Character Study Of Jeroboam Series

CHARACTER STUDY OF JEROBOAM – FIRST KING OF NORTHERN ISRAEL

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Kings 12:25

"Then Jeroboam built Shechem in the mountains of Ephraim, and dwelt there. Also, he went out from there and built Penuel.

Supporting Texts:

1 Kings 12-14, 2 Chronicles 10-13

INTRODUCTION

Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, was the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel after the division of the united monarchy. Originally a servant of King Solomon, he was chosen by God to rule over ten of Israel’s twelve tribes as a judgment against Solomon’s disobedience. However, instead of leading Israel in the ways of the Lord, Jeroboam introduced idolatry, which led to the spiritual downfall of his kingdom.

Jeroboam was a man of great potential, but he allowed fear, insecurity, and self-preservation to drive him into sin. His story is a tragic one, as he was given an opportunity by God to establish a lasting dynasty but forfeited it through disobedience. His leadership serves as a powerful lesson about the dangers of compromising faith for political gain.

Despite his initial calling, Jeroboam is remembered in Scripture as the one who "made Israel sin" (1 Kings 14:16). His reign was marked by idolatry, rebellion, and divine judgment. His life teaches us that divine opportunities can be lost if we fail to trust and obey God.

1. JEROBOAM’S RISE TO POWER

a) He was a capable and hardworking leader (1 Kings 11:28)

Solomon appointed him over the labour force due to his industrious nature.

b) He received a divine prophecy about kingship (1 Kings 11:29-31)

The prophet Ahijah told him he would rule over ten tribes of Israel.

c) His leadership was part of God’s judgment on Solomon (1 Kings 11:33)

Solomon’s idolatry led God to divide the kingdom.

d) He fled to Egypt for safety (1 Kings 11:40)

Solomon sought to kill him, forcing him into exile.

e) Biblical Example: David also had to flee from Saul before becoming king (1 Samuel 21:10)

2. JEROBOAM’S OPPORTUNITY TO LEAD RIGHTEOUSLY

a) God gave him a chance to establish a lasting dynasty (1 Kings 11:38)

He was promised divine support if he followed God’s commands.

b) His kingship was a result of God’s sovereign plan (1 Kings 12:15)

The division of Israel fulfilled God's word.

c) The people willingly made him king (1 Kings 12:20)

He was chosen by the ten tribes after they rejected Rehoboam.

d) He had the potential to lead Israel into revival (Deuteronomy 17:18-20)

He could have turned the people back to God.

e) Biblical Example: King Hezekiah led a spiritual revival when he became king (2 Chronicles 29:3-6)

3. JEROBOAM’S FEAR AND POLITICAL INSECURITY

a) He feared losing his throne to the house of David (1 Kings 12:26-27)

He worried that the people would turn back to Rehoboam.

b) He doubted God's promise to establish his kingdom (1 Kings 11:38)

Instead of trusting God, he relied on human wisdom.

c) He sought control through human strategies (1 Kings 12:28)

He made golden calves to prevent the people from going to Jerusalem.

d) He prioritised power over spiritual obedience (1 Kings 12:30)

His actions led Israel into deep idolatry.

e) Biblical Example: King Saul also lost his kingdom due to fear and disobedience (1 Samuel 15:22-23)

4. JEROBOAM’S ESTABLISHMENT OF IDOLATRY

a) He built golden calves in Bethel and Dan (1 Kings 12:28-30)

He led Israel away from true worship.

b) He appointed non-Levitical priests (1 Kings 12:31)

He ignored God's requirements for the priesthood.

c) He introduced a false festival to rival God’s feast (1 Kings 12:32-33)

He created his own religious system.

d) His idolatry became a lasting sin in Israel (2 Kings 17:21-23)

Future kings followed in his footsteps.

e) Biblical Example: Aaron also made a golden calf, leading Israel into sin (Exodus 32:4-6)

5. GOD'S WARNING AND JEROBOAM’S REBELLION

a) A prophet warned him of God's judgment (1 Kings 13:1-5)

The altar he built was miraculously destroyed.

b) He attempted to harm the prophet (1 Kings 13:4)

His hand withered as a sign of divine judgment.

c) He did not repent despite seeing miracles (1 Kings 13:33)

He continued in sin and idolatry.

d) His family faced God’s judgment (1 Kings 14:10-11)

His dynasty was cursed.

e) Biblical Example: Pharaoh also hardened his heart despite seeing God’s power (Exodus 7:13)

6. JEROBOAM’S TRAGIC END

a) His son Abijah fell sick as a sign of judgment (1 Kings 14:1)

The prophet Ahijah declared his son would die.

b) His wife disguised herself to seek a prophecy (1 Kings 14:2-6)

The prophet recognised her and pronounced doom on Jeroboam’s house.

c) His entire lineage was cut off (1 Kings 15:29)

None of his descendants remained in power.

d) He died after a disastrous reign (1 Kings 14:20)