EECKHOUT, Gerbrand van den
(b. 1621, Amsterdam, d. 1674, Amsterdam)

Jeroboam's Sacrifice at Bethel

1656
Oil on canvas, 203 x 158 cm
The Hermitage, St. Petersburg

Jeroboam was the first king of the break-away ten tribes or Northern Kingdom of Israel, over whom he reigned twenty-two years. According to the Bible (1 Kings 13:1-6, 9), while he was engaged in offering incense at Bethel, a prophet from Judah appeared before him with a warning message from the Lord.