Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, is a significant figure in the history of Israel, known for becoming the first king of the northern kingdom following the division of the united monarchy. His rise to power and the subsequent establishment of the northern kingdom of Israel were events deeply intertwined with divine prophecy, particularly that of the prophet Ahijah.

Background and Rise to Power

Jeroboam was an Ephraimite from Zeredah, a servant of King Solomon, and a man of valor. Solomon recognized his capabilities and appointed him over all the labor force of the house of Joseph (1 Kings 11:28). However, Jeroboam's destiny was altered dramatically when he encountered the prophet Ahijah the Shilonite.

Ahijah's Prophecy

The pivotal moment in Jeroboam's life came when Ahijah met him on the road. In a symbolic act, Ahijah tore his new cloak into twelve pieces, giving ten to Jeroboam. This act was a divine message indicating that God would tear the kingdom from Solomon's hand and give ten tribes to Jeroboam. The prophecy was a direct consequence of Solomon's idolatry and failure to keep God's statutes and commandments (1 Kings 11:29-31).

Ahijah conveyed God's words to Jeroboam: "Behold, I will tear the kingdom out of the hand of Solomon and will give you ten tribes" (1 Kings 11:31). However, for the sake of David, Solomon's son would retain one tribe, ensuring that David's lineage would continue to have a presence in Jerusalem (1 Kings 11:32).

Conditions and Promises

The prophecy also came with conditions and promises. God assured Jeroboam that if he obeyed His commands, walked in His ways, and did what was right in His eyes, as David had done, then God would be with him. He promised to build Jeroboam a lasting dynasty, just as He had for David (1 Kings 11:38).

Fulfillment and Aftermath

Following Solomon's death, Jeroboam returned from Egypt, where he had fled to escape Solomon's wrath. The prophecy was fulfilled when the ten northern tribes rejected Rehoboam, Solomon's son, and made Jeroboam their king (1 Kings 12:20). This marked the division of the united kingdom into Israel in the north and Judah in the south.

Despite the divine promise, Jeroboam's reign was marred by his failure to adhere to God's commands. In an effort to secure his rule and prevent the people from returning to Jerusalem for worship, he established golden calves in Bethel and Dan, leading Israel into idolatry (1 Kings 12:28-30).

Legacy

Jeroboam's legacy is complex. While he fulfilled the prophecy of Ahijah by becoming king, his actions set a precedent for idolatry that plagued the northern kingdom throughout its history. The prophecy of Ahijah serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the conditional nature of His promises, contingent upon obedience and faithfulness to His commandments.1 Kings 11:29-39
And it came to pass at that time when Jeroboam went out of Jerusalem, that the prophet Ahijah the Shilonite found him in the way; and he had clad himself with a new garment; and they two were alone in the field:
Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 14:5-16
And the LORD said to Ahijah, Behold, the wife of Jeroboam comes to ask a thing of you for her son; for he is sick: thus and thus shall you say to her: for it shall be, when she comes in, that she shall feign herself to be another woman.
Nave's Topical Index

Who was Ahijah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Who was King Rehoboam in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Why was Israel divided into the Southern Kingdom and Northern Kingdom? | GotQuestions.org

Jeroboam: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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