Jeroboam

Jeroboam, << jer uh BOH uhm, >> is the name of two kings who ruled the northern kingdom of Israel. This northern kingdom and a southern kingdom called Judah split apart after the death of King Solomon about 928 B.C.

Jeroboam I,

the first ruler of the northern kingdom, reigned from about 928 to 903 B.C. He had been an official under Solomon, but he opposed Solomon’s policies and took refuge in Egypt. After Solomon died and his son Rehoboam became king, the northern tribes rebelled and made Jeroboam their ruler (see Solomon ). Jeroboam revived two ancient shrines–one at Bethel and one at Dan–to free his people from dependence on the religious center in Jerusalem, which was in Judah.

Jeroboam II

ruled from about 785 to 745 B.C. His rule saw a revival of Israel’s political power. The nation made economic advances but also experienced political corruption and oppression of the poor.