Rehoboam: Called Roboam
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Rehoboam, also known as Roboam, was the son of Solomon and the grandson of David, making him the fourth king in the Davidic line. His reign is notably marked by the division of the united monarchy of Israel into two separate kingdoms: the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. Rehoboam's account is primarily found in 1 Kings 11:43–14:31 and 2 Chronicles 9:31–12:16.

Early Reign and Division of the Kingdom

Rehoboam ascended to the throne following the death of his father, Solomon. His reign began around 931 BC. The initial challenge of his kingship was the demand from the people of Israel for relief from the heavy burdens imposed by Solomon. The elders advised Rehoboam to lighten the people's load, but he rejected their counsel. Instead, he heeded the advice of the younger men who had grown up with him, responding harshly to the people's request. As recorded in 1 Kings 12:14 , Rehoboam declared, "My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add to your yoke. My father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions."

This decision led to a significant revolt, with ten of the twelve tribes of Israel rejecting Rehoboam's rule and forming the northern kingdom under Jeroboam I. Only the tribes of Judah and Benjamin remained loyal to Rehoboam, forming the southern kingdom of Judah. This division fulfilled the prophecy given to Jeroboam by the prophet Ahijah (1 Kings 11:29-31).

Rehoboam's Reign in Judah

Rehoboam reigned over Judah for 17 years, with Jerusalem as his capital. His reign was marked by a mixture of religious practices. Initially, he fortified cities and strengthened the kingdom's defenses (2 Chronicles 11:5-12). However, he also allowed the introduction of idolatrous practices, which led to spiritual decline. The Bible notes that "Judah did evil in the sight of the LORD" (1 Kings 14:22).

In the fifth year of Rehoboam's reign, Shishak, the king of Egypt, attacked Jerusalem and carried off treasures from the house of the LORD and the royal palace (1 Kings 14:25-26). This invasion was seen as a divine judgment for Judah's unfaithfulness. Rehoboam and the leaders of Judah humbled themselves, and the LORD's anger was partially turned away, sparing them from complete destruction (2 Chronicles 12:6-7).

Legacy and Death

Rehoboam's reign is often viewed as a cautionary tale of leadership failure due to pride and poor counsel. His inability to listen to wise advice and his harshness led to the fracturing of the kingdom, a division that had lasting consequences for the history of Israel and Judah.

Rehoboam died and was buried in the City of David. His son Abijah succeeded him as king (1 Kings 14:31). Despite the challenges and failures of his reign, Rehoboam's place in the Davidic line is significant, as it continued the lineage that would ultimately lead to the birth of Jesus Christ, fulfilling God's covenant with David.
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Matthew 1:7
And Solomon begat Roboam; and Roboam begat Abia; and Abia begat Asa;
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Resources
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Rehoboam: Builds Fortified Cities; is Temporarily Prosperous
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