Illustration created for this project.
Jeroboam II
The most powerful king of the northern kingdom, under whom it reached its greatest extent — the days of Amos and Hosea.
What we know — and how we know it
Bible — stated in scripture (with verse) · 1
Archaeology — physical evidence · 1
Scholarly — supported scholarly belief · 1
Life, role & deeds
BibleHe reigned forty-one years over Israel and restored its borders 'from Lebo-hamath to the Sea of the Arabah' in a time of prosperity.
2 Kings 14:23–27
ArchaeologyA fine jasper seal from Megiddo is inscribed 'belonging to Shema, servant of Jeroboam' — an officer of his court.
The Shema seal (jasper scaraboid), Megiddo, discovered by G. Schumacher's excavations 1903-05; inscription 'lšmʿ ʿbd yrbʿm' ('belonging to Shema, servant of Jeroboam'); original given to the Ottoman sultan and lost, bronze cast survives (Israel Museum / Istanbul); publ. G. Schumacher, Tell el-Mutesellim I (Leipzig, 1908).
ScholarlyHis reign is the setting for the prophets Amos and Hosea, who denounced the wealth and injustice of the north.
The books of Amos and Hosea