# Day 129

# The Sin of Jeroboam

1 Kings 12:32–13:5

Jeroboam ruled the ten tribes in northern Israel. Rehoboam was king over the tribe of Judah and part of Benjamin. They lived in Jerusalem and southern Israel.

All of Israel, both north and south, worshiped in Jerusalem. “My people still sacrifice in Jerusalem,” Jeroboam said. “They may turn back to Rehoboam and kill me.” He decided to make two calves of gold. “Here are your gods,” he said to Israel. “They rescued you from Egypt.” Jeroboam set up one calf on an altar in Bethel. The other he put in Dan. He caused God’s people to worship idols. This has been called the Sin of Jeroboam ever since.

Jeroboam was at Bethel worshiping the false god. That day a prophet came from Judah. He cried out, “O altar, altar, the Lord says this: ‘A man will come from David’s family named Josiah. O altar! He will burn the priests who worship here. Here is the proof: The altar will break down. Its ashes will spill out.’ ”

In anger, Jeroboam tried to grab the prophet. He reached out. Instantly his hand shriveled up. Just then the altar broke apart and its ashes spilled out.

Questions: Why did Jeroboam set up the idols? What is the Sin of Jeroboam?