Nebat: Father of Jeroboam
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Nebat is a biblical figure known primarily as the father of Jeroboam, the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel after the division of the united monarchy. Although Nebat himself is not a central character in the biblical narrative, his mention is significant due to his son's pivotal role in Israel's history.

Biblical References:

Nebat is mentioned in several passages within the Old Testament, primarily in the context of his son Jeroboam. The most notable references include:

1. 1 Kings 11:26 : "Now Jeroboam son of Nebat, an Ephraimite from Zeredah (and his mother was Zeruah, a widow), was a servant of Solomon, whose hand he had lifted up against the king."

2. 1 Kings 12:2 : "When Jeroboam son of Nebat heard about this, he was still in Egypt, where he had fled from King Solomon."

3. 2 Chronicles 10:2 : "When Jeroboam son of Nebat heard about this, he returned from Egypt."

Historical and Cultural Context:

Nebat was an Ephraimite from Zeredah, a town in the territory of Ephraim. The tribe of Ephraim held significant influence and was one of the leading tribes in the northern part of Israel. This tribal affiliation may have contributed to Jeroboam's acceptance and eventual leadership over the northern tribes.

The Bible does not provide extensive details about Nebat's life or character. However, his mention as the father of Jeroboam in the context of Jeroboam's rebellion against King Solomon suggests that Nebat's family may have been of some standing or influence, allowing Jeroboam to rise to prominence.

Theological Significance:

Nebat's legacy is primarily tied to the actions of his son Jeroboam, who is often remembered for leading Israel into idolatry. Jeroboam's establishment of golden calves in Bethel and Dan as alternative worship centers to Jerusalem is a significant event in Israel's religious history. This act is frequently condemned in the biblical narrative, and Jeroboam is often referred to as the one "who caused Israel to sin" (1 Kings 14:16).

The repeated mention of Jeroboam as "the son of Nebat" in the biblical text underscores the familial connection and serves as a reminder of the origins of the northern kingdom's departure from the worship of Yahweh as prescribed in the Mosaic Law.

Legacy:

While Nebat himself does not play a direct role in the biblical events, his mention serves as a genealogical marker that ties Jeroboam to the tribe of Ephraim and the broader narrative of Israel's division. The legacy of Nebat, through his son Jeroboam, is a cautionary tale of leadership that strays from divine commandments, leading to spiritual and national consequences for the people of Israel.
Nave's Topical Index
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 hand against the king.
Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 12:2
And it came to pass, when Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who was yet in Egypt, heard of it, (for he was fled from the presence of king Solomon, and Jeroboam dwelled in Egypt;)
Nave's Topical Index

Strong's Hebrew
5028. Nebat -- father of Jeroboam
... Nebat. From nabat; regard; Nebat, the father of Jeroboam I -- Nebat. see HEBREW
nabat. 5027, 5028. Nebat. 5029 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/5028.htm - 6k
Library

Jeroboam
... Jeroboam appears to have been a man of lowly origin. Of his father Nebat, whose
name is so often linked with his own, we know nothing, although an old Jewish ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/jeroboam.htm

The Rending of the Kingdom
... "Solomon slept with his fathers, and was buried in the City of David his father:
and Rehoboam ... Among those present was Jeroboam the son of Nebat "the same ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 6 the rending of.htm

How Solomon Grew Rich, and Fell Desperately in Love with Women and ...
... him, Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who had an expectation of rising, from a prophecy
that had been made to him long before. He was left a child by his father, and ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 7 how solomon grew.htm

How to Split a Kingdom
... to pass, when Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who was ... And Jeroboam and all the congregation
of Israel came, and spake unto Rehoboam, saying, 4. Thy father made our ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/how to split a kingdom.htm

The New Garment Bent
... 'And Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, an Ephrathite ... and repaired the breaches of the city
of David his father.28 ... And the man Jeroboam was a mighty man of valour: and ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the new garment bent.htm

The Record of Two Kings
... in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, that he ... The only fact told of the father
is that he built ... sentence that he 'walked in the way of Jeroboam.' We learn ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the record of two kings.htm

CHAP. I. -II. 3 (II. 1).
... departed not from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who had ... weaker still, and
which had suffered much through Jehoash the father of Jeroboam (2 Kings 14 ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/chap i -ii 3 ii 1.htm

"This Thing is from Me"
... to pass, when Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who was ... 3, 4. And Jeroboam and all the
congregation of Israel came ... and spake unto Rehoboam, saying, Thy father made our ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 42 1896/this thing is from me.htm

The Fall of the House of Ahab
... like the house of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, and like ... Lord, and walked in the way
of his father, and in ... of his mother, and in the way of Jeroboam." "He served ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 16 the fall of.htm

National Apostasy
... His father, Omri, the founder of Samaria, had "wrought evil in the eyes of ... light
thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat." Verses 33 ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 8 national apostasy.htm

Resources
Who was King Zimri in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Who was King Omri in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Who was King Joash in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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