Jeroboam I

Jeroboam I , in the Bible, first king of the northern kingdom of Israel. He was an Ephraimite and led a revolt against Solomon, inspired probably by the restlessness of N Palestine under southern rule. Jeroboam fled to Egypt when the plot failed but returned on the accession of Solomon's son, Rehoboam . When the new king would not satisfy the northerners, Jeroboam led a secession, leaving the house of David only Judah and some of the area of Benjamin. Jeroboam became notorious for fostering idolatry in his kingdom of Israel. His capital was first in Shechem and later at Tirzah. Jeroboam was succeeded by his son Nadab.

Jeroboam I (died c.901 BC) first king of the northern kingdom of ISRAEL (c.922–c.901 BC). After Solomon's death, his successor Rehoboam failed to gain the support of the northern part of Israel, which seceded under the leadership of Jeroboam. He then extended and strengthened the kingdom, taking advantage of Syrian and Assyrian weakness. He made the kingdom prosperous, but the prophet Amos spoke against his oppression and injustice. He was also criticized for encouraging the sanctuaries at Dan and Bethel to rival the Temple at Jerusalem.

Jeroboam Name of two Kings of Israel (northern Palestine). Jeroboam I (active late 10th century bc) led an unsuccessful revolt against King Solomon and was forced to flee to Egypt. After Solomon's death, he returned to lead the secessionist Kingdom of Israel in Palestine's northern hill country. Jeroboam II (r. c.783–c.741 bc) ruled Israel during a period of relative peace. Although Israel made economic progress and saw a revival in its political power, corruption was widespread.