Topical Bible: Jeroboam: First King of Israel After the Revolt: His Wars With Rehoboam

◄ Jeroboam: First King of Israel After the Revolt: His Wars With Rehoboam ►

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Jeroboam, son of Nebat, emerges as a pivotal figure in the history of Israel, known for his role as the first king of the northern kingdom following the division of the united monarchy. His reign marks a significant turning point in the biblical narrative, as he leads the ten northern tribes in revolt against Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, thereby establishing the separate kingdom 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 initially served as an official under King Solomon, overseeing the labor force of the house of Joseph. Recognized for his industrious nature, Jeroboam caught the attention of the prophet Ahijah the Shilonite. In a dramatic encounter, Ahijah tore his new cloak into twelve pieces, giving ten to Jeroboam, symbolizing the ten tribes he would rule over (1 Kings 11:29-31). This prophetic act foreshadowed the division of the kingdom due to Solomon's idolatry and disobedience to God.

The Revolt and Establishment of the Northern Kingdom

Upon Solomon's death, his son Rehoboam ascended to the throne. However, Rehoboam's harsh response to the people's request for lighter burdens led to widespread discontent. Jeroboam, who had fled to Egypt to escape Solomon's wrath, returned to lead the rebellion. The ten northern tribes rejected Rehoboam's rule, declaring, "What portion do we have in David? We have no inheritance in the son of Jesse. To your tents, O Israel!" (1 Kings 12:16). Thus, Jeroboam was made king over Israel, while Rehoboam retained control over Judah and Benjamin.

Religious Reforms and Idolatry

To consolidate his rule and prevent the people from returning to Jerusalem for worship, Jeroboam instituted significant religious changes. He established two golden calves, placing them in Bethel and 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 covenant with Yahweh and set a precedent for future apostasy in the northern kingdom.

Wars with Rehoboam

The division of the kingdom inevitably led to conflict between Jeroboam and Rehoboam. The biblical account in 1 Kings 14:30 notes, "There was continual warfare between Rehoboam and Jeroboam." This ongoing strife was characterized by border skirmishes and attempts by Rehoboam to reclaim the northern territories. Despite these efforts, Jeroboam maintained his hold over Israel, fortified key cities, and established a new political and religious order.

Legacy and Impact

Jeroboam's reign, lasting 22 years, is marked by his efforts to establish a distinct identity for the northern kingdom. However, his introduction of idolatry had long-lasting spiritual consequences, leading to the eventual downfall of Israel. The biblical narrative often refers to the "sins of Jeroboam," highlighting his role in leading Israel away from the worship of Yahweh.

Jeroboam's account serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of political expediency and religious compromise. His legacy is a complex one, reflecting both his political acumen and his spiritual failures. The division he initiated would persist until the Assyrian conquest, shaping the history and identity of the Israelite people.

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1 Kings 14:19,30
And the rest of the acts of Jeroboam, how he warred, and how he reigned, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel.
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1 Kings 15:6
And there was war between Rehoboam and Jeroboam all the days of his life.
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2 Chronicles 11:1-4
And when Rehoboam was come to Jerusalem, he gathered of the house of Judah and Benjamin an hundred and fourscore thousand chosen men, which were warriors, to fight against Israel, that he might bring the kingdom again to Rehoboam.
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Library

The New Garment Bent
... First, verses 31-33 announce the punishment, with the ... on the people the idolatry
which the king had introduced ... part (verses 37-39) promises Jeroboam the kingdom ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the new garment bent.htm

Formation and History of the Hebrew Canon.
... thee;" "and it shall be when he""the king whom the ... From the first of these passages
we learn that a ... and "the vision of Iddo the seer against Jeroboam the son ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xv formation and history.htm

Questions.
... 21. What was the end of the house of Jeroboam? 22. ... LESSON XIX. 1. Who was the
first Asmonean King? 2. What prophecy thus had a fulfilment? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/questions.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... The first three chapters probably date from the end of ... of grandeur and renown with
which Jeroboam had surrounded ... shall abide many days without king and without ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... and Abimelech; the Philistine tyranny forced first the tribes of ... they had formerly
inflicted on Israel, is supposed ... when the Jews, without any king or settled ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Introduction to Oration ii.
... for his eyes, that he may adequately weep for Israel; [2752] and ... at once, but could
not bear even the first heat of ... Woe to thee, O city, whose king is a child ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/introduction to oration ii.htm