Study #3 - Jeroboam

This time we will look at King Jeroboam, the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel.

Essential reading: 1 Kings 12:25-14:20     

Supplemental reading: 2 Chronicles 11:14-17 & 2 Chronicles 13

Questions for fellowship:

1 Kings 12:25-33

1. Describe some of the actions that Jeroboam took to strengthen his power as king.

2. What was Jeroboam's motivation for taking these actions?

3. How were these actions in direct conflict with the ways of the Lord?

4. How today do we as God's people try to make our lives with the Lord more comfortable, convenient & not costly? 

1 Kings 13:1-34

1. The one that came to Jeroboam was described as "a man of God". What does this phrase mean and who would be an example of one in the New Testament?

2. Describe the man of God's message and Jeroboam's response?

3. How do you see God's love and mercy for Jeroboam displayed in this chapter?

4. Describe the interaction between the man of God and the old prophet. What lesson is in this for us? 

5. Vs 34 speaks of the "sin of the house of Jeroboam" . What exactly was this sin? (need to be clear on this because we see this referred to throughout 1 & 2 Kings)

1 Kings 14:1-20

1. Why would Jeroboam, king of Israel seek the counsel of a prophet from Judah when he was trying to keep his people from going there?

2. Describe the judgement the prophet pronounced on the house of Jeroboam and the nation of Israel?

3. The son who was sick is named Abijah, which means "my father is the Lord". Comment on what the prophet said of him? Who could Abijah be a picture or type of?

4. Note: This is the first time we see overlapping names. The son of both Jeroboam and Rehoboam were named Abijah. The last 3 years of Jeroboam's, reign Rehoboam's son, Abijah was king over Judah.

Please feel free to share any other questions or comments you might have about this section on Jeroboam.