25. Jeroboam then built up the city of Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim, and it became his capital. Later he went and built up the town of Peniel.
26. Jeroboam thought to himself, “Unless I am careful, the kingdom will return to the dynasty of David.
27. When these people go to Jerusalem to offer sacrifices at the Temple of the lord, they will again give their allegiance to King Rehoboam of Judah. They will kill me and make him their king instead.”
28. So on the advice of his counselors, the king made two gold calves. He said to the people, “It is too much trouble for you to worship in Jerusalem. Look, Israel, these are the gods who brought you out of Egypt!”