1 Kings 11:26-28

Jeroboam.

The words before us are interesting as the earliest 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 .

2 . He was the son of Nebat and Zeruah .

3 . He was the son of a widow .

II. HIS ADVANCEMENT TO POWER .

1 . He became a mighty man of valour .

2 . His abilities were discerned by Solomon .

3 . He was promoted to the charge over the house of Joseph .

4 . Now he lifts his hang against his patron .