He disobeyed God’s commandments by taking part in idolatry. He was fearful that if his subjects went to Jerusalem to worship as they were accustomed to doing, then their hearts would soften towards Rehoboam. If that happened, Jeroboam was afraid he would be killed. So, Jeroboam made two calves of gold, and told the Israelites that they were the gods who brought them out of Egypt.