PROPHETS & KINGS: Audio & Pull Quotes- Chapter 7

Jeroboam

Audio:
https://www.youtube.com/embed/qibgBEIGYyI?list=PL4ByrircmXL4AIWLkRrpeoEq_A6VmA54y

Jeroboam thought to appeal to the imagination of the Israelites by setting before them some visible

representation to symbolize the presence of the invisible God. Accordingly he caused to be made two calves of gold, and these were placed within shrines at the appointed centers of worship. In this effort to represent the Deity, Jeroboam violated the plain command of Jehovah: Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image. . . . Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them. Exodus 20:4, 5
At the time of the feast at Bethel the hearts of the Israelites were not fully hardened. He sent His messenger to interrupt the idolatrous proceedings and to reveal to king and people what the outworking of this apostasy would be. The rending of the altar was a sign of God's displeasure at the abomination that was being wrought in Israel.
The Lord seeks to save, not to destroy. He delights in the rescue of sinners. As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked. Ezekiel 33:11. By warnings and entreaties He calls the wayward to cease from their evil-doing and to turn to Him and live. He gives His chosen messengers a holy boldness, that those who hear may fear and be brought to repentance. How firmly the man of God rebuked the king!