1 Kings 12 - 13

Rehoboam, Solomon's son, ascends the throne of Israel. Ignoring the advice of his older counselors to show leniency to the populace, he alienates the majority of the kingdom. The nation, hearing that Jeroboam has returned from Egypt, make him king over the nation (except the tribes of Judah and Benjamin who follow Rehoboam).

Jeroboam, now king of Israel (Rehoboam is called king of Judah), worries that the people will return to Jerusalem to worship and be drawn into loyalty of Rehoboam. To thwart this, he establishes two golden calves that are placed in his kingdom and worshiped. This is an affront to God; and God sends a message to the king that the altars will be torn down and the crown of the kingdom will not continue in his family. Jeroboam ignores very clear warnings and proofs of verification, and continues to worship in a way he chose.