1 Kings 11:26

KJV

¶ And Jeroboam the son of Nebat, an Ephrathite of Zereda, Solomon's servant, whose mother's name [was] Zeruah, a widow woman, even he lifted up [his] hand against the king.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Jeroboam {H3379} the son {H1121} of Nebat {H5028}, an Ephrathite {H673} of Zereda {H6868}, Solomon's {H8010} servant {H5650}, whose mother's {H517} name {H8034} was Zeruah {H6871}, a widow {H490} woman {H802}, even he lifted up {H7311} his hand {H3027} against the king {H4428}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Also Yarov'am the son of N'vat, an Efrati from Tz'redah, whose mother's name was Tz'ru'ah, one of Shlomo's servants, rebelled against the king.

Berean Standard Bible

Now Jeroboam son of Nebat was an Ephraimite from Zeredah whose mother was a widow named Zeruah. Jeroboam was a servant of Solomon, but he rebelled against the king,

American Standard Version

And Jeroboam the son of Nebat, an Ephraimite of Zeredah, a servant of Solomon, whose mother’s name was Zeruah, a widow, he also lifted up his hand against the king.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Kings 11:26 introduces Jeroboam, son of Nebat, a pivotal figure whose rebellion against King Solomon was a divinely orchestrated consequence of Solomon's profound idolatry. This verse meticulously details Jeroboam's background as an Ephrathite from Zereda and a former trusted servant of Solomon, even noting his mother's status as a widow. It culminates in the stark declaration that he "lifted up his hand against the king," a decisive act that sets the stage for the tragic division of the united monarchy and the subsequent history of two separate kingdoms, Israel and Judah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically positioned within the larger narrative of King Solomon's spiritual decline and the unfolding consequences of his disobedience. Immediately preceding it, God explicitly declares His intention to tear the kingdom from Solomon's hand, leaving only one tribe for the sake of David and Jerusalem, as detailed in [1 Kings 11:11-13](/1_kings/11-11 "1 Kings 11:11-13 - God's Judgment on Solomon"). Jeroboam is presented as one of the "adversaries" God raises up, alongside Hadad the Edomite and Rezon of Zobah, to fulfill this divine judgment, a narrative thread explored in [1 Kings 11:14-25](/1_kings/11-14-25 "1 Kings 11:14-25 - Other Adversaries of Solomon"). The introduction of Jeroboam here directly foreshadows the prophetic encounter with Ahijah the Shilonite, who explicitly commissions Jeroboam to rule over ten tribes of Israel, as prophesied in [1 Kings 11:29-39](/1_kings/11-29-39 "1 Kings 11:29-39 - Ahijah's Prophecy to Jeroboam"), thereby establishing him as the primary agent of the kingdom's division. This verse transitions the narrative from Solomon's personal failures to the broader political and theological ramifications for the entire nation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Solomon's reign, though celebrated for its peace and prosperity, was also characterized by the implementation of heavy taxation and forced labor (corvée) to fund his ambitious building projects, including the temple, his palace, and various fortifications. This significant burden disproportionately affected the northern tribes, who felt increasingly alienated from the Davidic dynasty centered in Jerusalem. Jeroboam's position as "Solomon's servant," likely an overseer of forced labor for the house of Joseph, as indicated in [1 Kings 11:28](/1_kings/11-28 "1 Kings 11:28 - Jeroboam's Promotion"), would have given him direct exposure to, and perhaps sympathy for, the widespread discontent among the northern populace. His identification as an "Ephrathite of Zereda" links him to the powerful tribe of Ephraim, which had historically vied for leadership among the tribes and felt marginalized by Judah's dominance. The mention of his mother, Zeruah, as a widow, might subtly emphasize his humble origins, making his eventual rise to challenge the king even more remarkable and indicative of divine intervention.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in 1 Kings. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty**, demonstrating that even human rebellion and political upheaval are ultimately orchestrated by God to fulfill His declared will concerning Solomon's idolatry and the conditional nature of the Davidic covenant for the king's personal obedience, as seen in [1 Kings 11:9-13](/1_kings/11-9-13 "1 Kings 11:9-13 - God's Anger Against Solomon"). Secondly, it highlights **Human Rebellion and Ambition**, as Jeroboam's act of "lifting up his hand" signifies a deliberate, hostile challenge to royal authority, likely fueled by his own aspirations and the widespread discontent with Solomon's oppressive policies. Thirdly, it serves as the crucial introduction to **The Seeds of Division**, presenting the figure who will become the first king of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, thereby initiating the irreparable split of the united monarchy established by David and Solomon. This division is a central theological and political event that profoundly shapes the remainder of the Old Testament narrative.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ephrathite (Hebrew, _ʼEphrâthîy_):** This term (H673) identifies Jeroboam as belonging to Ephraim, a dominant and influential tribe in the northern kingdom. Ephraim was a traditional rival to Judah for leadership among the tribes of Israel. Highlighting his tribal origin immediately signals a potential source of political tension and sets the stage for the eventual secession of the northern tribes, who would largely coalesce around Ephraimite leadership.
