Overview
Zeruah is mentioned briefly in Scripture as the mother of Jeroboam I, one of the most significant figures in Israel's history. Though little is recorded about her personally, she gave birth to the man who would lead the rebellion against Rehoboam and establish the northern kingdom of Israel, fundamentally dividing God's people.
Key Scriptures
"Jeroboam son of Nebat, an Ephraimite of Zeredah, a servant of Solomon, whose mother's name was Zeruah, a widow, also rebelled against the king" (1 Kings 11:26, ESV).
"So when all Israel heard that Jeroboam had returned, they sent and called him to the assembly and made him king over all Israel" (1 Kings 12:20, ESV).
Application
Zeruah's story reminds us that God's purposes unfold through ordinary families and that parental influence shapes leaders whose decisions have lasting consequences across generations.