1 Kings 12:28 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Jeroboam makes two golden calves and tells the people these are the gods who brought them out of Egypt.
What Does 1 Kings 12:28 Mean?
Acting on his fear, Jeroboam fashions two golden calves and presents them to the people with words that echo the ancient sin at Sinai: "Behold thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt." To keep his people from Jerusalem, he gives them substitutes for the living God, claiming for these images the deliverance that belonged to the Lord alone.
This is a grievous turning. The first commandments forbid both other gods and graven images, and Jeroboam violates both to secure his throne. He credits gold with the saving work of God. Scripture stands resolutely against every attempt to trade the Creator for something made by human hands. True worship gives glory to the One who actually saves; counterfeit worship robs Him of it and leaves the soul deceived.
1 Kings 12:28 in the Original Language
'egel (עֵגֶל), 'calf' -- a young bull; the same image cast in gold that led Israel into sin at Sinai under Aaron.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Kings 12:28
What does 1 Kings 12:28 mean?
Jeroboam makes two golden calves and tells the people these are the gods who brought them out of Egypt.