Introduction:
Jeroboam II, son of Jehoash (also spelled Joash), was the fourteenth king of the northern kingdom of Israel. His reign is noted for its military successes and territorial expansion, as well as for the moral and spiritual decline of the nation. Jeroboam II's rule is chronicled in the books of 2 Kings and Amos, providing insight into his political achievements and the prophetic challenges he faced.

Historical Context:
Jeroboam II reigned during the 8th century BC, approximately from 793 to 753 BC. He was a member of the Jehu dynasty, which had been established by his great-grandfather Jehu. His reign followed that of his father, Jehoash, and was marked by a period of relative stability and prosperity for Israel. This era coincided with the weakening of Israel's traditional enemies, such as Aram-Damascus, due to the rise of the Assyrian Empire.

Military and Political Achievements:
Jeroboam II is credited with restoring the boundaries of Israel to their former extent, as described in 2 Kings 14:25 : "He restored the border of Israel from Lebo-hamath to the Sea of the Arabah, according to the word that the LORD, the God of Israel, had spoken through His servant Jonah son of Amittai, the prophet from Gath-hepher." This expansion was significant, as it reclaimed territories lost in previous conflicts and secured Israel's borders.

Under Jeroboam II, Israel experienced economic growth and increased trade, benefiting from the stability and security provided by his military campaigns. His reign is often seen as a time of prosperity, although this was not accompanied by spiritual renewal.

Religious and Social Conditions:
Despite his political successes, Jeroboam II's reign was marked by spiritual decline and social injustice. The prophet Amos, who ministered during this time, condemned the moral and ethical corruption prevalent in Israel. Amos 6:4-6 highlights the complacency and indulgence of the wealthy: "You lie on beds inlaid with ivory and lounge on your couches. You dine on choice lambs and fattened calves. You improvise songs on the harp like David and invent your own musical instruments. You drink wine by the bowlful and anoint yourselves with the finest oils, but you fail to grieve over the ruin of Joseph."

The religious practices of the time were characterized by idolatry and syncretism, as the people of Israel continued to worship the golden calves set up by the first Jeroboam, as well as other Canaanite deities. This apostasy drew the ire of the prophets, who called for repentance and a return to the covenant with Yahweh.

Prophetic Ministry:
The prophetic voices during Jeroboam II's reign, particularly those of Amos and Hosea, played a crucial role in addressing the spiritual and social issues of the time. Amos, a shepherd from Judah, was sent by God to prophesy against the northern kingdom, denouncing its injustices and warning of impending judgment. Hosea's ministry also highlighted the unfaithfulness of Israel, using the metaphor of a broken marriage to illustrate the nation's relationship with God.

Legacy:
Jeroboam II's reign is remembered for its external successes but internal failures. While he achieved significant territorial gains and economic prosperity, these accomplishments were overshadowed by the spiritual and moral decay of the nation. The prophetic warnings during his reign foreshadowed the eventual downfall of the northern kingdom, which would come to pass a few decades after his death with the Assyrian conquest in 722 BC.