Jeroboam II

Jeroboam II (Heb. ירבעם ) reigned 781-742 BC and was the last important king of the northern kingdom of Israel. Since the kingdom of Damascus, which is of large areas of Israel had taken possession, was in decline, Jeroboam II was able to restore the ancient boundaries of Israel, and even expand. However, the northern kingdom was tributary since the time of Jehu Assyria. As an Assyrian vassal seems to have Israel under Jeroboam experienced an economic boom ( 2 Kgs 14.23 to 29 EU). At the same time, however, come to the prophets Hosea, Joel, Amos, and Jonah in particular complain about the social inequality.

Archeology

1910 were found in the palace of Samaria ostraca, which carry Jeroboam name and prove that he must have reigned at least 17 years. They describe in Hebrew the supply of agricultural products to the royal court, as well as lists of names of royal officials. Fine carved ivory plaques testify Phoenician cultural influence. A seal of the scheme with the representation of a roaring lion with the inscription:

In Hazor and Megiddo evidenced by archaeological findings, such as underground water supply system, the city gates and fortifications, the building boom and a developed palace bureaucracy at the time of the reign of Jeroboam.