Topical Bible: Industry: Jeroboam

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Introduction

Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, is a significant figure in the history of Israel, known for his role in the division of the united monarchy and the establishment of the northern kingdom of Israel. His reign marks a pivotal moment in biblical history, characterized by political ambition, religious innovation, and a departure from the worship practices established in Jerusalem.

Background and Rise to Power

Jeroboam was an Ephraimite from Zeredah, and his mother was Zeruah, a widow (1 Kings 11:26). He first appears in the biblical narrative as a capable and industrious young man whom King Solomon appointed over the labor force of the house of Joseph (1 Kings 11:28). His industrious nature and leadership skills quickly gained him prominence.

However, Jeroboam's ambitions led him into conflict with Solomon. The prophet Ahijah the Shilonite met Jeroboam on the road and prophesied that God would tear the kingdom from Solomon's son and give ten tribes to Jeroboam (1 Kings 11:29-31). This divine endorsement set the stage for Jeroboam's future as a king.

Division of the Kingdom

After Solomon's death, his son Rehoboam ascended the throne. Jeroboam returned from exile in Egypt, where he had fled to escape Solomon's wrath (1 Kings 11:40). The people of Israel, dissatisfied with Rehoboam's harsh policies, turned to Jeroboam for leadership. This discontent led to the division of the kingdom, with Jeroboam becoming the first king of the newly formed northern kingdom of Israel, consisting of ten tribes (1 Kings 12:20).

Religious Innovations and Idolatry

Jeroboam's reign is marked by significant religious changes. Concerned that his subjects would return to Rehoboam if they continued to worship in Jerusalem, Jeroboam established alternative centers of worship in Bethel and Dan. He set up golden calves and declared, "Here are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt" (1 Kings 12:28). This act of idolatry was a direct violation of the covenantal worship of Yahweh and led Israel into sin.

Jeroboam also appointed non-Levitical priests and instituted a festival on the fifteenth day of the eighth month, similar to the Feast of Tabernacles in Judah, further solidifying his religious reforms (1 Kings 12:31-32).

Prophetic Condemnation and Legacy

Jeroboam's actions drew condemnation from prophets, including a man of God from Judah who prophesied against the altar at Bethel (1 Kings 13:1-3). Despite these warnings, Jeroboam did not turn from his evil ways, and his dynasty was ultimately doomed. The prophet Ahijah later foretold the destruction of Jeroboam's house due to his sins (1 Kings 14:10-11).

Jeroboam's legacy is one of infamy, as he is frequently cited in the biblical narrative as the standard of idolatry and disobedience against which subsequent kings of Israel are measured. His reign set a precedent for the northern kingdom's persistent apostasy, leading to its eventual downfall.

Conclusion

Jeroboam's industrious rise to power and subsequent reign as king of Israel highlight the complexities of leadership and the consequences of departing from divine commandments. His account serves as a cautionary tale of ambition unchecked by faithfulness to God, illustrating the enduring impact of his religious and political decisions on the history of Israel.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 11:28
And the man Jeroboam was a mighty man of valor: and Solomon seeing the young man that he was industrious, he made him ruler over all the charge of the house of Joseph.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Jeroboam
... vogue, the workmen would be inclined to shirk their toil, and among them Jeroboam
stood out in conspicuous contrast, by reason of his eagerness and industry. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/jeroboam.htm

The Hebrew Prophecies.
... done for other Oriental races by their institutions, subdued them to industry and
order ... was far more prosperous and powerful than the Southern; under Jeroboam II ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter v the hebrew prophecies.htm

The Apocalypse of Baruch.
... This interesting work was brought to light by the industry of AN Ceriani, the ... contrasted
with the times of David and Solomon; the revolt of Jeroboam and the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the apocalypse of baruch.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... of the Middle Tigris"Urartu and its expansion into the north of Syria"Damascus and
Israel"Vengeance of Israel on Damascus"Jeroboam II.--- Civilisation ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6. <. ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Of Civil Government.
... of God, it behoves them to watch with all care, diligence, and industry, that they ...
For, when Jeroboam made the golden calf, they forsook the temple of God, and ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 20 of civil government.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... One day it stands proud and stately in the splendour of its glory; there is no report
abroad but that which tells of its riches, its industry, its valour, the ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm