Jeroboam is a significant figure in the Old Testament, particularly in the history of Israel’s monarchy. He was the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel after the nation split into two. His reign marked a major turning point, as he led Israel into idolatry and rebellion against God.
This topic explores Jeroboam’s background, his rise to power, his rule, his sins, and the consequences of his actions. His story provides important lessons about leadership, obedience to God, and the dangers of idolatry.
Jeroboam’s Background
A Servant of Solomon
Jeroboam was first introduced in 1 Kings 11:26-28 (KJV):
“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.”
From this passage, we learn:
- Jeroboam was from the tribe of Ephraim.
- He was a servant of King Solomon, working as an overseer of laborers.
- He was ambitious and strong-willed, which later influenced his actions.
God’s Promise to Jeroboam
Jeroboam’s rise to power was prophesied by Ahijah the prophet. In 1 Kings 11:29-31, Ahijah met Jeroboam and tore his new garment into twelve pieces, giving him ten of them. This symbolized that God would give him ten tribes of Israel, leaving only Judah and Benjamin under Solomon’s dynasty.
God made a conditional promise to Jeroboam in 1 Kings 11:38 (KJV):
“And it shall be, if thou wilt hearken unto all that I command thee, and wilt walk in my ways, and do that is right in my sight, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as David my servant did; that I will be with thee, and build thee a sure house, as I built for David, and will give Israel unto thee.”
However, Jeroboam failed to obey God, leading to severe consequences.
Jeroboam’s Rise to Power
Rebellion Against Solomon
After hearing the prophecy, Jeroboam rebelled against King Solomon. However, his plan failed, and he fled to Egypt, seeking refuge under Pharaoh Shishak (1 Kings 11:40). He remained there until Solomon’s death.
The Division of Israel
When Solomon died, his son Rehoboam became king. However, the people of Israel were unhappy with Rehoboam’s harsh policies. They demanded that he lighten their burdens, but he refused.
In response, ten tribes of Israel revolted and made Jeroboam their king. This split Israel into two kingdoms:
- The Northern Kingdom (Israel), ruled by Jeroboam.
- The Southern Kingdom (Judah), ruled by Rehoboam.
This division fulfilled Ahijah’s prophecy, but it also marked the beginning of Israel’s spiritual decline.
Jeroboam’s Reign and Sins
Establishing Idolatry
Jeroboam feared that if the people continued worshiping in Jerusalem (in Judah), they would eventually turn back to Rehoboam. To prevent this, he introduced idol worship, setting up two golden calves in Bethel and Dan.
In 1 Kings 12:28-30 (KJV), he told the people:
“Behold thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.”
This directly violated God’s commandments and led Israel into deep sin.
Creating a False Priesthood
Jeroboam did not only introduce idol worship-he also:
- Built shrines on high places (1 Kings 12:31).
- Appointed priests who were not from the tribe of Levi.
- Established a new religious festival, imitating the one in Jerusalem.
By doing this, he corrupted true worship and led Israel away from God.
The Prophecy Against Jeroboam
A man of God prophesied against Jeroboam’s altar in 1 Kings 13:2-3 (KJV):
“O altar, altar, thus saith the Lord; Behold, a child shall be born unto the house of David, Josiah by name; and upon thee shall he offer the priests of the high places that burn incense upon thee, and men’s bones shall be burnt upon thee.”
This prophecy was fulfilled 300 years later, when King Josiah destroyed Jeroboam’s altar and executed the false priests (2 Kings 23:15-16).
God’s Judgment on Jeroboam
Because of Jeroboam’s sins, Ahijah the prophet warned him that his dynasty would be completely wiped out. In 1 Kings 14:10-11 (KJV), God declared:
“I will bring evil upon the house of Jeroboam, and will cut off from Jeroboam him that pisseth against the wall… him that dieth of Jeroboam in the city shall the dogs eat; and him that dieth in the field shall the fowls of the air eat.”
This prophecy came true when Jeroboam’s entire family was slaughtered under King Baasha’s rule (1 Kings 15:29).
The Legacy of Jeroboam
The “Sin of Jeroboam”
Jeroboam’s idolatry became a standard of evil in Israel’s history. Many later kings followed his path, and the phrase “the sins of Jeroboam” appears multiple times in the Bible.
For example, 2 Kings 17:21-22 (KJV) states:
“Jeroboam drave Israel from following the Lord, and made them sin a great sin.”
Because of this continued sin, God eventually allowed the Assyrians to conquer Israel and take the people into exile (2 Kings 17:6).
Lessons from Jeroboam’s Life
1. Obedience to God Matters
Jeroboam was given a great opportunity by God, but his disobedience led to destruction. This shows that success without obedience to God is meaningless.
2. Idolatry Leads to Destruction
Jeroboam’s greatest sin was turning Israel away from true worship. This teaches us that anything we prioritize over God can become an idol, leading to judgment.
3. Leadership Comes with Responsibility
Jeroboam’s actions affected generations of Israelites. His story is a reminder that leaders influence others-either for good or for evil.
Jeroboam was the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel, but his reign was marked by idolatry, rebellion, and judgment. Instead of following God’s ways, he chose to secure his power through false worship, leading to the downfall of his dynasty.
His story serves as a warning about the dangers of disobedience, the consequences of idolatry, and the importance of true worship.
