ). Rehoboam had zeal and strength behind him in his attempt to bring back the tribes by force. One hundred and eighty thousand men responded to his call; but all were dispersed at the lifting up of God's hand. The attempt was forbidden, 1 . Because of the ties of kindred . These were forgotten by Rehoboam when he threatened the people with a heavier yoke. Tyranny is possible only in the denial of the brotherhood... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 12:26-28

The Sin of Jeroboam. This passage describes the act which is so often referred to with horror, in the books of Kings and Chronicles, as "the sin of Jeroboam, the son of Nebat." To an irreligious man like himself, nothing would appear more natural or politic than this conduct. He had been driven into Egypt by Solomon, had there married Pharaoh's daughter, and become familiar with the worship of Apis and Mnevis. Now he had returned, and found himself the ruler of the ten tribes, the first... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 12:26-30

The Golden Calves. Jeroboam here earns for himself that name of evil repute—"the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin." As the leader in the revolt of the ten tribes he was simply fulfilling a Divine purpose. "The thing was from the Lord,"—the ordained penalty of Solomon's transgression ( 1 Kings 11:31 , 1 Kings 11:38 ). But this setting up of the golden calves, this only too successful attempt to sever the sacred bond that bound the people of the whole land in one common allegiance to... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 12:28

Whereupon the king took counsel ["With his counsellors, or the heads of the nation who had helped him to the throne" (Keil). Bähr understands, "he reflected about it alone" ( et excogitato consilio, Vulgate), alleging that so important a circumstance as the concurrence of the heads of the people in changing the system of worship would not have been passed over in silence. But while the text does not perhaps imply any formal deliberation with the elders, it is reasonable to suppose that... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 12:28

Jeroboam's Calves. Unbelief is the root of all mischief. Had the king of Israel believed God, he would have obeyed Him; then he would have been under no temptation to set up a spurious religion to the confusion of his family and people. But what did he mean by these calves? I. THEY WERE INTENDED TO BE IMAGES OF THE GOD OF ISRAEL . 1 . So he describes them in the text . 2 . His error was a reproduction of Aaron's . 3 . Yet this was idolatry . ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 12:28-33

Jeroboam's Sin. The king of Israel, moved by personal ambition instead of zeal for God, fearing lest his people, in going to Jerusalem to worship, should see reason to regret having rent the kingdom, took counsel to prevent this. The result was the development of the policy described in the text. It was cunning— I. IN THE KIND OF WORSHIP IMPOSED . 1 . As to its objects . 2 . As to its modes . 3 . As to its ministers . II. IN THE PLACES CHOSEN ... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Kings 12:28

The “calves of gold” were probably representations of the cherubic form, imitations of the two cherubim which guarded the ark of the covenant in the holy of holies. But being unauthorized copies, set up in places which God had not chosen, and without any divine sanction, the sacred writers call them “calves.” They were not mere human figures with wings, but had at any rate the head of a calf or ox. (Hence, some attribute this calf-worship entirely to Assyrian and Phoenician influence.)... read more

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