Information Related to "Jeroboam: King of the Northern Ten Tribes"
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Jeroboam:
First King of the Ten Tribes
by Jerold Aust
Jeroboam, an effective administrator under King Solomon, pleaded Israel's cause
before Solomon's son and successor, Rehoboam: "Your father made our yoke heavy; now
therefore, lighten the burdensome service of your father, and his heavy yoke which
he put on us, and we will serve you" (1Kings 12:4).
Jeroboam, chosen spokesman for most of the tribes of Israel, addressed Rehoboam at
Shechem, not Jerusalem. That their meeting was in this northern city added to Rehoboam's
troubles, for he knew the northern tribes were chafing at the heavy-handed tax and
labor policies administered from Jerusalem.
Under Solomon's long and peaceful rule, Israel had lived in the lap of luxury, attributable
at least in part to a heavy tax burden that allowed Israel to militarily and economically
dominate the area and control its profitable trade routes. But this tax burden eventually
generated considerable resentment among the people.
Rehoboam wanted to keep his father's affluent kingdom intact. But Jeroboam had different
ideas: He planned to rule over a new kingdom to be formed from 10 of the 12 tribes
of Israel, and Rehoboam unwittingly played right into his hands.
King Rehoboam needed a little time to consider his position and determine his response:
"Depart for three days, then come back to me" (verse 5).
In the privacy of his court, Rehoboam turned to the elders who had counseled his
father and asked: "How do you advise me to answer these people?"
The elders answered wisely: "If you will be a servant to these people today, and
serve them, and answer them, and speak good words to them, then they will be your
servants forever" (verses 6-7).
Related Information on UCG Sites:
Table of Contents that includes "Jeroboam: King of the Northern Ten Tribes"
Other Articles by Jerold Aust
Israel, ancient: