Walking in the Way of Jeroboam, Son of Nebat

We as Christians have been blessed by God to have in our possession the Old Testament, the record of the dealings of God with the nation Israel, for our instruction and admonishment (2 Timothy 3:16-17). We find within its pages many examples of righteousness and wickedness, with much to be gained from each. Let us today examine one such example of wickedness, Jeroboam, the son of Nebat.

We are told about him that he was a servant of Solomon, but God determined to give to him the majority of the kingdom of Israel after the sin of Solomon (1 Kings 11:30-39). This was fulfilled, and he was given dominion over ten of the tribes of Israel (1 Kings 12:20). Let us now examine what he did after this, and how many follow after him today.

Speaking in His Heart

The first actions against God that Jeroboam performed is found in 1 Kings 11:26-27:

And Jeroboam said in his heart, "Now will the kingdom return to the house of David: if this people go up to offer sacrifices in the house of Jehovah at Jerusalem, then will the heart of this people turn again unto their lord, even unto Rehoboam king of Judah; and they will kill me, and return to Rehoboam king of Judah."

Jeroboam does not trust in God that his kingdom will be kept secure, but must within himself attempt to secure it. He heeds not the words of Solomon in Proverbs 3:7-8:

Be not wise in thine own eyes; Fear the LORD, and depart from evil: It will be health to thy navel, And marrow to thy bones.

We see today that the vast majority of errors propagated in "Christianity" have come by the inkling of the hearts of man, and not by searching for the will of God (Acts 17:11). How many doctrines are defended not by Scripture but by presumption? How often will people ask, "well, where does God say not to do it?" Or, "surely God would not condemn us for it." Many examples could be given, such as instrumental music, "modes" of baptism, fellowship halls, benevolence to non-saints, acceptance of divorce not for the reason of adultery, and countless more. These errors begin when man attempts to think where God has not spoken.

The Calves, and the Acceptance of Tradition

The next sin of Jeroboam is found in 1 Kings 12:28: