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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Calf: Worshiped by Jehu</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/naves/c/calf--worshiped_by_jehu.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/2_kings/10-29.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/c/calf.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Calf</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/naves/c/calf--prophecies_against_the_golden_calves_at_beth-el.htm" title="Calf: Prophecies Against the Golden Calves at Beth-El">◄</a> Calf: Worshiped by Jehu <a href="/topical/c/calf-idol.htm" title="Calf-Idol">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#nav" title="Nave's Topical Index">Nave's</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>The worship of the calf in ancient Israel is a significant event that highlights the recurring struggle between the worship of Yahweh and the idolatrous practices that infiltrated the nation. Jehu, the tenth king of the northern kingdom of Israel, is a pivotal figure in this narrative. His reign is marked by both zeal for the Lord and a failure to fully eradicate idolatry from the land.<br><br><b>Historical Context</b><br><br>Jehu came to power after a divinely orchestrated coup against the house of Ahab, as recorded in <a href="/bsb/2_kings/9.htm">2 Kings 9-10</a>. Anointed by a prophet sent by Elisha, Jehu was tasked with executing judgment on the house of Ahab and eradicating Baal worship from Israel. His initial actions demonstrated a fervent commitment to the Lord's command, as he destroyed the temple of Baal and killed the prophets and worshipers of Baal (<a href="/2_kings/10-18.htm">2 Kings 10:18-28</a>).<br><br><b>The Calf Worship</b><br><br>Despite Jehu's efforts against Baal worship, he failed to remove the golden calves that were set up by Jeroboam, the first king of the northern kingdom. These calves were located in Bethel and Dan and were intended to prevent the Israelites from traveling to Jerusalem to worship at the temple, thus maintaining political control over the northern tribes. The Bible records, "Yet Jehu did not turn away from the sins that Jeroboam son of Nebat had caused Israel to commit—the worship of the golden calves at Bethel and Dan" (<a href="/2_kings/10-29.htm">2 Kings 10:29</a>).<br><br><b>Religious and Political Implications</b><br><br>Jehu's tolerance of calf worship reveals the complex interplay between religious devotion and political expediency. While he was zealous in eliminating Baal worship, his failure to remove the golden calves suggests a compromise that allowed him to consolidate his rule and maintain the allegiance of the northern tribes. This decision, however, perpetuated the sin of idolatry in Israel and ultimately contributed to the spiritual decline of the nation.<br><br><b>Theological Significance</b><br><br>From a theological perspective, Jehu's reign serves as a cautionary tale about partial obedience to God. His actions demonstrate that zeal for the Lord must be accompanied by complete adherence to His commands. The continued presence of the golden calves in Israel was a direct violation of the first and second commandments, which prohibit the worship of other gods and the making of idols (<a href="/exodus/20-3.htm">Exodus 20:3-4</a>).<br><br><b>Legacy</b><br><br>Jehu's legacy is a mixed one. While he is commended for his actions against the house of Ahab and Baal worship, his failure to remove the golden calves is a significant blemish on his record. The Bible notes, "So Jehu destroyed Baal worship in Israel, but he did not turn away from the sins of Jeroboam" (<a href="/2_kings/10-28.htm">2 Kings 10:28-29</a>). This duality in Jehu's reign underscores the importance of wholehearted devotion to God and the dangers of allowing idolatry to persist in any form.<br><br>In summary, the worship of the calf during Jehu's reign is a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by the leaders of Israel in maintaining true worship of Yahweh amidst political and cultural pressures.<a name="nav" id="nav"></a><div class="vheading2">Nave's Topical Index</div><span class="rtext"><a href="/2_kings/10-29.htm">2 Kings 10:29</a></span><br>However, 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.<br><span class="source">Nave's Topical Index</span><p><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/life-Aaron.html">Who was Aaron in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/dance-in-worship.html">Dance in worship - what does the Bible say? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/sin-of-Jeroboam.html">What was the sin of Jeroboam? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://clyx.com/term/calf.htm">Calf: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com</a><br /><br /><a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/c/calf.htm">Calf</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/c/calf_image.htm">Calf Image</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/c/calf_of_gold_was_made_of_the_ornaments_of_the_women.htm">Calf of Gold was Made of the Ornaments of the Women</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/c/calf_of_gold_was_made--after_an_egyptian_model.htm">Calf of Gold was Made: After an Egyptian Model</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/c/calf_of_gold_was_made--to_go_before_the_congregation.htm">Calf of Gold was Made: To Go Before the Congregation</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/c/calf_of_gold_was_made--to_represent_god.htm">Calf of Gold was Made: To Represent God</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/c/calf_of_gold--an_altar_built_before.htm">Calf of Gold: An Altar Built Before</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/c/calf_of_gold--destroyed_by_moses.htm">Calf of Gold: Destroyed by Moses</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/c/calf_of_gold--fashioned_with_a_graven_tool.htm">Calf of Gold: Fashioned With a Graven