Read & explore together
Rehoboam and Jeroboam epitomize division and mounting sin
These verses from Sirach give a brief wisdom summary about two rulers after Solomon. The writer uses their names to show how poor counsel, sin, and growing wickedness can damage a people and lead to judgement.
Understanding the passage
Listening in context
In this part of Sirach, Solomon has died, and the focus turns to what was left after him. The passage names Rehoboam and Jeroboam, then sums up their effect on the people. It ends with a short explanation of the result: multiplied sins, removal from the land, and vengeance.
Sirach 47:23–25Main takeaway
This passage warns that foolish leadership and chosen wickedness can spread sin widely and bring serious judgement.
Look closely at the words
01Solomon’s offspring and foolish counselThe passage begins after Solomon’s death and names Rehoboam from his offspring. Sirach describes him very negatively as “the foolishness of the people” and “one who lacked understanding”.
Explanation
The passage begins after Solomon’s death and names Rehoboam from his offspring. Sirach describes him very negatively as “the foolishness of the people” and “one who lacked understanding”. It also says the people revolted because of his counsel, linking his advice and leadership with division among the people.
02Jeroboam and a way of sinThe writer also names “Jeroboam the son of Nebat”. Sirach says he “made Israel to sin” and “gave a way of sin to Ephraim”.
Explanation
The writer also names “Jeroboam the son of Nebat”. Sirach says he “made Israel to sin” and “gave a way of sin to Ephraim”. This wording presents sin not as a single act only, but as a path or pattern that others could follow.
03Sins multiplied and judgement cameThe final two verses move from these leaders to the wider result. “Their sins were multiplied exceedingly”, and the outcome was removal from the land.
Explanation
The final two verses move from these leaders to the wider result. “Their sins were multiplied exceedingly”, and the outcome was removal from the land. The passage then adds that they “sought out all manner of wickedness” until vengeance came. Sirach presents increasing sin and coming judgement together.
Questions to explore
01How does Sirach connect Rehoboam with the people’s revolt?
Look for the phrase that links the revolt to his counsel and notice how the verse describes his understanding.
02What does the phrase “gave a way of sin to Ephraim” suggest about Jeroboam’s influence?
The text points to more than one wrong action by showing sin as a way or course that others could take.
03What three results or stages are named after these sins increased?
Trace the movement from multiplied sins, to removal from the land, to vengeance.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
Sirach 47:23–25
23So Solomon rested with his fathers. Of his offspring, he left behind him Rehoboam, the foolishness of the people, and one who lacked understanding, who made the people revolt by his counsel. Also Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin, and gave a way of sin to Ephraim.
24Their sins were multiplied exceedingly, until they were removed from their land.
25For they sought out all manner of wickedness, until vengeance came upon them.