This verse (2 Chronicles 13:6) is a concise summary of a significant political and religious event in Israelite history: the division of the kingdom. Let's break it down:
"Yet Jeroboam the son of Nebat...": This identifies the central figure, Jeroboam, specifying his parentage (son of Nebat) for historical accuracy.
"...the servant of Solomon the son of David...": This establishes Jeroboam's prior position of subservience. He was an official within Solomon's court, thus owing loyalty to the king. This highlights the treachery or rebellion aspect of his actions. It also connects Solomon to the line of David, a key aspect of the Davidic covenant, which promised an enduring dynasty.
"...rose up, and rebelled against his lord.": This is the core statement. It means Jeroboam actively revolted against Solomon (or, technically, Solomon's son Rehoboam, as the rebellion took place after Solomon's death but was a direct consequence of Solomon's policies). He rejected the authority of the Davidic king and sought to establish his own kingdom.
In essence, the verse means: Jeroboam, a man who had previously served King Solomon, betrayed his loyalty and initiated a rebellion against the ruling dynasty.
Significance:
Political Division: This verse introduces the historical reality of the divided kingdom. Jeroboam's rebellion led to the separation of the northern tribes of Israel from the southern kingdom of Judah (which remained loyal to the Davidic dynasty). This division weakened the Israelite nation and made it vulnerable to external threats.
Religious Implications: Jeroboam, as king of the northern kingdom (Israel), established his own religious centers in Dan and Bethel, with golden calves, to prevent his people from going to Jerusalem to worship in the Temple. This was seen as a major sin in the eyes of the Chronicler (the author of 2 Chronicles) and later prophets, and Jeroboam's name became synonymous with idolatry and leading Israel astray.
Theological Significance: The Chronicler is writing from the perspective of Judah, emphasizing the legitimacy of the Davidic line and the importance of the Temple in Jerusalem. Jeroboam's rebellion is seen as a violation of God's covenant with David and a cause of divine judgment upon Israel.
Therefore, this verse is not simply a historical statement. It's loaded with political, religious, and theological significance, setting the stage for the events that follow in 2 Chronicles and shaping the Chronicler's narrative about the history of the two kingdoms. The Chronicler likely views Jeroboam as a disloyal servant who led Israel astray, causing the decline of the nation and deviating from true worship.
This verse (2 Chronicles 13:6) is a concise summary of a significant political and religious event in Israelite history: the division of the kingdom. Let's break it down:
"Yet Jeroboam the son of Nebat...": This identifies the central figure, Jeroboam, specifying his parentage (son of Nebat) for historical accuracy.
"...the servant of Solomon the son of David...": This establishes Jeroboam's prior position of subservience. He was an official within Solomon's court, thus owing loyalty to the king. This highlights the treachery or rebellion aspect of his actions. It also connects Solomon to the line of David, a key aspect of the Davidic covenant, which promised an enduring dynasty.
"...rose up, and rebelled against his lord.": This is the core statement. It means Jeroboam actively revolted against Solomon (or, technically, Solomon's son Rehoboam, as the rebellion took place after Solomon's death but was a direct consequence of Solomon's policies). He rejected the authority of the Davidic king and sought to establish his own kingdom.
In essence, the verse means: Jeroboam, a man who had previously served King Solomon, betrayed his loyalty and initiated a rebellion against the ruling dynasty.
Significance:
Political Division: This verse introduces the historical reality of the divided kingdom. Jeroboam's rebellion led to the separation of the northern tribes of Israel from the southern kingdom of Judah (which remained loyal to the Davidic dynasty). This division weakened the Israelite nation and made it vulnerable to external threats.
Religious Implications: Jeroboam, as king of the northern kingdom (Israel), established his own religious centers in Dan and Bethel, with golden calves, to prevent his people from going to Jerusalem to worship in the Temple. This was seen as a major sin in the eyes of the Chronicler (the author of 2 Chronicles) and later prophets, and Jeroboam's name became synonymous with idolatry and leading Israel astray.
Theological Significance: The Chronicler is writing from the perspective of Judah, emphasizing the legitimacy of the Davidic line and the importance of the Temple in Jerusalem. Jeroboam's rebellion is seen as a violation of God's covenant with David and a cause of divine judgment upon Israel.
Therefore, this verse is not simply a historical statement. It's loaded with political, religious, and theological significance, setting the stage for the events that follow in 2 Chronicles and shaping the Chronicler's narrative about the history of the two kingdoms. The Chronicler likely views Jeroboam as a disloyal servant who led Israel astray, causing the decline of the nation and deviating from true worship.