Topical Encyclopedia Introduction: Jeroboam, son of Nebat, is a significant figure in the history of Israel, known for his role in the division of the united monarchy and the establishment of the northern kingdom of Israel. His account is primarily found in the books of 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles. Background and Rise to Power: Jeroboam was an Ephraimite from Zeredah, and his mother was a widow named Zeruah. 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, Jeroboam's ambitions grew, and he became a central figure in the prophecy of Ahijah the Shilonite, who foretold that Jeroboam would rule over ten of the twelve tribes of Israel (1 Kings 11:29-31). Division of the Kingdom: Following Solomon's death, his son Rehoboam ascended to the throne. The northern tribes, dissatisfied with Rehoboam's harsh policies, rebelled and turned to Jeroboam for leadership. This led to the division of the united monarchy into two separate kingdoms: the southern kingdom of Judah, under Rehoboam, and the northern kingdom of Israel, under Jeroboam (1 Kings 12:16-20). Religious Reforms and Idolatry: Jeroboam's reign is marked by significant religious changes. To prevent his subjects from returning to Jerusalem for worship, he established alternative centers of worship in Bethel and Dan, setting up golden calves and appointing non-Levitical priests (1 Kings 12:28-31). This act of idolatry is repeatedly condemned in the biblical narrative, and Jeroboam's name becomes synonymous with leading Israel into sin (1 Kings 14:16). Prophetic Confrontations: Jeroboam's actions drew the ire of prophets. A man of God from Judah prophesied against the altar at Bethel, predicting its destruction by a future king named Josiah (1 Kings 13:1-2). Additionally, the prophet Ahijah later foretold the downfall of Jeroboam's dynasty due to his idolatry and disobedience to God's commandments (1 Kings 14:7-11). Legacy and Death: Jeroboam reigned for 22 years, and his legacy is one of spiritual decline and political instability. His son Nadab succeeded him but was assassinated, leading to the extinction of Jeroboam's line (1 Kings 15:25-30). The phrase "the sins of Jeroboam" becomes a recurring indictment against subsequent kings of Israel, highlighting the enduring impact of his idolatrous practices. Biblical References: · 1 Kings 11:26-40: Jeroboam's rise and Ahijah's prophecy. · 1 Kings 12:1-20: The division of the kingdom. · 1 Kings 12:25-33: Establishment of idolatrous worship. · 1 Kings 13:1-34: Prophetic confrontation at Bethel. · 1 Kings 14:1-20: Ahijah's prophecy against Jeroboam's house. · 2 Chronicles 10-13: Parallel account of Jeroboam's reign. Jeroboam's account serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of turning away from God's commandments and the dangers of leading others into sin. His actions set a precedent that affected the spiritual trajectory of the northern kingdom for generations. Concordance Jerobo'am's (2 Occurrences)1 Kings 14:4 1 Kings 14:17 Thesaurus Jerobo'am's (2 Occurrences)Jerobo'am's. Jeroboam's, Jerobo'am's. Jeroham . Multi-Version Concordance Jerobo'am's (2 Occurrences). 1 Kings 14:4 And Jeroboam's ... /j/jerobo'am's.htm - 6k Jeroboam's (7 Occurrences) Jeroham (11 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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