Go, tell Jeroboam, ‘Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel: “Because I exalted you from among the people and made you leader over my people Israel
English Standard Version (ESV)
Notice how God reminds Jeroboam that his kingship wasn't earned or accidental, but a direct gift from Him. This "exaltation" wasn't just a promotion; it was God placing him in a position of immense responsibility over His chosen people.
Go, tell Jeroboam, ‘Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel: “Because I exalted you from among the people and made you leader over my people Israel
English Standard Version (ESV)
God sends a prophet to confront King Jeroboam, who has led Israel into idolatry after splitting from the united kingdom. The prophet reminds Jeroboam that his kingship was a gift from God, directly contrasting Jeroboam's current actions with God's past faithfulness and blessing. This sets the stage for God's pronouncement of judgment on Jeroboam and his household for their disobedience.
Ever wonder why certain people rise to positions of influence? This verse reveals God's hand in elevating leaders.
This passage highlights a crucial truth: God is the ultimate source of authority and leadership. He "exalted" Jeroboam "from among the people," meaning God chose him and placed him in power over Israel. This wasn't accidental; it was a deliberate act of God's sovereign will. It reminds us that even when human leaders seem flawed or their rise is unexpected, God is at work, ordaining circumstances and positions for His purposes.
Being chosen by God for leadership comes with incredible responsibility. Jeroboam's story is a stark reminder of this.
While God grants authority, He also holds leaders accountable. The fact that God reminds Jeroboam of his elevation ('Because I exalted you...') isn't just a historical note; it's the setup for a rebuke. God uses this reminder to underscore how Jeroboam failed to honor the God who put him in power. This teaches us that leadership is a stewardship. When God blesses someone with influence, there's an expectation that they will lead wisely, justly, and in obedience to Him. Failure to do so has severe consequences.
Understand the original words
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Yahweh · Hebrew Proper Noun
The covenant name of God in the Old Testament, representing His personal, self-existent, and faithful nature toward His people.
rum · Hebrew Verb
The action of raising someone to a high position, rank, or status, often implying divine sovereignty and favor in appointing individuals to leadership roles.
nagid · Hebrew Noun
A person appointed to preside over, guide, and protect a community or nation, bearing the responsibility of representing divine authority to the people.
This verse highlights God's direct role in elevating Jeroboam, emphasizing that his kingship, though established through rebellion, was initially sanctioned by God. It underscores the gravity of Jeroboam's later disobedience, as God now confronts him directly through the prophet.
c. 975 BC
Death of King Solomon
Solomon's reign ends, leaving a vast but increasingly fractured kingdom. His son Rehoboam is set to inherit the throne.
c. 975 BC
The Kingdom Splits
Ten northern tribes revolt under Jeroboam due to oppressive policies, breaking away from Rehoboam and establishing a separate kingdom of Israel.
c. 975 BC— this verse
Jeroboam Becomes King of Israel
Jeroboam, originally an official under Solomon, is made king over the united northern tribes, establishing his capital first in Shechem, then Tirzah.
c. 975 BC
Jeroboam's Religious Reforms
To prevent his people from returning to Jerusalem and thus to the house of David, Jeroboam institutes new religious practices, including golden calves at Bethel and Dan.
c. 975 BC
Prophet Ahijah's Initial Prophecy
Ahijah had previously prophesied Jeroboam's rise to kingship, tearing his new cloak into twelve pieces, giving ten to Jeroboam as a sign of his future rule over ten tribes.
This passage speaks about God raising up a prophet from among the people, echoing the idea that God chooses and exalts leaders from His chosen people.
1 Samuel 16:1God actively chooses and anoints David from his brothers, demonstrating His sovereign choice in elevating individuals to leadership, much like He did with Jeroboam.
Nehemiah 9:7This prayer recalls God's faithfulness in choosing Abraham and establishing His covenant, highlighting a consistent pattern of God selecting and establishing people for His purposes.
Jeremiah 1:5Even before birth, God claims Jeremiah for a prophetic role, showing that divine selection and commissioning can happen even before a person is prominent.
Notice how God reminds Jeroboam that his kingship wasn't earned or accidental, but a direct gift from Him. This "exaltation" wasn't just a promotion; it was God placing him in a position of immense responsibility over His chosen people.
God sends a prophet to confront King Jeroboam, who has led Israel into idolatry after splitting from the united kingdom. The prophet reminds Jeroboam that his kingship was a gift from God, directly contrasting Jeroboam's current actions with God's past faithfulness and blessing. This sets the stage for God's pronouncement of judgment on Jeroboam and his household for their disobedience.
God sends a prophet to confront King Jeroboam, who has led Israel into idolatry after splitting from the united kingdom. The prophet reminds Jeroboam that his kingship was a gift from God, directly contrasting Jeroboam's current actions with God's past faithfulness and blessing. This sets the stage for God's pronouncement of judgment on Jeroboam and his household for their disobedience.
"Go, tell Jeroboam, ‘Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel: “Because I exalted you from among the people and made you leader over my people Israel" — Notice how God reminds Jeroboam that his kingship wasn't earned or accidental, but a direct gift from Him. This "exaltation" wasn't just a promotion; it was God placing him in a position of immense r…
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Last reviewed October 2026