Jeroboam, son of Nebat, is a significant figure in the history of Israel. He was the first king of the northern kingdom after the united monarchy of Israel split into two (1 Kings 11:26). Jeroboam was an Ephraimite and initially served as a superintendent over the labor force during Solomon’s reign (1 Kings 11:28). God chose him to rule over the ten tribes of Israel because of Solomon’s disobedience and idolatry. Despite being chosen by God, Jeroboam became infamous for leading Israel into sin, setting a precedent for future kings of the northern kingdom.
Key Passages About Jeroboam
1 Kings 11:26-40
Jeroboam first appears as a servant of Solomon. A prophet named Ahijah approaches him and tears a new garment into twelve pieces, giving Jeroboam ten, symbolizing the division of Israel. Ahijah conveys God’s message, declaring Jeroboam would rule over ten tribes because of Solomon’s unfaithfulness. However, Jeroboam is warned to walk in God’s ways and keep His commandments to establish a lasting dynasty.
1 Kings 12:1-24
After Solomon’s death, Jeroboam returns from exile in Egypt (where he fled from Solomon). The northern tribes rebel against Solomon’s son, Rehoboam, and make Jeroboam king. This marks the formal division of Israel into the northern kingdom (Israel) and southern kingdom (Judah).
1 Kings 12:25-33
Jeroboam establishes Shechem as his capital and introduces idolatrous worship to prevent the people from going to Jerusalem to worship at the Temple. He makes two golden calves, placing one in Bethel and the other in Dan, and declares, “Here are your gods, O Israel, which brought you up from the land of Egypt!” (1 Kings 12:28). This act leads Israel into sin and becomes known as “the sin of Jeroboam.”
1 Kings 13
A prophet from Judah warns Jeroboam at the altar in Bethel, prophesying the eventual destruction of his idolatrous system by a future king named Josiah. Jeroboam’s hand withers when he tries to seize the prophet, but it is later restored after the prophet prays.
1 Kings 14:1-20
When Jeroboam’s son Abijah falls sick, Jeroboam sends his wife to the prophet Ahijah. The prophet delivers a harsh message: because of Jeroboam’s sin, his dynasty will be cut off, and Israel will suffer judgment. His son dies, fulfilling the prophecy.
1 Kings 15:1-30
Jeroboam’s reign is used as a benchmark of sin for later kings. Nadab, his son, continues in his father’s sinful ways, and Baasha eventually kills Jeroboam’s entire family, fulfilling Ahijah’s prophecy.
2 Kings 10:29-31; 13:2, 11; 14:24; 15:9, 18, 24, 28
Jeroboam’s sin becomes a recurring phrase in the historical books, describing the idolatry and disobedience of future kings of Israel. His golden calf worship leaves a lasting impact on the northern kingdom.
2 Chronicles 10-13
Chronicles retells Jeroboam’s rise and rebellion against Rehoboam. It highlights Jeroboam’s idolatry and the consequences of his disobedience, including his defeat by King Abijah of Judah (2 Chronicles 13:1-20).
Why Is Jeroboam Significant?
Jeroboam is significant because he represents both the potential for God’s blessing and the consequences of disobedience. His life serves as a cautionary tale of squandered opportunity and spiritual compromise.
Chosen by God
Jeroboam’s rise to power was not accidental. God specifically chose him to lead the northern kingdom (1 Kings 11:37-38). He was given the opportunity to walk in obedience and establish a lasting dynasty, just as David had. However, his fear and lack of trust in God led him to idolatry.
The Sin of Jeroboam
Jeroboam’s greatest legacy is his idolatry, known as “the sin of Jeroboam.” By creating alternative worship sites with golden calves, he directly violated God’s commandments. This act set a pattern of sin that plagued Israel until its destruction in 722 B.C.
Division of the Kingdom
Jeroboam’s reign marked the permanent division of Israel into two kingdoms: Israel (northern kingdom) and Judah (southern kingdom). This division fulfilled God’s judgment on Solomon’s unfaithfulness (1 Kings 11:9-13) but also weakened the nation politically and spiritually.
Warnings of Prophets
Jeroboam’s reign is intertwined with prophetic warnings. Both Ahijah (1 Kings 11:29-39) and the unnamed prophet from Judah (1 Kings 13:1-6) rebuke him, highlighting God’s desire for repentance. Despite these warnings, Jeroboam hardened his heart.
Symbol of Apostasy
Jeroboam becomes a symbol of apostasy throughout Scripture. His name is repeatedly invoked as a benchmark of rebellion and idolatry (e.g., 2 Kings 13:6). His legacy underscores the destructive power of disobedience and idolatry, not just for an individual but for an entire nation.
My Final Thoughts
Jeroboam’s life is a powerful warning about the consequences of disobedience and misplaced fear. Though he was chosen by God and given great potential, his lack of faith and reliance on his own wisdom led to his downfall. His life challenges us to trust God’s promises, reject idolatry in all its forms, and live in obedience to His Word. As believers, we must guard against the temptation to compromise our faith for the sake of convenience, remembering that the path of obedience is the only one that leads to lasting blessing.
