1 Kings 11:26

¶ 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.

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}.

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.

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,

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

Commentary on 1 Kings 11:26

This verse introduces Jeroboam, a pivotal figure in Israelite history, whose rebellion against King Solomon marks the beginning of the kingdom's division. It sets the stage for one of the most significant shifts in the narrative of God's people, moving from a united monarchy to two separate kingdoms.

Context

1 Kings 11 details King Solomon's spiritual decline. Despite his unparalleled wisdom and the glorious temple he built, Solomon's heart was turned away from the Lord by his numerous foreign wives, who led him to worship other gods (1 Kings 11:4). As a consequence, God declared that He would tear the kingdom from Solomon's son, leaving only one tribe (Judah) for the sake of David, Solomon's father (1 Kings 11:11-13). Jeroboam is presented here as one of the "adversaries" God raised up against Solomon, fulfilling this divine judgment. He was an "Ephrathite of Zereda," indicating his tribal origin from Ephraim, a significant tribe in the northern part of Israel. His position as "Solomon's servant" suggests he was a capable and trusted administrator, perhaps in charge of forced labor or public works, which would have given him influence among the people.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment and Prophecy Fulfillment: Jeroboam's emergence is not merely a political uprising but a direct outworking of God's judgment against Solomon's idolatry. The prophet Ahijah had already foretold that Jeroboam would rule over ten tribes of Israel (1 Kings 11:29-39), making his rebellion a step towards the fulfillment of this prophecy.
  • Human Rebellion and Ambition: The phrase "lifted up his hand against the king" signifies Jeroboam's act of rebellion. While divinely orchestrated, it was also a human act of defiance, possibly fueled by his own ambition and discontent with Solomon's oppressive building projects and heavy taxation.
  • The Seeds of Division: This verse introduces the figure who will become the first king of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, marking the irreparable split of the united monarchy established by David.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "lifted up his hand against the king" (Hebrew: wayyarēm yād bammèlèḵ) is an idiom signifying an act of rebellion, revolt, or hostile opposition. It implies more than just a verbal complaint; it suggests a significant challenge to authority, often involving a conspiracy or armed uprising. This idiom clearly communicates Jeroboam's defiance and the serious nature of his actions against the reigning monarch, Solomon.

Practical Application

The story of Jeroboam and Solomon serves as a powerful reminder of several timeless truths:

  • Consequences of Disobedience: Solomon's tragic downfall, despite his initial wisdom and blessings, illustrates that even the most favored can face severe consequences for turning away from God. This highlights the importance of continued faithfulness and vigilance in one's walk with the Lord.
  • God's Sovereignty in Human Affairs: Even in acts of human rebellion and political upheaval, God's overarching plan and judgment are at work. Jeroboam's actions, though rebellious, were ultimately tools in God's hand to bring about His declared will.
  • The Danger of Unchecked Ambition: While Jeroboam was chosen by God for a role, his subsequent actions, especially his establishment of idolatrous worship in the Northern Kingdom, demonstrate how personal ambition can lead to further sin and spiritual decline (1 Kings 12:28-30).
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Chronicles 13:6 (5 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    ¶ 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: