Topical Bible: Idolatry: Jeroboam

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Topical Encyclopedia

Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, is a significant figure in the history of Israel, particularly in the context of idolatry. He was the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel after the division of the united monarchy under Solomon's son, Rehoboam. Jeroboam's reign is marked by his establishment of idolatrous practices that had long-lasting effects on the spiritual state of Israel.

Background and Rise to Power

Jeroboam was an Ephraimite and a servant of King Solomon. He was recognized for his industrious nature and was appointed by Solomon to oversee the labor force of the house of Joseph (1 Kings 11:28). However, due to Solomon's idolatry and the subsequent divine judgment, the prophet Ahijah foretold that Jeroboam would rule over ten tribes of Israel (1 Kings 11:29-31). After Solomon's death, Jeroboam led a revolt against Rehoboam, resulting in the division of the kingdom (1 Kings 12:16-20).

Establishment of Idolatry

Fearing that the people of Israel would return to the house of David if they continued to worship in Jerusalem, Jeroboam established alternative centers of worship. He 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 was a direct violation of the first and second commandments, which prohibit the worship of other gods and the making of graven images (Exodus 20:3-4).

Jeroboam's actions were motivated by political expediency rather than spiritual fidelity. He appointed non-Levitical priests and instituted a festival on the fifteenth day of the eighth month, similar to the Feast of Tabernacles, but of his own devising (1 Kings 12:31-33). This syncretism led Israel into sin, as the people were drawn away from the true worship of Yahweh.

Prophetic Condemnation

The idolatry initiated by Jeroboam was condemned by the prophets. 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). This prophecy was fulfilled during Josiah's reforms (2 Kings 23:15-16). Jeroboam's refusal to repent, despite the signs and warnings, resulted in divine judgment. His dynasty was cut off, and his house was destroyed (1 Kings 14:10-11).

Legacy of Idolatry

Jeroboam's idolatry set a precedent for the northern kingdom, leading to a pattern of apostasy among subsequent kings. The phrase "the sins of Jeroboam" became synonymous with the idolatrous practices that plagued Israel (1 Kings 15:34; 2 Kings 10:29). This legacy contributed to the eventual downfall and exile of the northern kingdom by the Assyrians in 722 BC (2 Kings 17:21-23).

Jeroboam's introduction of idolatry serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of compromising true worship for political or personal gain. His actions underscore the importance of adhering to God's commandments and the consequences of leading others astray.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 12:28
Whereupon the king took counsel, and made two calves of gold, and said to them, It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem: behold your gods, O Israel, which brought you up out of the land of Egypt.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Of Jeroboam, who Profaned the People Put under Him by the Impiety ...
... Chapter 22."Of Jeroboam, Who Profaned the People Put Under Him by the Impiety of
Idolatry, Amid Which, However, God Did Not Cease to Inspire the Prophets ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 22 of jeroboam who profaned.htm

Jeroboam
... Apis and Mnevis, which was by no means so gross and demoralising as the idolatry
of the ... To prevent this was Jeroboam's aim in the erection of the golden calves ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/jeroboam.htm

Jeroboam
... And He shall give Israel up because of the sins of Jeroboam, who did sin ... bold defiance
of Heaven and led Israel deeper and still deeper into idolatry, God sent ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 7 jeroboam.htm

On Idolatry
... For since Jeroboam is frequently accused of having made Israel to sin and of increasing
the crime of idolatry; (1 Kings 12:30; xiv, 16;) and since the children ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 23 on idolatry.htm

Political Religion
... III. The true nature of idolatry is brought out in the incident. Jeroboam
did not draw Israel away to worship other gods. No charge ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/political religion.htm

The History of Rehoboam
... Anon after this, Jeroboam fell to idolatry and great division was ever
after between the kings of Judah and the kings of Israel. ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the history of rehoboam.htm

Comparison Between the False Church and the True.
... 7. The churches of the Papists in the same situation as those of the Israelites,
which revolted to superstition and idolatry under Jeroboam. ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 2 comparison between the.htm

National Apostasy
... of the people rapidly lost sight of their duty to serve the living God and adopted
many of the practices of idolatry. Nadab, the son of Jeroboam, occupied the ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 8 national apostasy.htm

The Divided Kingdom.
... idolatry into Judah, with all the evil of the reign of Jehoram, Ahaziah and Athaliah.
(4) The prosperous reign of Uzziah, who was contemporary with Jeroboam II ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xiii the divided kingdom.htm

The Rending of the Kingdom
... government, known as the kingdom of Israel, with Jeroboam as their ... Naturally headstrong,
confident, self-willed, and inclined to idolatry, nevertheless, had he ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 6 the rending of.htm