Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, is a significant figure in the history of Israel, known for his role as the first king of the northern kingdom following the division of the united monarchy. His reign marks a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative, characterized by political, religious, and military challenges.

Background and Rise to Power

Jeroboam was an Ephraimite from Zeredah, and his mother was Zeruah, a widow (1 Kings 11:26). He initially served as an official under King Solomon, overseeing the labor force of the house of Joseph. However, due to Solomon's idolatry and the subsequent divine judgment, the prophet Ahijah foretold that Jeroboam would rule over ten of the twelve tribes of Israel (1 Kings 11:29-31). After Solomon's death, Jeroboam capitalized on the discontent with Rehoboam, Solomon's son, leading to the secession of the northern tribes and the establishment of the independent kingdom of Israel (1 Kings 12:16-20).

Religious Reforms and Idolatry

Jeroboam's reign is notably marked by his religious reforms, which were primarily motivated by political concerns. Fearing that pilgrimages to Jerusalem for worship would undermine his rule, Jeroboam established alternative centers of worship in Bethel and Dan, where he set up golden calves (1 Kings 12:28-30). This act of idolatry was a direct violation of the covenantal commandments and led Israel into sin, drawing divine condemnation.

War with Abijah

The conflict between Jeroboam and Abijah, the king of Judah, is a significant episode in Jeroboam's reign. The biblical account in 2 Chronicles 13 details this confrontation. Abijah, standing on Mount Zemaraim, addressed Jeroboam and the Israelites, reminding them of the Davidic covenant and their rebellion against the rightful king (2 Chronicles 13:4-12). Abijah emphasized the faithfulness of Judah to the LORD, contrasting it with Jeroboam's idolatry.

Despite being outnumbered, Abijah's forces were victorious due to divine intervention. The chronicler records, "So the Israelites were subdued at that time, and the people of Judah prevailed because they relied on the LORD, the God of their fathers" (2 Chronicles 13:18). This defeat significantly weakened Jeroboam's power and influence.

Legacy and Death

Jeroboam's legacy is marred by his introduction of idolatry, which had long-lasting repercussions for the northern kingdom. His reign lasted 22 years, and he was succeeded by his son Nadab (1 Kings 14:20). The biblical narrative consistently portrays Jeroboam as a cautionary figure, whose actions led Israel away from the worship of the true God, setting a precedent for future kings of Israel. His death is recorded in 1 Kings 14:19-20, marking the end of a tumultuous and spiritually detrimental reign.1 Kings 15:7
Now the rest of the acts of Abijam, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? And there was war between Abijam and Jeroboam.
Nave's Topical Index

2 Chronicles 13:1
Now in the eighteenth year of king Jeroboam began Abijah to reign over Judah.
Nave's Topical Index

Jeroboam
... been permitted to go on in safety, the king would have ... Israel up because of the sins
of Jeroboam, who did ... Lord did not give Israel up without first doing all ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 7 jeroboam.htm

The Antiquities of the Jews
... And How After The Death Of Jeroboam His Son Zachariah Took ... When He Had Taken The
Government First Of All ... And Bound Him; Whom Yet Archelaus King Of Cappadocia ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/the antiquities of the jews/

Questions.
... 21. What was the end of the house of Jeroboam? 22. ... 14. What was the first measure
of Zerubbabel and Joshua? 15. ... 26. Who became King of Persia? 27. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/questions.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... The first three chapters probably date from the end of ... of grandeur and renown with
which Jeroboam had surrounded ... shall abide many days without king and without ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

Appendices
... [Footnote 12: The first date is ... He pays tribute to Assyria 841 Jehoanaz 814 Jehoash
798 Jeroboam II ... 5. was king of Israel, and he oppressed Moab many days, for ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/appendices.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... he had already acquired: the men of Israel, whom he ... Jerubbaal is said to have, in
the first instance, refused ... it is true, only a petty king, whose sovereignty ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Who was King Abijah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Who was King Nadab in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What can we learn from the man of God and the lying prophet? | GotQuestions.org

Jeroboam: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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