The prophet's dictionary guide to the supernatural

fruit of the womb for the blessings and provisions of one’s god. Calf worship allowed continued favor and prosperity for the civilizations of fertility cults. It was diligently observed to guarantee abundant flocks and herds to nomadic peoples whose only source of wealth was the produce of the land. The worship of the golden calf promised the food supply of animals that provided abundant pelt inventory and shearing to sell. These all contributed to family and tribal wealth. On this basis the calf was a token creature offered as a thanksgiving gift for symbolic purposes. 235. Calf Worship—Ceremonial worship of a young bovine as a god. Usually the choice was a bull for male deities and a cow for the females. Israel adopted bull worship from the Egyptians because of its virility and strength. The belief was that the bull’s strength qualified it as a god or credited it with godlike traits and abilities. Bulls were symbols of the deities Sin, An, Anu, and Marduk. Cows symbolized Ishtar. In all instances they were thought of as possessing and imparting life-giving power. Bull worship was also part of the Egyptian Pharaohs’ worship since it typified their deification of the sun in ancient Egypt. The Egyptian gods Ra and Ptah were idolized with bulls. Aaron encouraged calf worship after Israel was brought out of Egypt. He was motivated by Moses’ extended stay on Mount Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments. Aaron, swayed by the voice of the people, made for Israel a new god to serve in place of Yahweh whom they were convinced had abandoned them. The calf was a reversion to their previous idolatrous worship in Egypt. Jeroboam set up calf worship in Bethel and Dan where he instituted a religious order and system straight out of his own heart. Exodus 32:1–6; Deuteronomy 9:16; 1 Kings 12:28–29. 236. Calvary—The word for the place where Christ was crucified (Luke 23:33). The word used in that passage means “skull.” It also means “horn” for strength, power, rulership, and government. 237. Campaign—An apostolic-related term that literally means a warfare, expedition, or apostolic adventure. 238. Cana—Place of reeds. 239. Canaan—A son or offspring of Ham whose tribe became powerful, potent, and prolific in the ancient world. The name Canaan became associated with pagan worship, fertility cults, and crude and cruel idolatrous practices, which ancient Israel embraced. The meaning of the word Canaanite—