Bible Dictionary
CALF, GOLDEN
The golden calf was an image of a bull or calf made for worship, first by Aaron at Sinai and later by Jeroboam at Bethel and Dan. These images represented a serious departure from faithful worship of the LORD and became symbols of Israel’s apostasy.
Biblical Usage
Aaron’s golden calf became an ancient memory of Israel’s apostasy, while Jeroboam established golden calves in the northern kingdom. Prophetic condemnation extended to related centers of false worship and to the bull symbols associated with Israel’s religious departure.