Background and Rise to Power:

Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, is a significant figure in the history of Israel, known for his role in the division of the united monarchy. He was an Ephraimite from Zeredah, and his mother was named Zeruah, a widow (1 Kings 11:26). Jeroboam first appears in the biblical narrative as a capable and industrious young man whom King Solomon appointed over the labor force of the house of Joseph (1 Kings 11:28).

Jeroboam's rise to power was prophesied by Ahijah the Shilonite. Ahijah met Jeroboam on the road and tore his new cloak into twelve pieces, giving ten to Jeroboam. This act symbolized the division of the kingdom and the ten tribes that Jeroboam would rule over, as a judgment against Solomon for his idolatry (1 Kings 11:29-31). Despite this divine appointment, Jeroboam's ascent was not immediate. Solomon sought to kill him, prompting Jeroboam to flee to Egypt, where he found refuge with King Shishak until Solomon's death (1 Kings 11:40).

Reign as King:

Upon Solomon's death, Jeroboam returned to Israel. The people, dissatisfied with Rehoboam, Solomon's son, and his harsh policies, turned to Jeroboam. The ten northern tribes rejected Rehoboam's rule, and Jeroboam was made king over Israel, fulfilling Ahijah's prophecy (1 Kings 12:20).

Jeroboam's reign marked the beginning of the divided kingdom, with Jeroboam ruling over the northern kingdom of Israel and Rehoboam over the southern kingdom of Judah. His reign lasted 22 years, from approximately 931 to 910 BC.

Religious Innovations and Idolatry:

One of Jeroboam's most notable actions was his establishment of alternative worship centers to prevent the Israelites from going to Jerusalem, which was under Rehoboam's control. Fearing that continued worship in Jerusalem would lead the people back to the house of David, Jeroboam set up golden calves in Bethel and Dan, declaring, "Here are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt" (1 Kings 12:28). This act of idolatry became a sin for Israel and set a precedent for future kings.

Jeroboam also appointed non-Levitical priests and established a festival on the fifteenth day of the eighth month, similar to the festival in Judah, further leading the people into idolatry (1 Kings 12:31-33).

Prophetic Condemnation and Legacy:

Jeroboam's actions drew condemnation from prophets. A man of God from Judah prophesied against the altar at Bethel, foretelling its destruction by a future king named Josiah (1 Kings 13:1-2). Despite these warnings, Jeroboam did not turn from his evil ways.

The legacy of Jeroboam is largely negative in the biblical narrative. He is frequently cited as the standard of sin for subsequent kings of Israel, with the phrase "he walked in the ways of Jeroboam son of Nebat and in his sin, which he had caused Israel to commit" recurring throughout the accounts of later kings (1 Kings 15:34 BSB, among others).

Death and Succession:

Jeroboam's reign ended with his death, and he was succeeded by his son Nadab (1 Kings 14:20). His dynasty, however, was short-lived, as it was overthrown by Baasha, fulfilling the prophecy of Ahijah that Jeroboam's house would be cut off due to his sins (1 Kings 14:10-14).

Jeroboam son of Nebat remains a pivotal figure in the history of Israel, remembered for his role in the division of the kingdom and his establishment of idolatrous practices that led Israel away from the worship of Yahweh.