Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, is a prominent 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 is marked by significant religious and political changes, many of which are viewed negatively in the biblical narrative due to his unfaithfulness to the covenant with God.

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 under King Solomon as a capable and industrious young man, overseeing the labor force of the house of Joseph (1 Kings 11:28). However, his ambition and potential were recognized by the prophet Ahijah, who foretold that Jeroboam would rule over ten tribes of Israel due to Solomon's idolatry and the subsequent divine judgment (1 Kings 11:29-31).

Rebellion and Establishment of the Northern Kingdom

Following Solomon's death, Jeroboam led a successful rebellion against Solomon's son, Rehoboam, resulting in the division of the kingdom. The ten northern tribes rejected Rehoboam's harsh policies and made Jeroboam their king (1 Kings 12:16-20). This division fulfilled the prophecy given by Ahijah, but it also set the stage for Jeroboam's notorious actions that would lead Israel into sin.

Religious Innovations and Idolatry

Jeroboam's reign is chiefly characterized by his establishment of a rival religious system to prevent the people from returning to Jerusalem to worship. Fearing that continued pilgrimages to the temple in Jerusalem would undermine his rule, Jeroboam set up golden calves in Bethel and Dan, declaring, "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 first and second commandments 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, further solidifying his break from the divinely ordained worship in Jerusalem (1 Kings 12:31-33).

Prophetic Condemnation and Legacy

Jeroboam's actions drew severe condemnation from the prophets. A man of God from Judah prophesied against the altar at Bethel, predicting its destruction and the desecration of its priests' bones (1 Kings 13:1-3). Despite witnessing miraculous signs and receiving direct warnings, Jeroboam did not repent. Instead, he continued in his evil ways, leading to the eventual downfall of his dynasty.

The Bible consistently refers to Jeroboam as the one "who caused Israel to sin," a phrase that underscores the lasting impact of his idolatry and unfaithfulness (1 Kings 14:16). His legacy is one of spiritual corruption and rebellion against God, serving as a cautionary tale of the consequences of leading God's people astray.

Conclusion

Jeroboam's reign is a pivotal moment in Israel's history, marking the beginning of a pattern of idolatry and unfaithfulness that plagued the northern kingdom until its eventual exile. His actions serve as a stark reminder of the importance of fidelity to God's commandments and the dangers of compromising true worship for political expediency.1 Kings 11:26
And Jeroboam the son of Nebat, an Ephrathite of Zereda, Solomon's servant, whose mother's name was Zeruah, a widow woman, even he lifted up his hand against the king.
Nave's Topical Index

Jeroboam
... no pleasure in the death of the wicked." Ezekiel 33 ... The Lord gave His servant boldness,
that an abiding ... The penalty that overtook the unfaithful messenger was a ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 7 jeroboam.htm

The Prophet Amos.
... the son of such, but a poor servant herdman ... of the Almighty." And since they have
become wicked, the words ... Lord, and destroys first of all unfaithful Israel, who ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the prophet amos.htm

Psalm LXXVIII.
... with the mouth, that is, with unfaithful testimony. ... instrumentality of evil angels,
in this wicked world, as ... been said, "to feed Jacob His servant, and Israel ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxviii.htm

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