Topical Encyclopedia Rehoboam, the son of Solomon and Naamah the Ammonitess, ascended to the throne of Israel following the death of his father, King Solomon. His reign is notably marked by the division of the united monarchy of Israel, a pivotal moment in biblical history. 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's ascension to the throne is recorded in 1 Kings 12:1, where he traveled to Shechem for his coronation, as all Israel had gathered there to make him king. The people of Israel, led by Jeroboam son of Nebat, approached Rehoboam with a request to lighten the harsh labor and heavy yoke imposed by Solomon. Rehoboam sought counsel on how to respond, first consulting the elders who had served his father. They advised him to be a servant to the people and speak kindly to them, which would ensure their loyalty (1 Kings 12:7). However, Rehoboam rejected the elders' advice and instead consulted the young men he had grown up with. They advised him to increase the burden on the people, suggesting he tell them, "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). Rehoboam's harsh response led to the rebellion of the northern tribes, resulting in the division of the kingdom. The ten northern tribes rejected Rehoboam's rule and made Jeroboam their king, forming the separate kingdom of Israel, while Rehoboam retained control over the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, known as the kingdom of Judah (1 Kings 12:16-20). Rehoboam's Reign in Judah Rehoboam's reign over Judah was marked by both religious and political challenges. Initially, he sought to reunite the kingdom by force, assembling an army of 180,000 chosen warriors from Judah and Benjamin. However, the word of the LORD came to Shemaiah the man of God, instructing Rehoboam not to fight against his brothers, the Israelites, and to return home, for the division was from God (1 Kings 12:22-24). Rehoboam obeyed this divine command, and the conflict was averted. During his reign, Rehoboam fortified cities in Judah to strengthen his kingdom against potential threats (2 Chronicles 11:5-12). Despite these efforts, his rule was characterized by a decline in religious fidelity. The people of Judah engaged in idolatry, building high places, sacred stones, and Asherah poles on every high hill and under every green tree (1 Kings 14:23). This apostasy provoked the LORD's anger, leading to divine judgment. In the fifth year of Rehoboam's reign, Shishak, king of Egypt, attacked Jerusalem and carried off the treasures of the house of the LORD and the royal palace, including the gold shields Solomon had made (1 Kings 14:25-26). This invasion was a direct consequence of Judah's unfaithfulness, as prophesied by Shemaiah (2 Chronicles 12:5-9). Legacy and Death Rehoboam's reign lasted seventeen years, and he was succeeded by his son Abijah (1 Kings 14:21, 31). Despite his failures, Rehoboam's lineage continued the Davidic line, which held significant theological importance in the biblical narrative, ultimately leading to the birth of Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah. Rehoboam's life serves as a cautionary tale of the consequences of pride, poor counsel, and disobedience to God's commands. His account underscores the importance of humility and seeking wisdom from God-fearing advisors. Nave's Topical Index 1 Kings 11:43And Solomon slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David his father: and Rehoboam his son reigned in his stead. Nave's Topical Index 2 Chronicles 9:31 Library Concerning Rehoboam, and How God Inflicted Punishment Upon Him for ... The Rending of the Kingdom How to Split a Kingdom Jeroboam The First Kings. The Nations of the South-East The Israelites Egypt The Earlier Hebrew Histories. The Historical Books. Resources Who was King Abijah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Ahijah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who was King Jeroboam in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Rehoboam: Builds Fortified Cities; is Temporarily Prosperous Rehoboam: Genealogy and Descendants of Rehoboam: Invaded by the King of Egypt and Plundered Rehoboam: Refuses to Reform Abuses Rehoboam: Successor to Solomon As King Rehoboam: Ten Tribes, Under the Leadership of Jeroboam, Successfully Revolt From Related Terms |
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