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.
There was a man named Jeroboam, the son of Nebat. He was from Ephraim, from the town of Zereda, and worked as one of Solomon's servants. His mother was named Zeruah, and she was a widow. This man rebelled against King Solomon.
This verse introduces Jeroboam, one of Solomon's own servants, who would dare to rebel against the king despite his humble background.
📚 Historical Context
During the reign of King Solomon, who ruled a united Israel and was known for his wisdom and wealth, Jeroboam was a young official from the tribe of Ephraim in the town of Zereda, serving under Solomon as part of his administration. This verse introduces Jeroboam's background, including his mother Zeruah, a widow, and marks the start of his rebellion against the king, which was tied to God's judgment on Solomon for his idolatry and alliances with foreign gods. It fits into the broader biblical narrative of the consequences of unfaithfulness leading to the eventual division of the kingdom.
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