Topical Encyclopedia Rehoboam, the son of Solomon and grandson of David, is a significant figure in the history of Israel, primarily known for his role in the division of the united monarchy. His reign is documented in the books of 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles, where his actions and decisions had lasting implications for the nation of Israel.Background and Ascension to the Throne Rehoboam was the son of Solomon and Naamah, an Ammonite woman (1 Kings 14:21). Upon Solomon's death, Rehoboam ascended to the throne around 931 BC. His reign began with a critical moment at Shechem, where all Israel had gathered to make him king (1 Kings 12:1). The Petition of the People The people of Israel, led by Jeroboam son of Nebat, presented a petition to Rehoboam. They requested relief from the heavy burdens and harsh labor imposed by Solomon. "Your father put a heavy yoke on us," they said, "but now lighten the harsh labor and the heavy yoke he put on us, and we will serve you" (1 Kings 12:4). Rehoboam's Response Rehoboam's response to this petition was pivotal. He first sought counsel from the elders who had served his father Solomon. These elders advised him to serve the people and speak kindly to them, suggesting that this would ensure their loyalty (1 Kings 12:6-7). However, Rehoboam rejected their advice and instead consulted the young men he had grown up with. These peers advised him to increase the burdens, saying, "My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist. Whereas my father burdened you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke. My father scourged you with whips, but I will scourge you with scorpions" (1 Kings 12:10-11). The Division of the Kingdom Rehoboam's harsh response led to a significant turning point in Israel's history. The ten northern tribes rejected Rehoboam's rule, declaring, "What portion do we have in David? We have no inheritance in the son of Jesse. To your tents, O Israel! Look now to your own house, O David!" (1 Kings 12:16). This rebellion resulted in the division of the kingdom, with Jeroboam becoming king over Israel in the north, while Rehoboam retained control over Judah and Benjamin in the south. Rehoboam's Reign in Judah Rehoboam reigned in Jerusalem for seventeen years. His reign was marked by idolatry and apostasy, as Judah did evil in the sight of the Lord, provoking Him to jealousy with their sins (1 Kings 14:22). The spiritual decline during Rehoboam's reign led to divine judgment. In the fifth year of his reign, Shishak, king of Egypt, attacked Jerusalem and carried off the treasures of the house of the Lord and the king's house (1 Kings 14:25-26). Legacy Rehoboam's failure to heed wise counsel and his inability to address the legitimate grievances of his people resulted in the fracturing of the united kingdom established by his grandfather David. His reign serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of humility, wise leadership, and the consequences of ignoring godly counsel. Rehoboam's account is a reminder of the enduring impact of a leader's decisions on the spiritual and political health of a nation. Nave's Topical Index 1 Kings 12:1-17And Rehoboam went to Shechem: for all Israel were come to Shechem to make him king. Nave's Topical Index 2 Chronicles 10:1 Library The History of Rehoboam The Kingdom Op Judah. The History of Solomon The First Kings. The Book of Enoch Funeral Oration on the Great S. Basil, Bishop of C??sarea in ... The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers. An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ... Resources What is a prayer of supplication? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the connection between prayer and fasting? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about chanting? Should a Christian chant? | GotQuestions.org Petition: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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