1 Kings 11:26 Meaning and Explanation
“And Jeroboam the son of Nebat, an Ephrathite of Zereda, Solomon’s servant, whose mother’s name was Zeruah, a widow woman, even he lifted up his hand against the king.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Jeroboam, an Ephraimite official in Solomon's service, also rose up against the king.
What Does 1 Kings 11:26 Mean?
Now the most significant adversary is introduced, and he comes from within. Jeroboam son of Nebat, an Ephraimite of Zeredah and son of a widow named Zeruah, was one of Solomon's own servants, and yet he lifted up his hand against the king. The threat is no longer foreign but homegrown, rising from Solomon's own administration.
The narrator carefully notes Jeroboam's humble origins, the son of a widow, lifted into service and now into history. God often raises leaders from lowly places, as He did with David the shepherd. But Jeroboam's story will be a sober one, for opportunity and divine appointment are not the same as faithfulness. The verse sets in motion the great division of the kingdom, showing that the deepest threats to a throne can come not from distant enemies but from within its own house.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Kings 11:26
What does 1 Kings 11:26 mean?
Jeroboam, an Ephraimite official in Solomon's service, also rose up against the king.