Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Kings 12:28. It's a really important and somewhat troubling passage in the Bible. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Situation: King Solomon is having a problem: The verse describes King Solomon, one of the most powerful kings in ancient Israel, engaging in a very unusual and risky activity. He made two calves of gold: This is the core of the issue. Solomon was creating two golden calves – essentially, elaborate, incredibly valuable animal sculptures – to be offered as sacrifices to God. He told the calves, "It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem": This is a crucial part. He's telling the calves that they shouldn’t try to travel to Jerusalem. The message is clear: Don’t go there! What it Means – The Key Message: This verse highlights a few important things about Solomon and his priorities: Pride & Vanity: It speaks to a deep problem of pride. Solomon was so focused on his own power, wealth, and status that he prioritized these extravagant gifts over what truly mattered to God. He was acting like a king obsessed with himself. Disobedience to God's Will: The verse is essentially a warning about disobedience. Solomon’s actions were a rejection of God’s instructions – the command to offer sacrifices to the gods in the land of Egypt, which had been a pivotal moment in Israel’s history. The Importance of Obedience: It emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's law and guidance. Solomon's actions demonstrated that he wasn't truly following God's will, even though he was powerful. In essence, it’s a story about a king who prioritized his own desires over what was right and holy. It's important to note: This verse is often interpreted as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and vanity. It’s a reminder that true leadership comes from serving God and obeying His commands. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this passage? Give you some context – like why this story is significant in biblical history?