Jeroboam I

Jeroboam son of Nebat first served Solomon, but the prophet Ahijah announced that God would give him ten tribes because of Solomon's idolatry. After Solomon's death, harsh policies under Rehoboam triggered the northern secession, and Jeroboam became king. Fearing that pilgrimage to Jerusalem would restore loyalty to David's dynasty, he established rival worship centers at Bethel and Dan with golden calves, appointed non-Levitical priests, and created an alternative festival. A man of God condemned the Bethel altar, and Ahijah later pronounced judgment on Jeroboam's house. His policies became the recurring standard by which later northern kings were condemned for walking in 'the sin of Jeroboam.'