Topical Encyclopedia Introduction:The judgment pronounced on Jeroboam's house is a significant event in the history of Israel, marking a divine response to the idolatry and disobedience of Jeroboam, the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel. This judgment is recorded in the First Book of Kings and serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of turning away from God's commandments. Background: Jeroboam, son of Nebat, was an Ephraimite who rose to prominence during the reign of King Solomon. After Solomon's death, the kingdom of Israel was divided, and Jeroboam became the ruler of the ten northern tribes. To prevent his subjects from returning to Jerusalem to worship, Jeroboam established alternative centers of worship in Bethel and Dan, erecting golden calves and leading the people into idolatry (1 Kings 12:26-30). Prophetic Judgment: The judgment against Jeroboam's house was delivered by the prophet Ahijah. As recorded in 1 Kings 14:7-11, Ahijah conveyed God's message to Jeroboam's wife, who had come to inquire about the health of their son. The prophet declared: "Go, tell Jeroboam that this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'I raised you up from among the people and appointed you ruler over My people Israel. I tore the kingdom away from the house of David and gave it to you, but you have not been like My servant David, who kept My commandments and followed Me with all his heart, doing only what was right in My eyes. You have done more evil than all who lived before you. You have made for yourself other gods, molten images, to provoke Me to anger, and you have cast Me behind your back. Because of this, I am bringing disaster on the house of Jeroboam. I will cut off from Jeroboam every male in Israel, slave or free. I will burn up the house of Jeroboam as one burns dung, until it is all gone.'" Fulfillment of Judgment: The prophecy against Jeroboam's house was fulfilled during the reign of his son, Nadab. Baasha, from the tribe of Issachar, conspired against Nadab and killed him, subsequently exterminating the entire house of Jeroboam, as foretold by Ahijah (1 Kings 15:28-30). This eradication of Jeroboam's lineage was a direct consequence of his idolatry and failure to lead Israel in the ways of the LORD. Theological Significance: The judgment pronounced on Jeroboam's house underscores the seriousness with which God views idolatry and disobedience. Jeroboam's actions not only led his own family to ruin but also set a precedent of idolatry that plagued the northern kingdom throughout its history. This narrative serves as a warning to all believers about the dangers of turning away from God's commandments and the inevitable consequences of such actions. Conclusion: The account of the judgment on Jeroboam's house is a powerful testament to God's justice and the importance of faithfulness to His covenant. It highlights the responsibility of leaders to guide their people in righteousness and the severe repercussions of leading them astray. Subtopics Judgment: According to Opportunity and Works The Judgment of Christians, by the Gospel The Judgment of Heathen, by the Law of Conscience The Judgment of Jews, by the Law of Moses The Judgment: A Day Appointed For The Judgment: A First Principle of the Gospel The Judgment: Called The: Day of Destruction The Judgment: Called The: Day of Judgment and Perdition of Ungodly Men The Judgment: Called The: Day of Wrath The Judgment: Called The: Judgment of the Great Day The Judgment: Called The: Revelation of the Righteous Judgment of God The Judgment: Christ Will Acknowledge Saints At The Judgment: Devils Shall be Condemned At The Judgment: Final Punishment of the Wicked Will Succeed The Judgment: Neglected Advantages Increase Condemnation At The Judgment: None, by Nature Can Stand In The Judgment: Perfect Love Will Give Boldness In The Judgment: Predicted in the Old Testament The Judgment: Saints Shall be Rewarded At The Judgment: Saints Shall Sit With Christ In The Judgment: Saints Shall, Through Christ, be Enabled to Stand In The Judgment: Shall be Administered by Christ The Judgment: Shall be Held Upon: All Men The Judgment: Shall be Held Upon: All Nations The Judgment: Shall be Held Upon: Quick and Dead The Judgment: Shall be Held Upon: Small and Great The Judgment: Shall be Held Upon: The Righteous and Wicked The Judgment: Shall be in Righteousness The Judgment: Shall be of All: Actions The Judgment: Shall be of All: Thoughts The Judgment: Shall be of All: Words The Judgment: Shall Take Place at the Coming of Christ The Judgment: The Books Shall be Opened At The Judgment: The Certainty of, a Motive to Faith The Judgment: The Certainty of, a Motive to Holiness The Judgment: The Certainty of, a Motive to Prayer and Watchfulness The Judgment: The Certainty of, a Motive to Repentance The Judgment: The Wicked Dread The Judgment: The Wicked Shall be Condemned In The Judgment: The Word of Christ Shall be a Witness Against the Wicked In The Judgment: Time of, Unknown to Us The Judgment: Warn the Wicked of Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |