Rehoboam, the son of Solomon and Naamah the Ammonitess, ascended to the throne of Israel following the death of his father, Solomon. His reign is notably marked by his refusal to reform the abuses and heavy burdens imposed during Solomon's reign, which ultimately led to the division of the united kingdom of Israel.

Background and Ascension to the Throne

Rehoboam's account is primarily found in 1 Kings 12 and 2 Chronicles 10. Upon Solomon's death, Rehoboam traveled to Shechem, where all Israel had gathered to make him king. The people of Israel, led by Jeroboam son of Nebat, approached Rehoboam with a request: "Your father put a heavy yoke on us, but now lighten the harsh labor and the heavy yoke he put on us, and we will serve you" (1 Kings 12:4).

Counsel and Decision

Rehoboam sought counsel on how to respond to the people's request. He first consulted the elders who had served his father Solomon. They advised him to be a servant to the people and speak kindly to them, suggesting that this would ensure their loyalty (1 Kings 12:7). However, Rehoboam rejected the advice of the elders and instead consulted the young men he had grown up with. These young men 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 decision to follow the harsh counsel of the young men led to a significant turning point in Israel's history. When he delivered his response to the people, they rejected him as king, 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 ten tribes following Jeroboam and forming the northern kingdom of Israel, while Rehoboam retained control over the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, forming the southern kingdom of Judah.

Rehoboam's Reign in Judah

Rehoboam's reign in Judah was marked by idolatry and apostasy. Despite the initial strengthening of his kingdom, as recorded in 2 Chronicles 11, Rehoboam and the people of Judah soon turned away from the LORD. "And Judah did evil in the sight of the LORD. By the sins they committed, they provoked His jealous anger more than their fathers had done" (1 Kings 14:22). This spiritual decline led to divine judgment, and in the fifth year of Rehoboam's reign, Shishak, king of Egypt, attacked Jerusalem and carried off the treasures of the temple and the royal palace (1 Kings 14:25-26).

Legacy

Rehoboam's refusal to reform the abuses of his father's reign and his subsequent harsh policies are seen as pivotal in the division of the united kingdom of Israel. His reign serves as a cautionary tale of the consequences of ignoring wise counsel and the importance of servant leadership. Rehoboam's account is a reminder of the need for humility and the dangers of pride and harshness in leadership.1 Kings 12:1-15
And Rehoboam went to Shechem: for all Israel were come to Shechem to make him king.
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2 Chronicles 10:1-15
And Rehoboam went to Shechem: for to Shechem were all Israel come to make him king.
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Who was King Rehoboam in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What is the story of Rehoboam and Jeroboam? | GotQuestions.org

Why was Israel divided into the Southern Kingdom and Northern Kingdom? | GotQuestions.org

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