Jeroboam

Claes Moeyaert - Sacrifice of Jeroboam - Google Art Project

Ahijahs and Jeroboam

Jeroboam sets up two golden calves

Jeroboam refers to two different kings in the history of ancient Israel, as recounted in the Hebrew Bible. The name "Jeroboam" is significant in the biblical narrative, with the first Jeroboam establishing the northern kingdom of Israel following a split from the southern kingdom of Judah.

Jeroboam I

Jeroboam I was the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel after the division of the United Monarchy into two separate entities around the 10th century BCE. According to biblical accounts, particularly in the books of 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles, Jeroboam was initially a servant of Solomon, the last king of the united Israel. Following Solomon's death, due to the harsh policies of his son Rehoboam, the ten northern tribes rebelled and chose Jeroboam as their king, thus forming the northern kingdom of Israel, separate from the southern kingdom of Judah.

Jeroboam I is noted for his efforts to solidify his rule and ensure that his subjects would not return to allegiance with the kingdom of Judah. To this end, he established two new centers of worship in Bethel and Dan, introducing golden calves as objects of worship. This act is heavily criticized in the biblical narrative, which portrays it as leading the people into sin. Jeroboam's reign is marked by this religious schism and ongoing conflict with the southern kingdom.

Jeroboam II

Jeroboam II was the 14th king of Israel and is considered one of the more powerful and successful rulers of the northern kingdom. His reign, which took place in the 8th century BCE, is described in the 2 Kings. Under Jeroboam II, the kingdom of Israel experienced a period of significant expansion and prosperity, recovering territories that had been lost to neighboring states and improving the nation's economic status.

Jeroboam II's reign is often noted for its contributions to the architectural and economic development of Israel. However, despite the material prosperity of the kingdom under his rule, the biblical narrative criticizes the social and religious injustices of the time. The prophets Amos and Hosea, who were active during or shortly after his reign, condemned the disparity between the wealthy and the poor, as well as the idolatry and corruption that were prevalent in society.

Biblical Critique and Legacy

Both Jeroboams are significant in the biblical narrative for their roles in the division and idolatry of Israel. The first Jeroboam's establishment of alternative worship centers is seen as a direct cause of the kingdom's eventual downfall and exile, as it led the people away from the worship of Yahweh. Jeroboam II, despite his political and economic successes, is similarly critiqued for allowing and possibly encouraging idolatrous practices and social injustices.

The legacy of the Jeroboams, particularly the first, is often invoked in the Hebrew Bible as a symbol of sin and rebellion against God. The term "the sins of Jeroboam" is used repeatedly to condemn subsequent kings of Israel who followed in his idolatrous footsteps.