Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, is a prominent figure in the history of Israel, known for his role in leading the northern tribes in rebellion against the house of David and establishing the northern kingdom of Israel. His reign is marked by significant religious and political changes, most notably his perversion of true worship, which had lasting consequences for the nation.

Background and Rise to Power

Jeroboam was an Ephraimite and a servant of King Solomon. Recognized for his industrious nature, he was appointed by Solomon to oversee the labor force of the house of Joseph (1 Kings 11:28). However, due to Solomon's idolatry, God declared through the prophet Ahijah that the kingdom would be torn from Solomon's son, Rehoboam, and ten tribes would be given to Jeroboam (1 Kings 11:31-35).

After Solomon's death, Jeroboam capitalized on the discontent among the northern tribes, who were dissatisfied with Rehoboam's harsh policies. This led to the division of the united monarchy, with Jeroboam becoming the first king of the newly formed northern kingdom of Israel (1 Kings 12:20).

Perverting True Worship

Jeroboam's most notorious act was his establishment of an alternative religious system, which directly contravened the worship ordained by God. Fearing that his subjects would return to Rehoboam if they continued to worship in Jerusalem, Jeroboam set up two golden calves, placing one in Bethel and the other in Dan. He proclaimed to the people, "Here are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt" (1 Kings 12:28). This act was a direct violation of the first and second commandments, which prohibit idolatry and the worship of graven images (Exodus 20:3-4).

Jeroboam further corrupted the worship by establishing high places, appointing priests from among all the people who were not Levites, and instituting a festival on the fifteenth day of the eighth month, similar to the Feast of Tabernacles in Judah, but of his own devising (1 Kings 12:31-33). These actions were a deliberate attempt to create a religious system that would rival the true worship of Yahweh in Jerusalem.

Consequences and Legacy

Jeroboam's perversion of worship had dire consequences for himself and the northern kingdom. A man of God from Judah prophesied against the altar at Bethel, declaring that a future king, Josiah, would desecrate it (1 Kings 13:1-2). Despite this warning, Jeroboam did not repent, and his actions led to the downfall of his house. God declared through the prophet Ahijah that Jeroboam's dynasty would be cut off, and his son, Nadab, was assassinated, ending his lineage (1 Kings 14:10-14).

Jeroboam's legacy is one of spiritual apostasy and rebellion against God. His establishment of idolatrous worship set a precedent for future kings of Israel, who continued in his sinful ways, leading the nation further away from the covenant with Yahweh. The phrase "the sins of Jeroboam" became synonymous with idolatry and disobedience, a recurring theme in the narrative of the kings of Israel (1 Kings 15:34).

Jeroboam's reign serves as a cautionary tale of the dangers of deviating from God's prescribed worship and the severe consequences of leading others into sin. His actions underscore the importance of faithfulness to God's commandments and the centrality of true worship in the life of God's people.1 Kings 12:26-33
And Jeroboam said in his heart, Now shall the kingdom return to the house of David:
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1 Kings 13:1-5
And, behold, there came a man of God out of Judah by the word of the LORD to Bethel: and Jeroboam stood by the altar to burn incense.
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1 Kings 14:16
And he shall give Israel up because of the sins of Jeroboam, who did sin, and who made Israel to sin.
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