Etymology and Location:
Zeredah, sometimes spelled Zarethan or Zarthan, is a town mentioned in the Old Testament. The name Zeredah is believed to mean "cooling" or "ambush." It is located in the region of Ephraim, which is part of the central hill country of ancient Israel. The exact location of Zeredah is not definitively known today, but it is often associated with the area near the Jordan River, possibly in the vicinity of modern-day Tell es-Saidiyeh.

Biblical References:
Zeredah is primarily noted in the context of the life of Jeroboam, the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel. In 1 Kings 11:26, the Berean Standard Bible states: "Now Jeroboam son of Nebat, an Ephraimite from Zeredah, whose mother was Zeruah, a widow, rebelled against Solomon." This passage highlights Zeredah as the hometown of Jeroboam, indicating its significance in the narrative of Israel's divided monarchy.

Historical and Theological Significance:
Zeredah's mention in the Bible is significant due to its association with Jeroboam, a key figure in Israel's history. Jeroboam's rebellion against King Solomon led to the division of the united monarchy into the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. This division had profound theological implications, as it marked a period of spiritual decline and idolatry in the northern kingdom, which Jeroboam initiated by setting up golden calves at Bethel and Dan (1 Kings 12:28-30).

Theologically, Zeredah's connection to Jeroboam serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience to God's covenant. Jeroboam's actions, rooted in fear and political expediency, led the northern tribes away from the worship of Yahweh in Jerusalem, resulting in judgment and eventual exile.

Archaeological Insights:
While the precise location of Zeredah remains uncertain, archaeological efforts in the region have provided insights into the cultural and historical context of the time. Excavations at sites like Tell es-Saidiyeh have uncovered artifacts and structures that offer a glimpse into the life and society of the ancient Israelites during the period of the united and divided monarchies.

Cultural Context:
Zeredah, as part of the tribal territory of Ephraim, was situated in a region known for its agricultural productivity and strategic importance. The central hill country, with its fertile valleys and access to trade routes, played a crucial role in the economic and military strength of the Israelite tribes. This context helps explain the significance of figures like Jeroboam, who emerged from this region to challenge the established order under Solomon.

Conclusion:
While Zeredah is not frequently mentioned in the biblical text, its association with Jeroboam and the subsequent division of the kingdom underscores its importance in the narrative of Israel's history. The account of Zeredah and its most famous resident serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of forsaking God's commandments and the enduring impact of leadership decisions on a nation's spiritual trajectory.Zeredah

ambush; change of dominion

ZEREDAH; ZEREDATH; ZEREDATHA; ZERERAH; ZERERATH

See ZARETHAN.

6868b. Tseredathah -- Tseredathah
... Tseredathah. Transliteration: Tseredathah Short Definition: Zeredah. Word Origin
perhaps the same as Tsererah, qv NASB Word Usage Zeredah (1). 6868a, 6868b. ...
/hebrew/6868b.htm - 5k

6868a. Tseredah -- a city in Ephraim
... 6868, 6868a. Tseredah. 6868b . a city in Ephraim. Transliteration: Tseredah
Short Definition: Zeredah. Word Origin of uncertain ...
/hebrew/6868a.htm - 5k

Rehoboam's Great Mistake
... As soon as Jeroboam, who was still in Egypt, heard that Solomon had died, he
returned at once to his home town, Zeredah in Mount Ephraim. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/rehoboams great mistake.htm

Zeredah (4 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ZEREDAH; ZEREDATH; ZEREDATHA; ZERERAH; ZERERATH.
See ZARETHAN. Multi-Version Concordance Zeredah (4 Occurrences). ...
/z/zeredah.htm - 7k

Zer'edah (2 Occurrences)
Zer'edah. Zeredah, Zer'edah. Zeredath . ... 2 Chronicles 4:17 In the plain of the
Jordan did the king cast them, in the clay ground between Succoth and Zeredah. ...
/z/zer'edah.htm - 6k

Zarethan (4 Occurrences)
... In 2 Chronicles 4:17, the name appears as Zeredah, which in 1 Kings 11:26 is
said to have been the birthplace of Jeroboam, son of Nebat. ...
/z/zarethan.htm - 9k

Zereda (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Kings 11:26 Jeroboam the son of Nebat, an Ephraimite of Zeredah, a servant of
Solomon, whose mother's name was Zeruah, a widow, he also lifted up his hand ...
/z/zereda.htm - 7k

Zeru'ah (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Kings 11:26 And Jeroboam the son of Nebat, an Ephraimite of Zeredah, a servant
of Solomon, whose mother's name was Zeruah, a widow, he also lifted up his ...
/z/zeru'ah.htm - 6k

Zererah (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ZEREDAH; ZEREDATH; ZEREDATHA; ZERERAH; ZERERATH.
See ZARETHAN. Multi-Version Concordance Zererah (1 Occurrence). ...
/z/zererah.htm - 7k

Zeruah (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Kings 11:26 Jeroboam the son of Nebat, an Ephraimite of Zeredah, a servant of
Solomon, whose mother's name was Zeruah, a widow, he also lifted up his hand ...
/z/zeruah.htm - 7k

Zeredath
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ZEREDAH; ZEREDATH; ZEREDATHA; ZERERAH; ZERERATH.
See ZARETHAN. Zer'edah, Zeredath. Zeredatha . Reference Bible.
/z/zeredath.htm - 6k

Zeredatha
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ZEREDAH; ZEREDATH; ZEREDATHA; ZERERAH; ZERERATH.
See ZARETHAN. Zeredath, Zeredatha. Zeredathah . Reference Bible.
/z/zeredatha.htm - 6k

Zererath (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ZEREDAH; ZEREDATH; ZEREDATHA; ZERERAH; ZERERATH.
See ZARETHAN. Multi-Version Concordance Zererath (1 Occurrence). ...
/z/zererath.htm - 7k

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

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