Early Life and Rise to Power (1 Kings 11:26-40)
Jeroboam was an Ephraimite, son of Nebat and Zeruah.
He served as an official under King Solomon.
The prophet Ahijah prophesied that Jeroboam would rule over ten tribes of Israel.
Solomon sought to kill Jeroboam, who fled to Egypt under Pharaoh Shishak's protection.
Division of the Kingdom (1 Kings 12:1-20)
After Solomon's death, his son Rehoboam became king.
Jeroboam returned from Egypt and led a delegation to negotiate with Rehoboam.
Rehoboam's harsh response led to the northern tribes rejecting him.
The northern tribes made Jeroboam their king, fulfilling Ahijah's prophecy.
Establishment of Religious Centers (1 Kings 12:25-33)
Jeroboam set up golden calves in Bethel and Dan as alternative worship sites.
He appointed non-Levite priests and established his own religious festivals.
These actions were considered sinful and led to the departure of Levites to Judah.
Confrontation with the Man of God (1 Kings 13:1-10)
An unnamed prophet from Judah prophesied against Jeroboam's altar at Bethel.
Jeroboam's hand withered when he tried to seize the prophet but was healed upon the prophet's prayer.
The Old Prophet and the Man of God (1 Kings 13:11-32)
An old prophet from Bethel deceived the man of God, leading to his death by a lion.
Illness and Death of Jeroboam's Son (1 Kings 14:1-18)
Jeroboam's son Abijah fell ill.
Jeroboam sent his wife in disguise to consult the prophet Ahijah.
Ahijah prophesied the death of the child and the downfall of Jeroboam's dynasty.
End of Jeroboam's Reign (1 Kings 14:19-20)
Jeroboam reigned for 22 years.
He was constantly at war with Judah.
He died and was succeeded by his son Nadab.
Legacy (1 Kings 15:25-26, 34; 16:2-3, 19, 26, 31; 22:52; 2 Kings 3:3; 10:29; 13:2, 11; 14:24; 15:9, 18, 24, 28)
Jeroboam became notorious in biblical history.
His religious innovations were referred to as "the sins of Jeroboam" and were cited as reasons for divine judgment on subsequent northern kings.
"The sins of Jeroboam" is a recurring theme throughout the history of the northern kingdom of Israel. This phrase refers to the idolatrous practices introduced by Jeroboam I, which became a pattern for subsequent kings.
Origin of "the sins of Jeroboam":
When the kingdom split, Jeroboam I feared that if people continued to worship at the temple in Jerusalem (in the southern kingdom), they might eventually return their loyalty to the house of David. To prevent this, he established an alternative religious system (1 Kings 12:26-33).
Specific actions constituting "the sins of Jeroboam":
Creating golden calves: He made two golden calves, placing one in Bethel and one in Dan (1 Kings 12:28-29).
Establishing new worship centers: He set up shrines on high places (1 Kings 12:31).
Appointing non-Levitical priests: He made priests from all sorts of people, not just Levites (1 Kings 12:31).
Instituting new festivals: He ordained a feast similar to the one in Judah, but on a different date (1 Kings 12:32-33).
Theological significance:
These actions were seen as a grave sin because they violated the first and second commandments (Exodus 20:3-6). They led the people away from the proper worship of Yahweh as prescribed in the Law of Moses.
Recurring theme:
Almost every king of Israel is described as following in "the sins of Jeroboam." This phrase becomes a shorthand for continued idolatry and deviation from true worship. For example:
Nadab: "He did evil in the eyes of the Lord, walking in the ways of his father and in his sin, which he had caused Israel to commit." (1 Kings 15:26)
Baasha: "He did evil in the eyes of the Lord, walking in the ways of Jeroboam and in his sin, which he had caused Israel to commit." (1 Kings 15:34)
This pattern continues for most of the kings of Israel.
Exceptions and variations:
Some kings, like Ahab, are described as doing even worse than Jeroboam (1 Kings 16:30-31).
Jehu destroyed Baal worship but maintained the golden calves (2 Kings 10:28-29).
Hoshea, the last king, is described as evil but not as bad as his predecessors (2 Kings 17:2).
Consequences:
The persistent adherence to "the sins of Jeroboam" is cited as a primary reason for the eventual destruction of the northern kingdom:
"This occurred because the Israelites had sinned against the Lord their God... They worshiped other gods and followed the practices of the nations the Lord had driven out before them, as well as the practices that the kings of Israel had introduced." (2 Kings 17:7-8)
Prophetic response:
The prophets consistently spoke out against these practices. For example:
Ahijah prophesied against Jeroboam (1 Kings 14:7-16).
Amos criticized the worship at Bethel (Amos 4:4-5, 5:5-6).
Hosea frequently referred to the idolatry of the northern kingdom (e.g., Hosea 8:5-6, 10:5-8).
In summary, "the sins of Jeroboam" represent a fundamental departure from the proper worship of Yahweh, involving idolatry and unauthorized cultic practices. This became a persistent pattern in the northern kingdom, repeatedly condemned by the prophets and ultimately leading to the kingdom's downfall. The phrase serves as a recurring motif in the biblical narrative, emphasizing the ongoing spiritual failure of the northern kings and their people.
The story of Jeroboam, the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel, is a compelling narrative of promise, leadership, failure, and enduring legacy. His life offers vital lessons for Christian disciples on the dangers of compromise and the importance of faithful obedience.
Jeroboam was born into humble circumstances, the son of Nebat from the tribe of Ephraim, and his mother Zeruah, a widow 3 6. Recognized for his abilities, he rose to prominence under King Solomon, becoming a superintendent over major building projects in Jerusalem 3 6. This role exposed him to the growing discontent among the Israelites, who were burdened by Solomon’s heavy taxes and forced labour.
Jeroboam’s life changed dramatically when the prophet Ahijah delivered a divine message: God would tear the kingdom from Solomon’s lineage because of Solomon’s unfaithfulness and give ten tribes to Jeroboam 3 6 7. This promise was remarkable-God offered Jeroboam a dynasty as enduring as David's, if only he would walk in obedience and faithfulness 7.
Solomon, upon learning of the prophecy, sought to kill Jeroboam. Jeroboam fled to Egypt, finding refuge with Pharaoh Shishak 2 3 6. After Solomon’s death, the northern tribes invited Jeroboam back, hoping for relief from oppressive policies under Solomon’s son, Rehoboam. When Rehoboam refused to lighten their burdens, ten tribes seceded and made Jeroboam their king, fulfilling God’s word through Ahijah 1 2 3 6.
Jeroboam established his capital first at Shechem, then at Pnuel and Tirzah 1 3. This division marked the end of the united monarchy and the birth of the northern kingdom, Israel, with only Judah and Benjamin remaining loyal to the house of David in the south.
Fearing that pilgrimages to Jerusalem would undermine his rule, Jeroboam made a fateful decision. He set up alternative worship centres at Bethel and Dan, installing golden calves and appointing non-Levitical priests, creating a new religious system to rival Jerusalem’s temple worship 1 2 3 5 6. He even instituted new festivals to keep his people from returning to the southern kingdom 5.
This act, intended to secure his throne, became his greatest failure. Scripture repeatedly refers to the “sin of Jeroboam”- idolatry and leading Israel away from true worship-as the standard by which later kings were judged, and as a primary reason for the eventual downfall of the northern kingdom 1 6.
Jeroboam’s reign was marked by ongoing conflict with Judah. Notably, he was challenged by a prophet from Judah while offering sacrifices at Bethel, a confrontation that highlighted his rebellion against God’s commands 5. Despite moments of humility and opportunities to repent, Jeroboam persisted in his ways 4.
His rule ended in defeat. After a crushing loss to Abijah, Rehoboam’s son, at the Battle of Mount Zemaraim, Jeroboam’s influence waned, and he died a few years later 2 6. His son Nadab succeeded him, but his dynasty was short-lived, as foretold by another prophetic oracle 1 6.
Jeroboam’s story is a sobering reminder of both God’s faithfulness and the consequences of unfaithfulness. He was given a genuine opportunity to lead with God’s blessing, but fear and self-preservation led him to compromise, ultimately forfeiting the promise 7.
Obedience matters: God’s promises are sure, but they require our faithful response.
Leadership influences others: Jeroboam’s choices shaped the spiritual direction of a nation for generations.
Beware of shortcuts: Trying to secure God’s blessings through human schemes leads to spiritual disaster.
Jeroboam’s life invites us to trust God’s promises, resist the temptation to compromise, and lead others with integrity and faithfulness. His story challenges every disciple to consider: Will we trust God fully, or will we let fear dictate our choices?
Jeroboam’s actions had profound and lasting consequences on the northern Kingdom of Israel, shaping its spiritual and political trajectory for centuries.
Jeroboam feared that if his people continued to worship in Jerusalem, their loyalty would return to Rehoboam, king of Judah. To prevent this, he made two golden calves-one set up in Bethel and the other in Dan-and told the people, “Here are your gods, Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt” (1 Kings 12:26-28). This became a very great sin, as the people worshiped these idols instead of the LORD (1 Kings 12:29-30) 1 2 6.
He also built shrines on high places and appointed priests from all classes, not just Levites, further corrupting the worship system (1 Kings 12:31). Jeroboam instituted a festival in the eighth month, distinct from God’s appointed times, to legitimize this idolatrous worship (1 Kings 12:32-33). Despite prophetic warnings, Jeroboam did not repent but continued in his evil ways (1 Kings 13:33) 6 8.
This idolatry, called “the sin of Jeroboam,” became the defining evil of the northern kingdom. Later kings of Israel continued in these sins, leading to God’s judgment and the eventual destruction of Israel (1 Kings 14:9-16; 2 Kings 17:21-23). The prophets Hosea and Amos also condemned the calf worship and apostasy (Hosea 8:5-6; Amos 5:26).
Jeroboam’s establishment of alternative worship centers symbolized and cemented the division of the united monarchy into two kingdoms: Israel in the north and Judah in the south. This division weakened Israel politically and militarily, leading to ongoing conflict between the kingdoms (1 Kings 12:20-24).
His reign ended after defeat by Abijah, king of Judah (2 Chronicles 13), and his dynasty was short-lived, replaced by Baasha, who also “did evil in the eyes of the LORD, following the ways of Jeroboam” (1 Kings 15:34) 7. The northern kingdom remained unstable and idolatrous until its conquest by Assyria in 722 BCE (2 Kings 17:5-6).
Jeroboam was given a divine promise of a lasting dynasty if he obeyed God (1 Kings 11:38), but his fear and compromise led to his downfall. His “sin” became a lasting symbol of rebellion against God’s covenant (1 Kings 13:34). The phrase “the sins of Jeroboam” recurs throughout the books of Kings as a shorthand for idolatry and apostasy that plagued Israel’s kings and people (2 Kings 3:3; 1 Kings 15:34)79.
In summary, Jeroboam’s actions brought spiritual decay through idolatry (1 Kings 12:28-33), political fragmentation (1 Kings 12:20-24), and long-term national decline culminating in exile (2 Kings 17:5-6). His story warns Christian disciples of the dangers of fear-driven compromise and the critical importance of faithful obedience to God’s commands.