Topical Encyclopedia 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 after the division of the united monarchy. His reign and actions were the subject of several prophecies, which are recorded in the biblical narrative.Prophecy of Ahijah the Shilonite The initial prophecy concerning Jeroboam is delivered by Ahijah the Shilonite. This prophecy is pivotal as it sets the stage for Jeroboam's rise to power. Ahijah meets Jeroboam on the road and tears a new cloak into twelve pieces, giving ten to Jeroboam. This act symbolizes the division of the kingdom and the ten tribes that Jeroboam would rule over. Ahijah declares, "Take ten pieces for yourself, for this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Behold, I will tear the kingdom out of the hand of Solomon and give you ten tribes’" (1 Kings 11:31). This prophecy is a direct consequence of Solomon's idolatry and the turning away of his heart from the LORD. Conditional Promise of a Lasting Dynasty Ahijah's prophecy also includes a conditional promise to Jeroboam. The LORD offers Jeroboam a lasting dynasty similar to that of David, contingent upon his obedience to God's commandments. The LORD states, "If you listen to all that I command you, and walk in My ways, and do what is right in My sight by keeping My statutes and commandments, as My servant David did, I will be with you. I will build you a lasting dynasty, as I built for David, and I will give Israel to you" (1 Kings 11:38). This promise underscores the importance of faithfulness to God as a condition for enduring leadership and blessing. Prophecy of Judgment for Idolatry Despite the initial promise, Jeroboam's reign is marked by idolatry and disobedience. He establishes golden calves at Bethel and Dan, leading Israel into sin. This apostasy prompts further prophetic judgment. Ahijah, now in his old age, delivers a message of doom to Jeroboam's wife concerning their son and the future of Jeroboam's house. The LORD declares through Ahijah, "Because of this, I am bringing disaster on the house of Jeroboam. I will cut off from Jeroboam every male, both slave and free, in Israel; I will burn up the house of Jeroboam as one burns up dung until it is gone" (1 Kings 14:10). This prophecy foretells the complete eradication of Jeroboam's lineage due to his sins and the leading of Israel into idolatry. Fulfillment of Prophetic Judgment The prophetic words concerning Jeroboam's house are fulfilled during the reign of his son, Nadab. Baasha, from the tribe of Issachar, conspires against Nadab and kills him, subsequently exterminating the entire house of Jeroboam. The biblical text records, "As soon as he began to reign, he struck down the entire house of Jeroboam. He did not leave to Jeroboam anyone who breathed, but destroyed them all, according to the word of the LORD spoken through His servant Ahijah the Shilonite" (1 Kings 15:29). This fulfillment underscores the certainty of God's prophetic word and the consequences of disobedience. Jeroboam's life and reign serve as a profound narrative of divine prophecy, conditional promises, and the severe repercussions of leading a nation away from the worship of the true God. His account is a testament to the enduring truth of God's word and the importance of faithfulness to His commandments. Nave's Topical Index Amos 7:7-13Thus he showed me: and, behold, the LORD stood on a wall made by a plumb line, with a plumb line in his hand. Nave's Topical Index Library The Twelve Minor Prophets. The Hebrew Prophecies. The Antiquities of the Jews Of the Prophecies of the Birth and Achievements of Christ. Isaiah The Prophet Hosea. Book 9 Footnotes The Book of the Law Book 8 Footnotes Interpretation of Prophecy. Resources Who was Ahijah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was King Rehoboam in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Why was Israel divided into the Southern Kingdom and Northern Kingdom? | GotQuestions.org Jeroboam: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Jeroboam: First King of Israel After the Revolt: Ahijah's Prophecy Concerning Jeroboam: First King of Israel After the Revolt: Death of Jeroboam: First King of Israel After the Revolt: Flees to Egypt to Escape from Solomon Jeroboam: First King of Israel After the Revolt: Hand of, Paralyzed Jeroboam: First King of Israel After the Revolt: His War With Abijah Jeroboam: First King of Israel After the Revolt: His Wars With Rehoboam Jeroboam: First King of Israel After the Revolt: Promoted by Solomon Jeroboam: First King of Israel After the Revolt: Subverts the Religion of Moses Jeroboam: His Wife Sent to Consult the Prophet Ahijah Concerning Her Child Jeroboam: King of Israel: Death of Jeroboam: King of Israel: Genealogies Written During his Reign Jeroboam: King of Israel: Makes Conquest of Hamath and Damascus Jeroboam: King of Israel: Prophecies Concerning Jeroboam: King of Israel: Successor to Jehoash Jeroboam: King of Israel: Wicked Reign of Jeroboam: Recalled from Egypt by the Ten Tribes on Account of Disaffection Toward Rehoboam Related Terms |
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