The Pulpit Commentary — 1 Kings — Section 239

Vers. 26-28.-Jeroboam. The words before us are interesting as the ee.rliest notice of a character who made a considerable figure in Hebrew history. They bring before us- I. THE OBSCURITY OF HIS ORIGIN. 1. He was an Ephrathite of Zereda. (1) The tribti of Ephrnim was not obscure; on the contrary, it was next in importance to Judah. But that importance was collective-arose from the multitude of its people. An individual Ephrathite would ra.ther be lost in the multitude. (2) As to Zereda, so little was this place among the thousands of Ephro.im that it is mentioned only here, and would have been forgotten but for J eroboo.m. Note: Places derive notoriety from men. Men are greater than places. 2. He was the son of Nebat and Zeruah. (1) Of these persons we should not have heard but for the part their son played in history. How much of our reputation is ad- wnt.itious I Unenviable is the notoriety gained through relationship with the denl. How truly glorious is that man who rejoices in the imputed righteousness of Christ I (2) Yet Nebat and Zeruah founded the reputation of Jeroboam. They had the moulding of the child which became the father of the man. This is the true reason for the association of their names with his. (3) In this view there is something judicial in this association of the names of parents and child. Their in- fluence, though obscure, was sure, and now finds expression. What an expression will there be of obscure influences when the momentous resultants come out in the disclosures of the great judgment I 3. He was the son of a widow. (1) Why is this noted, but to suggest that through the death of Nebat the responsibilities of the home at Zereda early devolved upon Jeroboam? Thus, those executive powers which brought him under the notice of Solomon had early scope. How little we know of the purposes of Providence in the bereavements and afflictions of families I (2) Private afflictions a.re suffered for public uses. In suffering, let us not murmur, but listen to the voice of God, and pray that the dispensation may be sanctified. II. His ADVANCEMENT TO POWER. 1. He became a mighty man of valour. (1) This fact is recorded, but not the stages by which he became so known. Many a struggle occurred which had no other record the,n in this resultant. The value of circumstances is expressed in resultants. Let us attempt to weave all the circumstances of our lives into a character of goodness that will endure for ever. (2) Jeroboam had an energetic spirit and probably a robust physique. These he inherited. Neither for genius nor good constitutions are we indebted to ourselves. We owe much to our ancestors. (3) But he cultivated his natural parts. Many are richly endowed by nature, but waste their endowments as an idle spendthrift wastes e.n inheritance. Our very faculties may become obliterated by disuse (Matt. :x:xv. 28). 2. His abilities were diacerned by Solomon. (1) This is noted to have occurred in connection with the building of Millo, and the closing of, or to close, the breaches in the city of David (ver. 27). Possibly Jeroboam distinguished himself against Jebusites, or some other malcontents, or in closing those breaches in the face of the enemy. (2) Possibly the industry that attracted the notice of Solomon may have been simply in superintendence of improvements in the buildings at Milio e,nd the fortifications. Providence finds opportunities for those who are ready to enter the opening door (Prov. x:xii 29). 8. He was promoted to the ch(ll)"ge over the house of Joseph. (1) From an individual once lost in the multitude of this great house, he is now conspicuous before the multitude. His being an Ephrathite is now of importance to him. Let us never quarrel with circumstances, for we never know what may prove of service. (2) Being found diligent in a minor charge he is promoted to a major responsibility. So does God deal with His people (Matt. xiii. 12; nv. 29). What is worth doing is worth doing well 4. Now he lifts his hand againat his patron. (1) Prosperity brings out the character. He is moved by ambition. Much would have more. He aspires to a throne. His success had encouraged this desire before he met Ahijah (see ver. 87). (2) He rebels against the author of his prosperity. Ambition smothers gratitude.. How human I ls not this the case with all rebels against God? (8) How plamly we can see baseneee when manifested by man toward his follow ; but how slow we are kl see this when ingratitude is toward God I OlI, XI, 14-48.] THE FIRST BOOK OF KINGS. 243