Topical Bible: Offense: Jeroboam

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Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, is a significant figure in the history of Israel, known primarily for his role in leading the northern tribes in rebellion against the house of David and establishing the northern kingdom of Israel. His actions and the subsequent religious and political changes he instituted are often viewed as offenses against God, leading to long-lasting consequences for the nation of Israel.

Background and Rise to Power

Jeroboam was an Ephraimite from Zeredah, and his mother was Zeruah, a widow (1 Kings 11:26). He first appears in the biblical narrative as a capable and industrious young man whom King Solomon appointed over the labor force of the house of Joseph (1 Kings 11:28). However, due to Solomon's idolatry and the subsequent divine judgment pronounced by the prophet Ahijah, Jeroboam was chosen by God to rule over ten of the twelve tribes of Israel after Solomon's death (1 Kings 11:29-31).

Rebellion and Establishment of the Northern Kingdom

Following Solomon's death, Jeroboam led a successful revolt against Rehoboam, Solomon's son, resulting in the division of the united monarchy. 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, as a consequence of Solomon's idolatry (1 Kings 11:33-35).

Religious Offenses

Jeroboam's most notorious offense was his establishment of an alternative religious system to prevent the people of Israel from returning to Jerusalem to worship at the temple. Fearing that continued worship in Jerusalem would lead to a reunification under the Davidic line, Jeroboam set up two golden calves, placing one in Bethel and the other in Dan, 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 direct violation of the first and second commandments and led Israel into sin (1 Kings 12:30).

Jeroboam also built shrines on high places and appointed priests from among all the people, who were not Levites, further deviating from the prescribed worship established by God (1 Kings 12:31). He instituted a festival on the fifteenth day of the eighth month, similar to the festival in Judah, but of his own devising (1 Kings 12:32-33).

Prophetic Condemnation and Legacy

Jeroboam's actions were condemned by 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 these warnings, Jeroboam did not turn from his evil ways, and his house was eventually destroyed as foretold by Ahijah (1 Kings 14:10-11).

The legacy of Jeroboam's offenses was profound and enduring. His establishment of idolatrous worship set a precedent for future kings of Israel, and the phrase "the sins of Jeroboam" became synonymous with leading Israel into idolatry (1 Kings 15:34; 2 Kings 10:29). His actions contributed to the spiritual decline of the northern kingdom, ultimately leading to its downfall and exile.

Jeroboam's offenses serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of idolatry and the consequences of deviating from God's commandments. His account is a reminder of the importance of faithful worship and obedience to God's ordained ways.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 12:26-30
And Jeroboam said in his heart, Now shall the kingdom return to the house of David:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

For, on the Death of Solomon in the Fortieth Year of his Reign...
... sixteenth year of his age, a portion of the people, taking offense, revolted from ...
Accordingly, by universal consent, the government was bestowed on Jeroboam. ...
/.../severus/life and writings of sulpitius severus /chapter xli for on the.htm

On Idolatry
... (2 Chronicles 25:14.) In these degrees the Scriptures present to us a difference
between a greater and a less offense. For since Jeroboam is frequently accused ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 23 on idolatry.htm

The Book of the Law
... "The altar that was at Bethel, and the high place which Jeroboam the son of ... the great,
misshapen images had stood on the "Mount of Offense," mute witnesses to ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 33 the book of.htm

On the Righteousness and Efficacy of the Providence of God ...
... Thus Jeroboam was prevented from apprehending the prophet of the Lord, by "the drying
up ... 3.] Against the latter of these an offense may be committed, either by ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 9 on the righteousness.htm

Article xv (viii): of Human Traditions in the Church.
... will have to be approved, and the rites instituted by Jeroboam, 1 Kings 12 ... that such
public harmony as could indeed be produced without offense to consciences ...
/.../melanchthon/the apology of the augsburg confession/part 20 article xv viii .htm

On Reconciling Religious Dissensions among Christians
... our very origin is tainted with the infection of the primitive offense of the Old ...
With these intentions, and under the impulse of these views, Jeroboam was the ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 1/oration v on reconciling religious.htm

Chapter xlix
... on a low level of faith and godliness, are inclined to take offense at so ... It was
among the tribe of Ephraim that one of its sons, Jeroboam, instituted the calf ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlix.htm