Dan: Jeroboam’s solution was to set up his own worship centers. Two golden calves were made and proclaimed to be Israel’s gods. One was placed in Dan, and the people were told that they could go there instead of Jerusalem to worship (1 Kings 12:28,29).
Bethel: The other golden calf was placed in Bethel. The people of the northern kingdom had two convenient locations for worship in their country, but their sin displeased God. In Jerusalem, meanwhile, Rehoboam was allowing idolatry to creep in. The two nations were constantly at war (1 Kings 12:29-15:26).
Samaria: Israel continued to gain and lose kings through plots, assassinations, and warfare. When Omri became king, he bought a hill on which he built a new capital city, Samaria. Omri’s son, Ahab, became the most wicked king of Israel. His wife Jezebel worshiped Baal. Ahab erected a temple to Baal in Samaria (1 Kings 16:23-34).