Topical Bible: Kings: Who Reigned Over Israel: Jeroboam

◄ Kings: Who Reigned Over Israel: Jeroboam ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Introduction:
Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, is a significant figure in the history of Israel, known for being the first king of the northern kingdom after the division of the united monarchy. His reign marks a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative, as it sets the stage for the subsequent history of the northern tribes.

Background:
Jeroboam was an Ephraimite from Zeredah, and his mother was named 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. His industrious nature and leadership skills caught the attention of Solomon, who appointed him to this position.

Prophetic Call:
Jeroboam's rise to power was foretold by the prophet Ahijah the Shilonite. Ahijah met Jeroboam on the road and symbolically tore a new cloak into twelve pieces, giving ten to Jeroboam. This act represented the division of the kingdom and the ten tribes that Jeroboam would rule over (1 Kings 11:29-31). The prophecy was a divine response to Solomon's idolatry and disobedience, as God intended to tear the kingdom from Solomon's lineage, sparing only one tribe for the sake of David and Jerusalem (1 Kings 11:32-33).

Rebellion and Ascension:
Jeroboam's ascent to the throne was catalyzed by the discontent of the northern tribes with Solomon's oppressive policies. After Solomon's death, his son Rehoboam ascended the throne. When Rehoboam refused to lighten the heavy yoke imposed by his father, the ten northern tribes rebelled and made Jeroboam their king (1 Kings 12:1-20).

Religious Innovations:
To consolidate his rule and prevent the people from returning to the house of David, Jeroboam established alternative centers of worship in Bethel and Dan. He set up golden calves and declared, "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 grave sin, leading Israel into apostasy and setting a precedent for future kings.

Reign and Challenges:
Jeroboam reigned for 22 years (1 Kings 14:20). His reign was marked by constant conflict with the southern kingdom of Judah, ruled by Rehoboam and his successors. Despite his initial success, Jeroboam's kingdom faced internal strife and external threats. The prophet Ahijah later pronounced judgment on Jeroboam's house due to his sins, foretelling the downfall of his dynasty (1 Kings 14:7-16).

Legacy:
Jeroboam's legacy is one of religious and political significance. He is often remembered for leading Israel into idolatry, a sin that plagued the northern kingdom throughout its history. The phrase "the sins of Jeroboam" became synonymous with the idolatrous practices that characterized the northern kingdom's deviation from the worship of Yahweh.

Conclusion:
Jeroboam's reign is a cautionary tale of the consequences of disobedience to God's commandments. His actions had lasting implications for the spiritual and political landscape of Israel, influencing the trajectory of the northern kingdom until its eventual fall.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 12:20
And it came to pass, when all Israel heard that Jeroboam was come again, that they sent and called him to the congregation, and made him king over all Israel: there was none that followed the house of David, but the tribe of Judah only.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 12:25-14:20
Then Jeroboam built Shechem in mount Ephraim, and dwelled therein; and went out from there, and built Penuel.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Record of Two Kings
... in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel ... Israel: and Ahab the son of
Omri reigned over Israel in Samaria ... him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the record of two kings.htm

Concerning Jeroboam King of Israel and Jonah the Prophet; and How ...
... Amaziah, Jeroboam the son of Joash reigned over Israel in Samaria ... son of Amaziah,
begin to reign over the two ... by the carelessness of the kings, his predecessors ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 10 concerning jeroboam king.htm

How Zerah, King of the Ethiopians, was Beaten by Asa; and How Asa ...
... for Omri's ruling had beaten Tibni, Omri reigned over all the ... years; six of these
years he reigned in the ... was no way different from those kings that reigned ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 12 how zerah king.htm

The Divided Kingdom.
... Reigned IS years and died. ... During this time the kings of Judah cherished the
hope that they would regain their control over the ten tribes. ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xiii the divided kingdom.htm

The New Garment Bent
... And the time that Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel was ... the city of David
his father: and Rehoboam his son reigned in his stead.'"1 Kings 11:26 ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the new garment bent.htm

The Building of the Golden House.
... upon the great altar, and the sacrifice was consumed, and all over the great ... of Israel;
but after the kingdom was divided no kings ever reigned who could ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxvi the building of.htm

The Fall of the House of Ahab
... "Thus Jehu destroyed Baal out of Israel." 2 Kings ... years the child remained hidden,
while "Athaliah reigned over the land ... said, God save the king." 2 Kings 11:12 ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 16 the fall of.htm

The Antiquities of the Jews
... Became More Wicked Than All The Kings That Had ... CHAPTER 7. How Athaliah Reigned Over
Jerusalem For Five [Six ... An Expedition Against The People Of Israel And The ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/the antiquities of the jews/

How to Split a Kingdom
... But as for the children of Israel which dwelt in the cities of
Judah, Rehoboam reigned over them.'"1 Kings 12:1-17. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/how to split a kingdom.htm

Hazael Makes an Expedition against the People of Israel and the ...
... the laws, and died when he had reigned over the Israelites ... the treasures of God and
of the kings [before him ... should kill his master, and reign over the Syrians ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 8 hazael makes an.htm