The golden calf is one of the most infamous images in the Hebrew Bible—but what was it really? An idol? A political symbol? Or something more complicated?

This week, Dr. Elizabeth VanDyke joins the podcast to re-examine the golden calf traditions and ask where these stories actually begin. Together, we explore the biblical origins of the golden calves, questions of identity and power in ancient Israel, and what kind of “calf” we should really be imagining. We also look beyond the Bible, tracing possible connections to Assyrian imperial policy, the relationship between making kings and making calves, and the strange (yet meaningful) practice of kissing the calf.

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🎙️ Credits

Guest: Dr. Elizabeth VanDyke

Hosted and edited by Dr. Jordan Jones

Additional contributions by Mary Kathryn Lichty

The Bible & Archaeology podcast is made with support from Amanda Stone

Bible & Archaeology is a University of Iowa production. The views and opinions expressed on Bible & Archaeology belong solely to the individuals who share them. They do not represent the positions of the University of Iowa or the State of Iowa.