Tool</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/c/calf_of_gold--made_on_account_of_the_delay_of_moses_in_the_mount.htm">Calf of Gold: Made on Account of the Delay of Moses in the Mount</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/c/calf_of_gold--making_of_a_forgetting_of_god.htm">Calf of Gold: Making of a Forgetting of God</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/c/calf_of_gold--making_of_a_turning_aside_from_the_divine_command.htm">Calf of Gold: Making of a Turning Aside from the Divine Command</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/c/calf_of_gold--making_of_a_very_great_sin.htm">Calf of Gold: Making of a Very Great Sin</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/c/calf_of_gold--making_of_caused_moses_to_break_the_tables_of_the_testimony.htm">Calf of Gold: Making of Caused Moses to Break the Tables of the Testimony</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/c/calf_of_gold--making_of_excited_wrath_against_aaron.htm">Calf of Gold: Making of Excited Wrath Against Aaron</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/c/calf_of_gold--making_of_excited_wrath_against_israel.htm">Calf of Gold: Making of Excited Wrath Against Israel</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/c/calf_of_gold--making_of_israel_punished_for.htm">Calf of Gold: Making of Israel Punished For</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/c/calf_of_gold--molten_in_the_fire.htm">Calf of Gold: Molten in the Fire</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/c/calf_of_gold--moses_interceded_for_those_who_worshipped.htm">Calf of Gold: Moses Interceded for Those Who Worshipped</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/c/calf_of_gold--punishment_of_those_who_worshipped_a_warning_to_others.htm">Calf of Gold: Punishment of Those Who Worshipped a Warning to Others</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/c/calf_of_gold--sacrifices_offered_to.htm">Calf of Gold: Sacrifices offered To</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/c/calf_of_gold--worshipped_with_profane_revelry.htm">Calf of Gold: Worshipped With Profane Revelry</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/c/calf--calves_of_the_lips_a_metaphor_signifying_worship.htm">Calf: "Calves of the Lips" a Metaphor Signifying Worship</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/c/calf--altars_of,_destroyed.htm">Calf: Altars of, Destroyed</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/c/calf--golden,_made_by_aaron.htm">Calf: Golden, Made by Aaron</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/c/calf--images_of,_set_up_in_beth-el_and_dan_by_jeroboam.htm">Calf: Images of, Set up in Beth-El and Dan by Jeroboam</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/c/calf--offered_in_sacrifice.htm">Calf: Offered in Sacrifice</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/c/calf--prophecies_against_the_golden_calves_at_beth-el.htm">Calf: Prophecies Against the Golden Calves at Beth-El</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/c/calf--worshiped_by_jehu.htm">Calf: Worshiped by Jehu</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/t/the_calf_of_a_year_old_best_for_sacrifice.htm">The Calf of a Year Old Best for Sacrifice</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/t/the_calf--eaten_in_the_patriarchal_age.htm">The Calf: Eaten in the Patriarchal Age</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/t/the_calf--fattened_in_stalls.htm">The Calf: Fattened in Stalls</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/t/the_calf--fed_on--branches_of_trees.htm">The Calf: Fed On: Branches of Trees</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/t/the_calf--fed_on--milk.htm">The Calf: Fed On: Milk</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/t/the_calf--if_first-born_not_redeemed.htm">The Calf: If First-Born not Redeemed</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/t/the_calf--offered_in_sacrifice.htm">The Calf: Offered in Sacrifice</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/t/the_calf--patient_endurance.htm">The Calf: Patient Endurance</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/t/the_calf--playfulness_of,_alluded_to.htm">The Calf: Playfulness of, Alluded To</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/t/the_calf--sacrifices_of_praise.htm">The Calf: Sacrifices of Praise</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/t/the_calf--saints_nourished_by_grace.htm">The Calf: Saints Nourished by Grace</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/t/the_calf--the_young_of_the_herd.htm">The Calf: The Young of the Herd</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/t/the_calf--when_fattened_considered_a_delicacy.htm">The Calf: when Fattened Considered a Delicacy</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/capable.htm">Capable (10 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/calf-idols.htm">Calf-Idols (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/spurned.htm">Spurned (16 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/burns.htm">Burns (34 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/calf.htm">Calf (39 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/i/idol.htm">Idol (56 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/rejected.htm">Rejected (96 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/purity.htm">Purity (16 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/naves/c/calf--prophecies_against_the_golden_calves_at_beth-el.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Calf: Prophecies Against the Golden Calves at Beth-El"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Calf: Prophecies Against the Golden Calves at Beth-El" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/c/calf-idol.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Calf-Idol"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Calf-Idol" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" 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