context1: The text says, “This thing became a sin,” and its establishment was accompanied by several related violations of the covenant with Yahweh. The language used by Jeroboam to introduce the worship of these idols to Israel was very similar to that used by Aaron with regard to the golden <strong>calf</strong> at Mount Sinai. The images themselves were reminiscent of Egyptian gods represented by the <strong>bull</strong>.
context2: All of the female <strong>calves</strong> remain, however. When the herd gets too large, it divides into smaller groups of cows and their young. These groups will form new herds, once again with only one adult <strong>bull</strong>.