1 Kings 12:28

two calves of gold The Israelites in Egypt had been familiarized with the ox as an object of worship, and it would therefore not be unknown among their descendants. Hence their readiness to recognize such an image as a symbol of the divinity when they were in the wilderness (Exodus 32:4; Exodus 32:8). The sin was the same on this occasion as on that. God had commanded that no image should be made as a symbol of Him. The calves were therefore an abomination, (directly contrary to Exodus 20:4), even though when bowing before them the people professed to worship Him who led their fathers out of Egypt.

The LXX says -he went and made" ἐπορεύθν καὶ ἐποίησε, and instead of -and said unto them," in the next clause, which reads a little awkwardly, gives -and said unto the people."

It is too much for you to go up The sense intended is probably given in the margin of R.V. -Ye have gone up long enough." To the mind of the Jew there might be a reason for ceasing altogether to go to Jerusalem, now that the kingdoms were divided, but no excuse from the fatigue of the journey. Jeroboam's argument was -You have chosen a new king, choose also new places for worship." Cf. Ezekiel 44:6, where the sense is -Have done with your abominations."

behold thy gods Words very like those of the people in the wilderness (Exodus 32:4) over their golden calf. But the sense is rather: -Behold thy God." Under this symbol of the young bull, see and recognise thy God, Jehovah. The young bull was the symbol of creative power.