Topical Encyclopedia Nebat is a biblical figure known primarily as the father of Jeroboam, the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel after the division of the united monarchy. Although Nebat himself is not a central character in the biblical narrative, his legacy is significant due to his son's role in Israel's history.Biblical References: Nebat is mentioned in several passages in the Old Testament, primarily in the context of his son Jeroboam. The most notable references include: 1. 1 Kings 11:26 : "Now Jeroboam son of Nebat, an Ephraimite from Zeredah, a servant of Solomon, whose mother’s name was Zeruah, a widow, also rebelled against the king." 2. 1 Kings 12:2 : "When Jeroboam son of Nebat heard about this, he was still in Egypt, where he had fled from King Solomon. So Jeroboam returned from Egypt." 3. 1 Kings 12:15 : "So the king did not listen to the people, for this turn of events was from the LORD, to fulfill the word that the LORD had spoken to Jeroboam son of Nebat through Ahijah the Shilonite." 4. 2 Kings 3:3 : "Nevertheless, he clung to the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, which he had caused Israel to commit, and he did not turn away from them." Historical and Theological Context: Nebat was an Ephraimite from Zeredah, a town in the territory of Ephraim. His son, Jeroboam, rose to prominence as a servant of King Solomon. Jeroboam's rebellion against Solomon and subsequent rule over the northern tribes of Israel marked a significant turning point in Israel's history, leading to the division of the united monarchy into the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. The biblical narrative often refers to Jeroboam as "Jeroboam son of Nebat," emphasizing Nebat's role as his father. This designation serves to identify Jeroboam's lineage and roots within the tribe of Ephraim, one of the prominent tribes of Israel. Theological Significance: The legacy of Nebat is largely defined by the actions of his son, Jeroboam. Jeroboam's establishment of alternative worship centers in Bethel and Dan, with golden calves, is frequently condemned in the biblical text. This act is seen as a direct violation of the covenantal worship of Yahweh centered in Jerusalem. The phrase "the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat" becomes a recurring indictment against subsequent kings of Israel who continue in idolatry and lead the nation away from the worship of the one true God. Nebat's mention in the biblical text serves as a reminder of the generational impact of leadership and the consequences of turning away from God's commandments. The narrative underscores the importance of faithfulness to God's covenant and the dangers of idolatry, which ultimately led to the downfall of the northern kingdom. Cultural and Historical Impact: While Nebat himself does not play a direct role in the events described, his mention in the context of Jeroboam's reign highlights the importance of familial and tribal identities in ancient Israel. The tribal affiliation with Ephraim is significant, as Ephraim was one of the leading tribes in the northern kingdom, often associated with leadership and influence. In summary, Nebat's legacy is intricately tied to the actions and decisions of his son, Jeroboam, whose reign set a precedent for the spiritual and political direction of the northern kingdom of Israel. The biblical narrative uses Nebat's name as a marker of the beginning of a period characterized by idolatry and disobedience to God's covenant. Concordance Nebat's (2 Occurrences)1 Kings 12:2 2 Chronicles 10:2 Thesaurus Nebat's (2 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Nebat's (2 Occurrences). 1 Kings 12:2 And it cometh to pass, at Jeroboam son of Nebat's hearing (and he ... /n/nebat's.htm - 7k Nebat (25 Occurrences) Nebo (13 Occurrences) Dwelleth (142 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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