Background:
Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, was the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel following the division of the united monarchy after the reign of Solomon. His rise to power was prophesied by the prophet Ahijah, who foretold that Jeroboam would rule over ten of the twelve tribes of Israel (1 Kings 11:29-31). Jeroboam's reign marked a significant turning point in the history of Israel, as it led to the establishment of a separate kingdom distinct from Judah.

Reaction to the Division of the Kingdom:
Upon Solomon's death, his son Rehoboam ascended to the throne. However, Rehoboam's harsh policies and refusal to lighten the burdens imposed by his father led to widespread discontent among the northern tribes. Jeroboam, who had previously fled to Egypt to escape Solomon's wrath, returned to Israel and became a leader of the opposition against Rehoboam. The northern tribes ultimately rejected Rehoboam's rule, declaring, "What portion do we have in David? We have no inheritance in the son of Jesse. To your tents, O Israel! Look now to your own house, O David!" (1 Kings 12:16). This declaration marked the official split of the kingdom, with Jeroboam being made king over Israel.

Religious Innovations and Idolatry:
Jeroboam's reaction to the division was not only political but also religious. Fearing that the people of Israel might return to Rehoboam if they continued to worship in Jerusalem, Jeroboam established alternative centers of worship in Bethel and Dan. He set up golden calves and declared, "Here are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt" (1 Kings 12:28). This act of idolatry was a direct violation of the covenantal commandments and led Israel into sin.

Jeroboam also appointed non-Levitical priests and instituted a festival on the fifteenth day of the eighth month, similar to the Feast of Tabernacles in Judah, further solidifying the religious schism (1 Kings 12:31-33). These actions were driven by political expediency and a desire to consolidate his rule, but they had long-lasting spiritual consequences for the nation.

Prophetic Rebuke:
Jeroboam's religious innovations drew the ire of the prophets. A man of God from Judah was sent to Bethel to prophesy against the altar Jeroboam had built, declaring that a future king named Josiah would desecrate it (1 Kings 13:1-2). Despite witnessing miraculous signs, Jeroboam did not repent of his ways. Instead, he continued in his idolatry, leading to further divine judgment.

Legacy:
Jeroboam's reaction to the division of the kingdom set a precedent for the northern kingdom's persistent idolatry and apostasy. His actions are frequently cited in the biblical narrative as the "sins of Jeroboam," which subsequent kings of Israel followed, leading to the eventual downfall and exile of the northern kingdom. The Berean Standard Bible records that Jeroboam's reign was marked by a failure to walk in the ways of the Lord, and his legacy is one of spiritual decline and disobedience to God's commandments.