JEROBOAM FAILS GOD’S TEST
Kingdom is a gift, but it is also a test. Jeroboam is a classic example of someone who was chosen to be tested, but failed because he refused to seek God’s will in adversity.
After King Solomon turned away from God and worshiped idols led by his foreign wives, God said that he would tear Israel from David’s line, but for David’s sake, He did so only after Solomon’s time. The ten northern tribes were given to a servant of the king: Jeroboam, an Ephraimite, who was talented and ambitious. However, his pride—a characteristic of the tribe of Ephraim (see Judges 8:1; 12:1)—soon led him into his own trap.
Although God promised to establish Jeroboam’s house as David’s if he followed His ways (1 Kings 11:38), when he encountered a political “dead end” – fearing that the people would return to Jerusalem to worship and follow the house of David – he did not consult God, but immediately resorted to carnal tricks: he made two golden calves and established alternative worship centers in Bethel and Dan.
That was when he failed the test. A man entrusted by God chose to rule by his own wiles, rather than rely on and seek guidance from the One who had placed him on the throne.
Jeroboam’s downfall was not just a personal failure – he dragged the people into idolatry for over 300 years. The kings who followed him were said to have “followed the ways of Jeroboam”, and it was the setting up of the golden calves, his own sacrificial system, that led to the complete collapse of the northern kingdom (see 2 Kings 17).
Even when his son became seriously ill, he did not seek out the prophet Ahijah himself, who had anointed him, but sent his wife in disguise to inquire of him. This hypocrisy continued to show a heart that was not sincere, not repentant, and not fearing God. Ahijah, though blind, was still told by God and announced the judgment for the house of Jeroboam: his entire lineage would be wiped out, his body would be eaten by dogs, and only his son – because he still had a heart for God – would be given a proper burial.
Jeroboam failed the test because he did not trust the One who had given him the kingdom. He feared losing his throne more than he feared God. He used carnal wisdom rather than obeying spiritual guidance. Instead of seeking solutions from the One who had called him, he built his own religious system.
A lesson for those serving God today
- Being entrusted does not necessarily mean being honored. Jeroboam was chosen but not victorious. Ministry does not guarantee rewards if you are not faithful in the face of trial.
- When faced with adversity in ministry, ask God, not scheme. If Jeroboam had asked Ahijah sooner, the story might have been different.
- Any system that replaces true worship will lead to destruction. Jerusalem is the place where God chose to put His Name. Jeroboam’s building of temples in Bethel and Dan was an act of spiritual rebellion.
- Ambitious people are often tested by what they desire. And if they do not humble themselves, they will fail.
Conclusion:
“The Lord gave ten tribes,
Jeroboam still worshiped the ox.
He stopped the people from serving the Lord,
The dogs ate the carcasses of their own houses.”
The one who has been entrusted with much but is unfaithful will have much more demanded (Luke 12:48). Fear God, do not begin in grace and end in punishment. Jeroboam is a shocking example of those who want to be first among God’s people but refuse to live under the sovereignty of the One who chose them.