Question 1

Who is Jeroboam son of Nebat in this passage?

Accepted Answer

Jeroboam is introduced as the son of Nebat, from Zereda in the tribe of Ephraim. His mother Zeruah was a widow, so he likely rose by his own hard work. The text calls him a mighty man of valor and notes that he was very industrious. Solomon noticed his skill and put him in charge of the work and burdens over the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, called the house of Joseph. Later, God chooses this same Jeroboam to receive rule over ten tribes of Israel when the kingdom is divided.

Question 2

Why does God say the kingdom will be torn from Solomon’s house?

Accepted Answer

God explains very clearly that the kingdom will be torn from Solomon’s son because Solomon and the people turned from God. They left God’s ways and worshiped other gods, named here as Ashtoreth, Chemosh, and Milcom. Instead of walking in God’s commandments as David did, they followed idols. Because of this, God judges the royal house by taking most of the tribes away. Yet God does not erase David’s line, but leaves one tribe for the sake of His promise to David and for Jerusalem, the city He chose.

Question 3

What is the meaning of Ahijah tearing the new garment into twelve pieces?

Accepted Answer

Ahijah’s act with the new garment is a picture of what God is about to do to the kingdom. The garment is torn into twelve pieces, matching the twelve tribes of Israel. Jeroboam is told to take ten pieces, which stands for the ten tribes God will give him to rule. The remaining piece, counted as one tribe, pictures what stays with the house of David in Jerusalem. This simple, physical act makes God’s message easy to see: the united kingdom will not stay together but will be split apart.

Question 4

Why does God leave one tribe for David’s sake and for Jerusalem?

Accepted Answer

God leaves one tribe with Solomon’s son because of His promise to David. David had walked in God’s ways, kept His commandments, and God had chosen him. Out of respect for that promise, God will not remove the whole kingdom from David’s line. He also mentions Jerusalem, the city He chose to put His name there. So even while God judges Solomon’s sin, He keeps a lamp burning for David’s house in Jerusalem. This shows both God’s fairness in judgment and His steady faithfulness to His earlier promises.

Question 5

What promise does God give Jeroboam about a ‘sure house’?

Accepted Answer

God tells Jeroboam that if he listens to God’s commands, walks in God’s ways, and does what is right as David did, then God will be with him. God promises to build Jeroboam a ‘sure house,’ meaning a stable family line and lasting rule, similar to what God did for David. This promise is clearly conditional. It depends on Jeroboam’s obedience and faithfulness. The passage also warns that turning from God brings trouble, as seen in the way Solomon’s house is afflicted for its idolatry, though not wiped out forever.

Question 6

Why did Solomon try to kill Jeroboam after this prophecy?

Accepted Answer

When Solomon heard what had been spoken about Jeroboam receiving ten tribes, he tried to kill Jeroboam. The text does not spell out all his thoughts, but it is clear Solomon resisted what God had announced. Instead of humbling himself under God’s word, he acted to protect his throne and his family’s hold on power. This shows how far Solomon had drifted from earlier faithfulness. Jeroboam then fled to Egypt, seeking safety under King Shishak, and stayed there until Solomon died, waiting for the time when the word of God would unfold.

Question 7

What does this passage teach about God’s character toward sin and promises?

Accepted Answer

This passage shows that God takes sin, especially idolatry, very seriously. Solomon’s turning to other gods and leading Israel with him brings real loss. The kingdom that once was united is now divided. At the same time, God does not forget what He has spoken before. He remembers David, who obeyed Him, and keeps one tribe for David’s line and for Jerusalem. So we see both sides at once: God brings hard consequences for turning away, yet He holds firmly to His word and keeps His covenant promises.

Question 8

How can this story of Jeroboam and Solomon’s kingdom speak to believers today?

Accepted Answer

This story reminds believers that what leaders love and worship affects many people. When Solomon turned from God, the whole kingdom felt it. It also shows that God cares about the daily faithfulness of His people, not just big public acts. Jeroboam is lifted up because he was diligent, yet he is warned that his future depends on ongoing obedience. For readers today, this can encourage careful loyalty to God and trust that God both judges sin and still carries out His good plans, even when human leaders fail.

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.

Jeroboam’s Rebellion

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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.

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Jeroboam’s Rebellion

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