* **servant (Hebrew, _ʻebed_):** This word (H5650) describes Jeroboam's prior position as an official or administrator within Solomon's government. He was not an outsider but an insider, trusted with significant responsibilities, perhaps overseeing public works or forced labor, particularly for the "house of Joseph" (Ephraim and Manasseh) as mentioned in [1 Kings 11:28](/1_kings/11-28 "1 Kings 11:28 - Jeroboam's Promotion"). This background suggests he possessed administrative skills, influence, and an intimate knowledge of the kingdom's operations and vulnerabilities, making his rebellion all the more impactful.
* **hand (Hebrew, _yâd_):** This word (H3027) is a key component of the idiom "lifted up his hand." In this context, "hand" signifies power, means, and direction. The phrase "lifted up his hand" (H7311, H3027) is a powerful Hebrew idiom signifying an act of rebellion, revolt, or hostile opposition against a superior authority. It implies more than mere verbal dissent; it suggests a significant challenge, often involving a conspiracy, an attempted coup, or an armed uprising. In this context, it clearly communicates the serious and defiant nature of Jeroboam's actions against the reigning monarch, Solomon, marking a direct challenge to the divinely established Davidic kingship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jeroboam the son of Nebat":** This introduces the central figure, Jeroboam, by his name and patronymic, immediately establishing his identity as the protagonist of this pivotal moment in Israelite history.
* **"an Ephrathite of Zereda":** This clause provides Jeroboam's tribal affiliation (Ephraim) and his hometown (Zereda), rooting him geographically and tribally in the northern territories, which would later form the bulk of his kingdom. This detail is crucial for understanding the political dynamics of the impending division.
* **"Solomon's servant":** This describes Jeroboam's previous relationship and status under King Solomon, highlighting his insider position and the trust (or at least utility) Solomon placed in him before the rebellion. This makes his subsequent actions all the more significant.
* **"whose mother's name [was] Zeruah, a widow woman":** This seemingly minor detail offers a glimpse into Jeroboam's personal background, possibly emphasizing his humble origins or the fact that he lacked a powerful patriarchal lineage. This detail makes his rise to power even more remarkable and can be seen as indicative of God's sovereign hand elevating the humble.
* **"even he lifted up [his] hand against the king":** This climactic clause states the central action of the verse: Jeroboam's direct and defiant rebellion against King Solomon. The emphatic phrase "even he" underscores the unexpected or significant nature of this rebellion emanating from a trusted servant, marking a profound challenge to the established order.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its profound significance. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as the introduction of Jeroboam and his act of rebellion directly anticipates the division of the kingdom, which is the major narrative arc following Solomon's reign. There is a strong element of **Irony**, given that Jeroboam, described as "Solomon's servant," is the very individual who "lifts up his hand" against his master, highlighting the unexpected nature of the threat from within Solomon's own administration. The precise details of Jeroboam's background (Ephrathite, servant, widow's son) serve to establish his character and context, utilizing **Characterization** to prepare the reader for his future, divinely appointed yet ultimately flawed, role. Finally, the use of the **Idiom** "lifted up his hand" succinctly and powerfully communicates the act of rebellion, immediately conveying the gravity and hostile nature of Jeroboam's actions without needing lengthy explanation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The emergence of Jeroboam and his rebellion in 1 Kings 11:26 is not merely a political coup but a direct outworking of God's sovereign judgment against King Solomon's profound idolatry and unfaithfulness. While Jeroboam's actions are presented as human rebellion and ambition, the broader narrative context reveals them as instruments in God's hand to fulfill His declared will. This highlights the theological truth that even in the midst of human sin, ambition, and political upheaval, God remains in control, orchestrating events to accomplish His purposes and enforce the consequences of disobedience. The division of the kingdom, initiated by this rebellion, serves as a stark reminder of the conditional nature of the Davidic covenant for the individual king's obedience, even as the promise of an enduring dynasty for David's line remains unconditionally secure.

* [1 Kings 11:11-13](/1_kings/11-11-13 "1 Kings 11:11-13 - God's Judgment on Solomon's Disobedience")
* [1 Kings 11:29-39](/1_kings/11-29-39 "1 Kings 11:29-39 - Ahijah's Prophecy to Jeroboam Regarding the Kingdom")
* [1 Kings 12:16](/1_kings/12-16 "1 Kings 12:16 - The Northern Tribes Secede from Rehoboam")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The introduction of Jeroboam and his rebellion offers profound lessons for believers today. Solomon's tragic decline, despite his unparalleled wisdom and initial faithfulness, serves as a sobering reminder that even those greatly blessed by God are not immune to the insidious creep of spiritual compromise and idolatry. His story underscores the critical importance of sustained vigilance, humility, and unwavering devotion to the Lord throughout one's life, lest a good beginning lead to a devastating end. Furthermore, Jeroboam's role, though divinely appointed for judgment, also highlights the dangers of unchecked ambition and the potential for human actions, even those fulfilling God's purposes, to be marred by sin. His later establishment of idolatrous worship in the Northern Kingdom demonstrates how a legitimate rise to power can be corrupted by a desire to secure one's own position rather than faithfully serving God. This narrative calls us to examine our own hearts, ensuring that our actions, whether in leadership or daily life, are motivated by pure devotion to God and not by self-serving ambition, and to remain faithful even when circumstances seem to justify compromise.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the story of Jeroboam's rebellion illustrate God's sovereignty even in human acts of defiance?**
* **What lessons can we draw from Solomon's spiritual decline regarding the importance of ongoing faithfulness and vigilance against idolatry?**
* **In what ways might unchecked ambition, even in seemingly "justified" circumstances, lead to further sin and spiritual compromise in our own lives?**
* **How does this account challenge us to consider the long-term consequences of our choices, both for ourselves and for those we influence, particularly in matters of faith?**

### FAQ
**Who was Jeroboam before he lifted his hand against the king?**

Answer: Before his rebellion, Jeroboam was a capable and trusted administrator in King Solomon's government. [1 Kings 11:28](/1_kings/11-28 "1 Kings 11:28 - Jeroboam's Diligence") states that "Jeroboam was a mighty man of valor: and Solomon seeing the young man that he was industrious, he made him ruler over all the charge of the house of Joseph." This indicates he was in charge of the forced labor or public works for the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, a position that would have given him significant influence and insight into the discontent among the northern tribes due to Solomon's heavy burdens.

**Why did Jeroboam rebel against Solomon?**

Answer: Jeroboam's rebellion was a complex event with both divine and human motivations. From God's perspective, it was a direct judgment against Solomon's idolatry and unfaithfulness. The prophet Ahijah had already prophesied to Jeroboam that God would tear ten tribes from Solomon's kingdom and give them to Jeroboam, as recorded in [1 Kings 11:29-39](/1_kings/11-29-39 "1 Kings 11:29-39 - Ahijah's Prophecy to Jeroboam"). From a human perspective, Jeroboam likely capitalized on the widespread discontent among the northern tribes due to Solomon's oppressive policies, heavy taxation, and forced labor. His position as an overseer of these laborers would have made him privy to their grievances, and his own ambition, fueled by the prophetic word, led him to challenge the king's authority.

**What was the immediate outcome of Jeroboam's rebellion mentioned in 1 Kings 11?**

Answer: Following his initial act of rebellion, Jeroboam was forced to flee from King Solomon. [1 Kings 11:40](/1_kings/11-40 "1 Kings 11:40 - Jeroboam Flees to Egypt") states that "Solomon sought therefore to kill Jeroboam. And Jeroboam arose, and fled into Egypt, unto Shishak king of Egypt, and was in Egypt until the death of Solomon." He remained in exile until Solomon's death, after which he was called back by the northern tribes to negotiate with Solomon's son, Rehoboam, a negotiation that ultimately led to the kingdom's division and Jeroboam becoming the first king of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, as recounted in [1 Kings 12:1-20](/1_kings/12-1-20 "1 Kings 12 - The Division of the Kingdom").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Jeroboam's rebellion against King Solomon, rooted in Solomon's failure and leading to the division of the kingdom, profoundly highlights the human need for a perfect, faithful King. Solomon, despite his unparalleled wisdom and initial glory, ultimately failed to maintain his covenant fidelity, turning his heart from the Lord and leading to the tearing away of the kingdom. Jeroboam, though divinely appointed as an instrument of judgment, himself quickly succumbed to political expediency and led his people into grievous idolatry with the golden calves, further demonstrating the inherent fallenness and unreliability of human kingship, as detailed in [1 Kings 12:28-30](/1_kings/12-28-30 "1 Kings 12:28-30 - Jeroboam's Idolatry"). This brokenness and division in the earthly monarchy point forward to Jesus Christ, the true Son of David, who alone fulfills God's kingly ideal. Unlike Solomon, Christ never turns His heart from God; He is perfectly obedient, even to death on a cross, as described in [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience"). Unlike Jeroboam, He never leads His people into idolatry but continually calls them to worship the one true God. He is the ultimate "servant," not one who rebels against God, but one who perfectly submits to the Father's will, even "lifting up His hand" in sacrifice to establish an eternal kingdom that will never be divided, as prophesied in [Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32-33 "Luke 1:32-33 - The Eternal Kingdom of Christ"). Through His atoning work, Christ breaks down the dividing wall of hostility caused by sin, uniting Jew and Gentile into one new humanity, establishing a spiritual kingdom that transcends earthly divisions and perfectly fulfills God's promises of an everlasting, undivided reign, a reality celebrated in [Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace"). He is the faithful King who brings true peace and unity, where all human kings have failed.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Chronicles 13:6

Yet Jeroboam the son of Nebat, the servant of Solomon the son of David, is risen up, and hath rebelled against his lord.

1 Kings 12:2

And it came to pass, when Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who was yet in Egypt, heard [of it], (for he was fled from the presence of king Solomon, and Jeroboam dwelt in Egypt;)

Ruth 1:2

And the name of the man [was] Elimelech, and the name of his wife Naomi, and the name of his two sons Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Bethlehemjudah. And they came into the country of Moab, and continued there.

1 Kings 11:11

Wherefore the LORD said unto Solomon, Forasmuch as this is done of thee, and thou hast not kept my covenant and my statutes, which I have commanded thee, I will surely rend the kingdom from thee, and will give it to thy servant.

2 Samuel 20:21

The matter [is] not so: but a man of mount Ephraim, Sheba the son of Bichri by name, hath lifted up his hand against the king, [even] against David: deliver him only, and I will depart from the city. And the woman said unto Joab, Behold, his head shall be thrown to thee over the wall.

1 Kings 11:28

And the man Jeroboam [was] a mighty man of valour: and Solomon seeing the young man that he was industrious, he made him ruler over all the charge of the house of Joseph.

1 Samuel 1:1

¶ Now there was a certain man of Ramathaimzophim, of mount Ephraim, and his name [was] Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephrathite: