Jeroboam I (Hebrew ירבעם השני, he pleads the people's cause or increase of the people) (r. 975-954 BC by Ussher, or 930-909 BC by Thiele) was originally a ranking officer and master builder for King Solomon. Inspired by a prophet of God, he led the revolt of the Ten Tribes of Israel and the first King of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Sadly, he squandered his opportunity with his evil ways and ultimately died, leaving behind a son who would lose the kingdom within a year.