http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/7907-host-of-heaven
The “host of heaven” is mentioned as the recipient of idolatrous veneration (Deut. iv. 19, xvii. 3; II Kings xvii. 16, xxi. 3, 5; xxiii. 4; Jer. viii. 2, xix. 13; Zeph. i. 5). The express mention of sun, moon, and stars as forming the “host of heaven” in this connection leaves no doubt that astral bodies and their cult are referred to. Sidereal worship was practised among the Canaanites, as many old names of cities (e.g., Jericho = “moon city”) indicate, and the astral character of the Assyro-Babylonian religion is well authenticated. The cult of the “host of heaven” was in favor among the Hebrews, but whether in imitation of the customs of their neighbors or as expressing their own original polytheistic religion (as suggested by Hommel) remains a matter for conjecture. Certain kings are mentioned as especially devoted to this form of idolatry (e.g., Manasseh and Ahaz; II Kings xxiii. 3, 5, 12). It is an open question whether (Jer. vii. 18, xliv. 17-19, 25) should be read “queen of heaven” or “kingdom of heaven.” If the latter reading be accepted, “host of heaven” is synonymous; and even if the pointing indicating “queen of heaven” is preferred, the phrase throws light on the connotations of the other phrase (Stade’s “Zeitschrift,” vi. 123 et seq., 289 et seq.; Schrader “Sitzungsberichte der Berliner Akademie,” 1886, pp. 477-491; “Zeit, für Assyr.” iii. 353-364, iv. 74-76).
We don’t disagree....yours are rational reasons why the Jews returned to worship a calf... and yes they were steeped in Egyptian idol worship. However the deeper meaning in Jewish thought seeks the innermost reasons for the Jews’ actions in Torah (and Prophets and Writings.) The inner reason is that they saw an ox on G-d’s throne. Jewish teaching finds the virtuous (or attempted virtue) end to the means.