Topical Encyclopedia The treason of the Israelites against Rehoboam marks a significant turning point in the history of the united monarchy of Israel, leading to the division of the kingdom into the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. This event is primarily recorded in 1 Kings 12 and 2 Chronicles 10.Background Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, ascended to the throne following Solomon's death. Solomon's reign, while marked by wisdom and prosperity, also involved heavy taxation and forced labor, which caused discontent among the Israelites. Upon Solomon's death, the people saw an opportunity to address their grievances with the new king. The Assembly at Shechem Rehoboam traveled to Shechem, where all Israel had gathered to make him king (1 Kings 12:1). The Israelites, led by Jeroboam son of Nebat, who had returned from exile in Egypt, 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). Rehoboam's Response Rehoboam sought counsel on how to respond. The elders who had served Solomon advised him to be a servant to the people and speak kindly to them, suggesting that this would secure their loyalty (1 Kings 12:7). However, Rehoboam rejected their advice and instead consulted the young men he had grown up with, who advised him to increase the burden on the people, saying, "My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist" (1 Kings 12:10). The Rebellion Rehoboam followed the counsel of the young men and delivered a harsh response to the people. This decision led to a revolt: "When all Israel saw that the king refused to listen to them, they answered the king: '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). Consequently, the ten northern tribes rejected Rehoboam's rule and made Jeroboam their king, fulfilling the prophecy given to Jeroboam by the prophet Ahijah (1 Kings 11:29-31). Aftermath Rehoboam retained control over the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, forming the southern kingdom of Judah. The division of the kingdom was seen as a divine judgment for Solomon's idolatry and the people's unfaithfulness. The northern kingdom, under Jeroboam, quickly fell into idolatry, setting up golden calves in Bethel and Dan (1 Kings 12:28-30). Theological Implications The treason against Rehoboam underscores the consequences of ignoring wise counsel and the importance of servant leadership. It also highlights the fulfillment of God's prophetic word and serves as a reminder of the covenantal relationship between God and His people, where obedience brings blessing and disobedience leads to division and strife. The event is a pivotal moment in biblical history, illustrating the complexities of leadership and the enduring impact of decisions made by those in authority. Nave's Topical Index 1 Kings 12:16-19So when all Israel saw that the king listened not to them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion have we in David? neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: to your tents, O Israel: now see to your own house, David. So Israel departed to their tents. Nave's Topical Index Library The Israelites Questions. The Old Testament and Archeology Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... Resources Who was John Calvin? | GotQuestions.orgWho was King Zimri in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Is being gay a sin? Is it a sin to be gay? | GotQuestions.org Treason: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Treason of Aaron and Miriam Against Moses Treason of Abner Against Ish-Bosheth Treason of Jehoiada Against Athaliah Treason of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram Against Moses and Aaron Treason of Rahab Against Jericho Treason of the Betrayer of Beth-El Treason of the Egyptian Servant Against the Amalekites Treason of the Ephraimites Against Jephthah Treason of the Israelites Against King Saul Treason of the Israelites Against Rehoboam Treason of the Shechemites Against Abimelech Treason: Jesus Falsely Accused of Treason: Paul Falsely Accused of Related Terms |
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