Introduction:
Zereda is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the narrative surrounding Jeroboam, the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel. The name Zereda is thought to mean "fortress" or "ambush," reflecting its possible strategic or fortified nature.

Biblical References:
Zereda is primarily noted in 1 Kings 11:26, which introduces Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, as an Ephraimite from Zereda. The Berean Standard Bible states: "Now Jeroboam son of Nebat, an Ephraimite from Zereda, whose mother was Zeruah, a widow, was a servant of Solomon; but he lifted up his hand against the king."

Historical and Geographical Context:
Zereda is identified as being in the territory of Ephraim, one of the tribes of Israel. The exact location of Zereda is not definitively known today, but it is traditionally associated with the region of Mount Ephraim. This area was known for its rugged terrain and strategic importance, which may have contributed to the rise of Jeroboam as a significant figure in Israel's history.

Jeroboam's Connection to Zereda:
Jeroboam's association with Zereda is significant in understanding his background and rise to power. As a native of Zereda, Jeroboam was an Ephraimite, which placed him within one of the more prominent tribes of Israel. His mother, Zeruah, is mentioned as a widow, indicating that Jeroboam may have risen from humble beginnings. Despite this, he became a servant of King Solomon, eventually leading a rebellion against him.

Theological Significance:
Zereda's mention in the Bible, though brief, is crucial in the narrative of the divided kingdom. Jeroboam's rebellion and subsequent rule over the northern tribes of Israel marked a significant turning point in Israelite history. This division was seen as a fulfillment of God's judgment against Solomon for his idolatry and disobedience, as prophesied by Ahijah the Shilonite (1 Kings 11:29-39).

Cultural and Archaeological Insights:
While Zereda's precise location remains uncertain, archaeological efforts continue to explore potential sites in the region of Ephraim. Understanding the cultural and historical context of Zereda can provide insights into the socio-political dynamics of ancient Israel during the time of the united and divided monarchies.

Conclusion:
Zereda, though not extensively detailed in the biblical text, serves as a backdrop for the rise of Jeroboam, a pivotal figure in Israel's history. Its mention underscores the complex interplay of tribal affiliations, political ambitions, and divine providence in the unfolding narrative of the Israelite monarchy.Zereda

(the fortress) the native place of Jeroboam. (1 Kings 11:26) Zereda or Zeredah has been supposed to be identical with Zeredathah and Zarthan or Zartanah; but the last two were in the valley of the Jordan, while Zeredah was, according to the repeated statement of the LXX., on Mount Ephraim.

The fortress, a city on the north of Mount Ephraim; the birthplace of Jeroboam (1 Kings 11:26). It is probably the same as Zaretan (Joshua 3:16), Zererath (Judges 7:22), Zartanah (1 Kings 4:12), or the following. 6868. Tsredah -- a city in Ephraim
... 6867, 6868. Tsredah. 6868a . a city in Ephraim. Transliteration: Tsredah Phonetic
Spelling: (tser-ay-daw') Short Definition: Zereda. Zereda, Zeredathah ...
/hebrew/6868.htm - 5k

The New Garment Bent
... THE FIRST BOOK OF KINGS THE NEW GARMENT BENT. 'And Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, an
Ephrathite of Zereda, Solomon's servant, whose mother's name was Zeruah, a ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the new garment bent.htm

Zereda (1 Occurrence)
... Zartanah (1 Kings 4:12), or the following. Multi-Version Concordance Zereda
(1 Occurrence). 1 Kings 11:26 Jeroboam the son of Nebat ...
/z/zereda.htm - 7k

Zered (3 Occurrences)

/z/zered.htm - 8k

Zeredah (4 Occurrences)

/z/zeredah.htm - 7k

Zererath (1 Occurrence)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary (Judges 7:22), perhaps identical with Zereda or Zeredathah.
Some identify it with Zahrah, a place about 3 miles west of Beth-shean. ...
/z/zererath.htm - 7k

Jeroboam (96 Occurrences)
... He was the son of a widow of Zereda, and while still young was promoted by Solomon
to be chief superintendent of the "burnden", ie, of the bands of forced ...
/j/jeroboam.htm - 62k

Ephrathite (3 Occurrences)
... 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 ...
/e/ephrathite.htm - 7k

Lifteth (69 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 11:26 And Jeroboam son of Nebat, an Ephrathite of Zereda -- the name of
whose mother 'is' Zeruah, a widow woman -- servant to Solomon, he also lifteth ...
/l/lifteth.htm - 27k

Solomon's (56 Occurrences)
... 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 ...
/s/solomon's.htm - 31k

Zarthan (1 Occurrence)
... same as Zartan. It is also called Zeredathah (2 Chronicles 4:17). (see ZEREDA.).
Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ZARTHAN. zar'-than ...
/z/zarthan.htm - 7k

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