Now Jeroboam son of Nebat was an Ephraimite from Zeredah whose mother was a widow named Zeruah. Jeroboam was a servant of Solomon, but he rebelled against the king, Now Jeroboam son of NebatThe introduction of Jeroboam is significant in the narrative of Israel's history. His name, Jeroboam, means "the people will contend" or "he pleads the people's cause," which foreshadows his future role in leading a rebellion. The mention of his father, Nebat, is a common biblical practice to establish lineage and identity. Jeroboam's emergence marks a pivotal moment in the division of the united monarchy of Israel. an Ephraimite from Zeredah
Ephraim was one of the prominent tribes of Israel, often associated with leadership and strength. Being an Ephraimite, Jeroboam was from a tribe that had historical tensions with Judah, Solomon's tribe. Zeredah, his hometown, is less known but its mention roots Jeroboam in a specific geographical and tribal context, emphasizing his connection to the northern tribes. a servant of Solomon
This phrase highlights Jeroboam's initial position within Solomon's administration. As a servant, or more accurately, an official, Jeroboam had firsthand experience of Solomon's reign and policies. This role provided him with insights into the kingdom's operations and possibly fueled his later ambitions and grievances. whose mother’s name was Zeruah, a widow
The mention of Zeruah, Jeroboam's mother, and her status as a widow, adds a personal dimension to Jeroboam's background. In ancient Israel, widows were often vulnerable and marginalized, which might have influenced Jeroboam's perspectives on justice and leadership. This detail humanizes Jeroboam and provides a glimpse into his formative influences. also rebelled against the king
The act of rebellion is central to Jeroboam's story. The Hebrew root for "rebelled" suggests a rising up or lifting oneself against authority. This rebellion was not merely political but also spiritual, as it eventually led to the division of the kingdom and the establishment of alternative worship centers. Jeroboam's rebellion is a turning point that fulfills God's judgment on Solomon's idolatry, as prophesied earlier in the chapter. Persons / Places / Events 1. Jeroboam son of NebatAn Ephraimite who served under King Solomon. He later became the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel after the division of the united monarchy. 2. EphraimiteRefers to Jeroboam's tribal affiliation with the tribe of Ephraim, one of the prominent tribes of Israel, often associated with leadership and strength. 3. ZeredahA town in the territory of Ephraim, indicating Jeroboam's origins and possibly his influence within the tribe. 4. ZeruahJeroboam's mother, described as a widow, which may imply a humble or challenging upbringing for Jeroboam. 5. Rebellion against SolomonThis event marks the beginning of significant political and spiritual shifts in Israel, leading to the division of the kingdom. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in Leadership ChangesDespite human rebellion and political upheaval, God remains in control, orchestrating events according to His divine plan. Consequences of DisobedienceSolomon's failure to remain faithful to God led to the division of the kingdom, illustrating the far-reaching consequences of disobedience. The Role of Humble BeginningsJeroboam's rise from humble origins as the son of a widow shows that God can elevate individuals regardless of their background. The Dangers of RebellionJeroboam's rebellion against Solomon serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and ambition when not aligned with God's will. Tribal Identity and InfluenceJeroboam's identity as an Ephraimite highlights the significance of tribal affiliations and their impact on leadership and national identity. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Jeroboam's background as an Ephraimite and the son of a widow influence his character and actions? 2. In what ways does the division of the kingdom serve as a warning about the consequences of turning away from God? 3. How can we see God's sovereignty at work in the political and personal upheavals in our own lives? 4. What lessons can we learn from Jeroboam's rebellion about the importance of aligning our ambitions with God's will? 5. How does the account of Jeroboam challenge us to consider the impact of our tribal or community identities on our faith and leadership? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Kings 11:11-13God's pronouncement to Solomon about the division of the kingdom due to his idolatry, setting the stage for Jeroboam's rise. 1 Kings 12:20The fulfillment of Jeroboam's rise to power as king over the northern tribes of Israel, except for Judah. 2 Chronicles 10:15The account of the division of the kingdom, emphasizing God's sovereignty in the unfolding events. Hosea 13:11Reflects on God's role in giving and taking away kings, relevant to understanding Jeroboam's rise and fall. People Ahijah, Ammonites, Aram, Ashtoreth, Chemosh, David, Edomites, Eliada, Eliadah, Genubath, Hadad, Hadadezer, Hittites, Israelites, Jeroboam, Joab, Joseph, Milcom, Moabites, Molech, Nebat, Pharaoh, Rehoboam, Rezon, Shishak, Sidonians, Solomon, Tahpenes, Zeruah, Zidon, ZidoniansPlaces Damascus, Edom, Egypt, Jerusalem, Midian, Millo, Moab, Paran, Syria, Zeredah, ZobahTopics Ephraimite, E'phraimite, Ephrathite, Jeroboam, Jerobo'am, Lifted, Lifteth, Mother's, Named, Nebat, Officials, Raised, Rebelled, Servant, Solomon, Solomon's, Widow, Zereda, Zeredah, Zer'edah, Zeruah, Zeru'ahDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 11:14-26 7236 Israel, united kingdom 1 Kings 11:26-33 7233 Israel, northern kingdom Library The New Garment Bent
'And Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, an Ephrathite of Zereda, Solomon's servant, whose mother's name was Zeruah, a widow woman, even he lifted up his hand against the king. 27. And this was the cause that he lifted up his hand against the king: Solomon built Millo, and repaired the breaches of the city of David his father. 28. And the man Jeroboam was a mighty man of valour: and Solomon seeing the young man that he was industrious, he made him ruler over all the charge of the house of Joseph. 29. And …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Fall of Solomon
'For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father. 5. For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. 6. And Solomon did evil in the sight of the Lord, and went not fully after the Lord, as did David his father. 7. Then did Solomon build an high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, in the …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture What Happened to Solomon
In his early manhood Solomon was noted for his deep piety and his fervent love of righteousness. When he became king, he found a great work ready for his hand, and he set about the task with a glad heart. To build a temple to Jehovah was his delight, and he threw into it his whole strength. His prayer at the dedication of the temple shows a deeply reverent and submissive spirit. As the years went by he increased in riches and honor. His name became a synonym for wisdom. Many nations paid him tribute. …
Charles Wesley Naylor—Heart Talks "When Solomon was Old. "
"It came to pass when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other Gods." 1 KINGS xi. 4. Who could have predicted that this would come to pass? And yet it is often so, for it is still true that NO AMOUNT OF KNOWLEDGE WILL SAVE FROM BACKSLIDING THOSE WHO REFUSE TO LISTEN TO GOD. We learn from verse 10 that God had taken pains to save Solomon from idolatry, (see 1 Kings vi. 12, and xi. 6). But what good is it for even God to try to save a man who will have his own way? And …
Thomas Champness—Broken Bread Scriptural Types.
1. The material world is full of analogies adapted to the illustration of spiritual things. No teacher ever drew from this inexhaustible storehouse such a rich variety of examples as our Saviour. His disciples are the salt of the earth, the light of the world, and a city set on a hill. From the ravens which God feeds and the lilies which God clothes, he teaches the unreasonableness of worldly anxiety. The kingdom of heaven is like seed sown in different soils, like a field of wheat and tares …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible The Situation of the Jews During this Period.
As we have seen in earlier chapters, the declarations of Holy Writ make it very clear that Israel will yet be restored to God's favor and be rehabilitated in Palestine. But before that glad time arrives, the Jews have to pass through a season of sore trouble and affliction, during which God severely chastises them for their sins and punishes them for the rejection and crucifixion of their Messiah. Fearful indeed have been the past experiences of "the nation of the weary feet" but a darker path than …
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return How to Split a Kingdom
And Rehoboam went to Shechem: for all Israel were come to Shechem to make him king. 2. And it came to pass, when Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who was yet in Egypt, heard of it (for he was fled from the presence of king Solomon, and Jeroboam dwelt in Egypt); 3. That they sent and called him. And Jeroboam and all the congregation of Israel came, and spake unto Rehoboam, saying, 4. Thy father made our yoke grievous: now therefore make thou the grievous service of thy father, and his heavy yoke which he …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Political Religion
'Then Jeroboam built Shechera in mount Ephraim, and dwelt therein; and went out from thence, and built Penuel. 26. And Jeroboam said in his heart, Now shall the kingdom return to the house of David: 27. If this people go up to do sacrifice in the house of the Lord at Jerusalem, then shall the heart of this people turn again unto their lord, even unto Rehoboam king of Judah, and they shall kill me, and go again to Rehoboam king of Judah. 28. Whereupon the king took counsel, and made two calves of …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture "This Thing is from Me"
"Thus saith the Lord, Ye shall not go up, nor fight against your brethren the children of Israel: return every man to his house; for this thing is from me."--1 Kings 12:24. IT IS VERY DELIGHTFUL to read a history in which God is made prominent. How sadly deficient we are of such histories of our own English nation! Yet surely there is no story that is more full of God than the record of the doings of our British race. Cowper, in one of his poems, shows the parallel between us and the house of Israel, …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 42: 1896 Covenant Duties.
It is here proposed to show, that every incumbent duty ought, in suitable circumstances, to be engaged to in the exercise of Covenanting. The law and covenant of God are co-extensive; and what is enjoined in the one is confirmed in the other. The proposals of that Covenant include its promises and its duties. The former are made and fulfilled by its glorious Originator; the latter are enjoined and obligatory on man. The duties of that Covenant are God's law; and the demands of the law are all made …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting Formation and History of the Hebrew Canon.
1. The Greek word canon (originally a straight rod or pole, measuring-rod, then rule) denotes that collection of books which the churches receive as given by inspiration of God, and therefore as constituting for them a divine rule of faith and practice. To the books included in it the term canonical is applied. The Canon of the Old Testament, considered in reference to its constituent parts, was formed gradually; formed under divine superintendence by a process of growth extending through …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible Temporal Advantages.
"We brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content."--1 Tim. vi. 7, 8. Every age has its own special sins and temptations. Impatience with their lot, murmuring, grudging, unthankfulness, discontent, are sins common to men at all times, but I suppose one of those sins which belongs to our age more than to another, is desire of a greater portion of worldly goods than God has given us,--ambition and covetousness …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII Redemption for Man Lost to be Sought in Christ.
1. The knowledge of God the Creator of no avail without faith in Christ the Redeemer. First reason. Second reason strengthened by the testimony of an Apostle. Conclusion. This doctrine entertained by the children of God in all ages from the beginning of the world. Error of throwing open heaven to the heathen, who know nothing of Christ. The pretexts for this refuted by passages of Scripture. 2. God never was propitious to the ancient Israelites without Christ the Mediator. First reason founded on …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion The Instrumentality of the Wicked Employed by God, While He Continues Free from Every Taint.
1. The carnal mind the source of the objections which are raised against the Providence of God. A primary objection, making a distinction between the permission and the will of God, refuted. Angels and men, good and bad, do nought but what has been decreed by God. This proved by examples. 2. All hidden movements directed to their end by the unseen but righteous instigation of God. Examples, with answers to objections. 3. These objections originate in a spirit of pride and blasphemy. Objection, that …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Kings 11:26 NIV1 Kings 11:26 NLT1 Kings 11:26 ESV1 Kings 11:26 NASB1 Kings 11:26 KJV
1 Kings 11:26 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
