Jeroboam I

Technical Profile

• Name Meaning: Hebrew Yārāḇʿām (“the people contend/increase”), a name linked to communal strength and conflict.
• Period/Era: Divided Kingdom
• Main References: 1 Kings 11–14; 2 Chronicles 10–13
• Key Connections: Solomon and Rehoboam (United Monarchy transition); Ahijah the Shilonite (prophetic commissioning); Judah and Benjamin (southern rival kingdom)

Who was Jeroboam I?

Jeroboam I was the first king of the Northern Kingdom of Israel after the split following Solomon’s reign.
Originally an Ephraimite official in Solomon’s administration, he became a rival to the house of David.
His kingship was framed by prophetic words of judgment and promise concerning Israel’s tribes.
He is remembered for establishing alternative worship centers that shaped northern religion and politics.

Key Events & Achievements

• Event 1: Received a prophetic announcement from Ahijah that he would rule over ten tribes (1 Kings 11:29–39).
• Event 2: Led the northern tribes in separating from Rehoboam and formed the Northern Kingdom (1 Kings 12:16–20).
• Event 3: Set up golden calves and shrines at Bethel and Dan with a new priestly and festival system (1 Kings 12:28–33).

Life Lesson & Legacy

Jeroboam I’s reign shows how political consolidation in the Divided Kingdom could redirect Israel’s public worship and become a lasting standard for evaluating later northern kings.

Key Verse

"And he made two calves of gold. And he said to the people, 'You have gone up to Jerusalem long enough. Behold your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.'" — 1 Kings 12:28, ESV