1 Kings 12:29

KJV

And he set the one in Bethel, and the other put he in Dan.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he set {H7760} the one {H259} in Bethel {H1008}, and the other {H259} put {H5414} he in Dan {H1835}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He placed one in Beit-El and the other in Dan,

Berean Standard Bible

One calf he set up in Bethel, and the other in Dan.

American Standard Version

And he set the one in Beth-el, and the other put he in Dan.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 12:29 details King Jeroboam's decisive and religiously subversive act of establishing two golden calves as alternative objects of worship, strategically placing one in Bethel and the other in Dan. This calculated political maneuver was designed to prevent the newly formed Northern Kingdom of Israel from returning to Jerusalem for worship, thereby consolidating his own power and preventing a potential reunification with the Southern Kingdom under Rehoboam. This decision marked a catastrophic spiritual deviation for Israel, initiating a pattern of idolatry that would plague the Northern Kingdom throughout its history and ultimately contribute to its downfall and divine judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the culmination of Jeroboam's strategic response to the newly divided kingdom. It immediately follows his internal reasoning and public declaration in [1 Kings 12:26-28](/1_kings/12-26-28 "1 Kings 12:26-28 - Jeroboam's Fear and Idolatry"), where he expresses fear that continued pilgrimages to Jerusalem would cause his people's loyalty to revert to Rehoboam and the house of David. The broader narrative of [1 Kings 12](/1_kings/12 "1 Kings 12 - The Division of the Kingdom") establishes the dramatic schism of the united monarchy after Solomon's death, a direct consequence of Rehoboam's oppressive policies and foolish rejection of the elders' counsel. Jeroboam, previously prophesied by the prophet Ahijah to rule over ten tribes ([1 Kings 11:29-39](/1_kings/11-29-39 "1 Kings 11:29-39 - Ahijah's Prophecy to Jeroboam")), now takes steps to secure his reign, tragically choosing a path of spiritual apostasy. This act of establishing rival worship centers in Bethel and Dan sets the stage for the chronic idolatry and spiritual decline that defines the subsequent history of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, serving as the foundational "sin of Jeroboam" that later kings would perpetuate.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Following the death of King Solomon around 931 BC, the united kingdom of Israel fractured into two distinct entities: the Southern Kingdom of Judah (comprising the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, with Jerusalem as its capital) and the Northern Kingdom of Israel (the ten remaining tribes). Jerusalem, housing the Temple built by Solomon, remained the divinely appointed center for Yahweh worship. For Jeroboam, allowing his subjects to continue pilgrimage to Jerusalem posed a significant political and existential threat, as it could foster loyalty to the Davidic dynasty and undermine his own rule. To counteract this, Jeroboam intentionally replicated the infamous sin of the golden calf from [Exodus 32:4](/exodus/32-4 "Exodus 32:4 - The Golden Calf at Sinai"), crafting two golden calves and presenting them as the "gods" who brought Israel out of Egypt. He strategically placed one in Bethel, a site with deep historical and religious significance in the south of his territory, where Jacob had a vision of God and named the place "House of God" ([Genesis 28:19](/genesis/28-19 "Genesis 28:19 - Jacob Renames Luz to Bethel")). The other calf was placed in Dan, the northernmost city of his kingdom, completing a religious infrastructure that spanned the entire Northern Kingdom. This move effectively created alternative pilgrimage sites, severing the spiritual ties to Jerusalem and consolidating Jeroboam's political control.
* **Key Themes:** Jeroboam's actions in [1 Kings 12:29](/1_kings/12-29 "1 Kings 12:29 - Jeroboam's Idolatry") are foundational to several critical themes that permeate the books of Kings. First and foremost is **Idolatry and Apostasy**. By setting up the golden calves and declaring them gods, Jeroboam directly violated the first two commandments of the Decalogue, which prohibit worshipping other gods and making carved images ([Exodus 20:3-4](/exodus/20-3-4 "Exodus 20:3-4 - The First Two Commandments")). This act represents a profound spiritual rebellion and a deliberate turning away from the covenant God of Israel. Secondly, the theme of **Political Expediency Over Spiritual Fidelity** is starkly evident. Jeroboam's decision was not born out of theological conviction but out of a pragmatic desire to secure his earthly throne, prioritizing political stability over divine obedience. This sets a dangerous precedent for future kings, illustrating the corrupting influence of power when unmoored from spiritual truth. Finally, this act becomes known as **The "Sin of Jeroboam,"** a recurring motif throughout the books of Kings and Chronicles. It defines the spiritual trajectory of the Northern Kingdom, leading to a cycle of moral and spiritual decay that is frequently referenced as the cause of Israel's eventual destruction and exile ([1 Kings 14:16](/1_kings/14-16 "1 Kings 14:16 - Consequences of Jeroboam's Sins")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **set (Hebrew, _sûwm'_):** The Hebrew verb שׂוּם (_sûwm_) is a primitive root meaning "to put, place, set, appoint." In this context, it conveys a deliberate, intentional act of placement. Jeroboam did not stumble into this idolatry; he actively and purposefully "set" the calf in Bethel. This highlights the calculated nature of his sin, emphasizing his direct agency in establishing this false worship system. It implies an act of foundation, laying the groundwork for a new, illicit religious order that would profoundly impact the nation's spiritual future.
* **put (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** The Hebrew verb נָתַן (_nâthan_) is a primitive root meaning "to give, put, make, appoint." Similar to _sûwm_, _nâthan_ also denotes a volitional and decisive action. The use of two distinct but semantically overlapping verbs ("set" and "put") emphasizes the king's intentionality and thoroughness in establishing these centers of idolatry. He wasn't merely experimenting; he was firmly "putting" in place a comprehensive, kingdom-wide system of false worship, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to this rebellious path and ensuring its widespread adoption.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he set the one in Bethel":** This clause highlights Jeroboam's deliberate action ("he set") and the specific location chosen for the first golden calf. Bethel, meaning "House of God," was a site of profound historical and spiritual significance, associated with Jacob's ladder vision and God's promises to Abraham and Jacob. By placing an idol here, Jeroboam not only desecrated a holy site but also cleverly leveraged its existing religious veneration to legitimize his new form of worship, subtly replacing the true God with a golden image and twisting sacred memory for profane purposes.
* **"and the other put he in Dan."** This clause completes the geographical span of Jeroboam's idolatry. Dan, located at the northernmost extremity of the Northern Kingdom, served as the second pole of this new religious system. The phrase "from Dan to Beersheba" (though Beersheba was in Judah) was a common idiom for the entire breadth of Israel. By placing calves at both ends of his territory, Jeroboam ensured that his subjects had accessible, alternative places of worship, effectively preventing any need or desire to travel to Jerusalem and reinforcing his political control over their spiritual lives, thereby creating a spiritual trap for the entire kingdom.

#### Literary Devices
The verse, though brief, employs several potent literary devices that amplify its theological significance. **Symbolism** is paramount, as the golden calves are not merely statues but powerful symbols of apostasy, directly echoing the egregious sin at Mount Sinai and representing a fundamental rejection of Yahweh's exclusive covenant with Israel. There is profound **Irony** in Jeroboam's choice of Bethel, meaning "House of God," as a primary site for idolatry; a place once consecrated by divine encounter and promise is now defiled by false worship, turning a sacred space into a center of rebellion. This ironic twist underscores the depth of Israel's spiritual fall. Furthermore, the establishment of these cultic centers serves as a clear **Foreshadowing** of the spiritual decline and eventual judgment that would befall the Northern Kingdom. This act of Jeroboam becomes the template for the "sins of Jeroboam" that subsequent kings perpetuate, ultimately leading to the kingdom's destruction and exile, a tragic consequence repeatedly highlighted in the biblical narrative as a direct result of this initial apostasy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 12:29 serves as a stark theological warning against the dangers of syncretism and political expediency overriding divine command. Jeroboam's actions represent a fundamental breach of the covenant, substituting the worship of the invisible, sovereign God with tangible, man-made idols. This act of idolatry was not merely a ritualistic deviation but a profound betrayal of Israel's unique identity as God's chosen people, called to be a light to the nations by their exclusive devotion to Yahweh. It illustrates how fear and a desire for control can lead even divinely appointed leaders to commit grievous sins that have devastating, long-term consequences for an entire nation, setting a precedent for generations of apostasy and demonstrating the destructive power of human self-reliance over divine trust.

* [Deuteronomy 12:5-7](/deuteronomy/12-5-7 "Centralized Worship") - God commanded Israel to worship at one central place chosen by Him, directly contradicting Jeroboam's establishment of multiple, unauthorized worship sites.
* [Hosea 8:4-6](/hosea/8-4-6 "Condemnation of Calf Worship") - The prophet Hosea later condemns Israel's calf worship, explicitly linking it to their rebellion and impending judgment, directly stemming from Jeroboam's initial sin.
* [Psalm 106:19-21](/psalm/106-19-21 "The Sin at Horeb") - This psalm recounts the sin of the golden calf at Horeb (Sinai), highlighting Israel's propensity to forget God and exchange His glory for an image, a pattern tragically repeated by Jeroboam.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeroboam's decision to establish calf worship in Bethel and Dan offers a timeless and sobering lesson for believers today. It powerfully illustrates the insidious nature of compromise when fear or personal ambition overshadows fidelity to God's clear commands. We are often tempted to create our own "convenient" forms of worship or spiritual practice that might seem pragmatic, culturally relevant, or politically astute in our contexts, but which subtly deviate from God's revealed truth. This can manifest as prioritizing worldly success over ethical integrity, seeking affirmation from people rather than God, diluting biblical truth to gain popularity, or substituting genuine spiritual discipline with superficial rituals. The "sin of Jeroboam" reminds us that true security, lasting peace, and genuine blessing come not from human ingenuity or strategic maneuvering, but from unwavering obedience and exclusive devotion to the Lord. Our ultimate allegiance must be to Christ alone, ensuring that our worship, our decisions, and our lives are truly centered on Him, rather than on any earthly gain or perceived stability.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to compromise spiritual truth for personal gain, comfort, or perceived security?**
* **How do I ensure that my worship and spiritual practices are genuinely centered on God's commands, rather than on convenience, cultural trends, or personal preferences?**
* **What "idols" (whether tangible or intangible, like career, reputation, comfort, or even good causes) might I be elevating in my heart, subtly replacing my exclusive devotion to God?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's provision and sovereignty, so that fear does not drive me to make unbiblical or compromising choices?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jeroboam choose Bethel and Dan as the locations for the golden calves?**

Answer: Jeroboam's choice of Bethel and Dan was highly strategic, driven by both political and historical considerations. Bethel, located in the southern part of his kingdom, held deep historical significance as a place where Jacob had a profound encounter with God, making it a natural pilgrimage site for many Israelites. Dan, at the northern extreme of his territory, completed the geographical span, effectively covering the entire Northern Kingdom "from Dan to Beersheba." By establishing these two centers, Jeroboam aimed to provide convenient, accessible alternatives to Jerusalem, which was the capital of the rival Southern Kingdom of Judah and the divinely appointed center of worship. His primary fear, as stated in [1 Kings 12:27](/1_kings/12-27 "1 Kings 12:27 - Jeroboam's Fear of Losing His Kingdom"), was that if his people continued to go to Jerusalem for worship, their hearts would eventually turn back to Rehoboam, leading to his own overthrow. The placement of the calves was a calculated move to consolidate his political power by severing the spiritual ties that bound the northern tribes to Jerusalem and the Davidic dynasty, thereby attempting to secure his throne through religious manipulation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeroboam's establishment of false worship centers and his leadership into idolatry stand in stark contrast to the true King and Shepherd, Jesus Christ. Jeroboam, motivated by fear and a desire to secure an earthly throne, led his people astray, creating idols that could not save or truly represent God. His actions illustrate the human tendency to seek security and worship in created things, rather than in the Creator. In profound contrast, Jesus Christ is the true and ultimate "place" of worship, declaring that true worship would no longer be confined to a specific mountain or city, but would be "in spirit and truth" ([John 4:21-24](/john/4-21-24 "John 4:21-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")). He is the ultimate High Priest and the perfect sacrifice, making access to God possible not through golden calves or man-made rituals, but through His own sinless life and atoning blood ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). Unlike Jeroboam, who sought to keep the people from the true temple, Christ invites all to come to Him, for He is the way, the truth, and the life, the sole path to the Father ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, Life")). His kingdom is not of this world, secured by political maneuvering or earthly power, but is a spiritual kingdom established through self-sacrificial love and perfect obedience to the Father ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom is Not of This World")). Ultimately, Jeroboam's sin highlights the desperate need for the one true Shepherd who gathers His flock and leads them in righteousness, protecting them from the idolatry of their own hearts and the false shepherds of this world, a role perfectly fulfilled in Christ ([John 10:11-16](/john/10-11-16 "John 10:11-16 - The Good Shepherd")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 28:19

And he called the name of that place Bethel: but the name of that city [was called] Luz at the first.

Judges 18:27

¶ And they took [the things] which Micah had made, and the priest which he had, and came unto Laish, unto a people [that were] at quiet and secure: and they smote them with the edge of the sword, and burnt the city with fire.

Judges 18:31

And they set them up Micah's graven image, which he made, all the time that the house of God was in Shiloh.

Genesis 35:1

¶ And God said unto Jacob, Arise, go up to Bethel, and dwell there: and make there an altar unto God, that appeared unto thee when thou fleddest from the face of Esau thy brother.

2 Kings 10:29

¶ Howbeit [from] the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin, Jehu departed not from after them, [to wit], the golden calves that [were] in Bethel, and that [were] in Dan.

Deuteronomy 34:1

¶ And Moses went up from the plains of Moab unto the mountain of Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, that [is] over against Jericho. And the LORD shewed him all the land of Gilead, unto Dan,

Genesis 12:8

And he removed from thence unto a mountain on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, [having] Bethel on the west, and Hai on the east: and there he builded an altar unto the LORD, and called upon the name of the LORD.