Topical Encyclopedia Rehoboam, the son of Solomon and Naamah the Ammonite, was the fourth king of Israel and the first king of the southern kingdom of Judah following the division of the united monarchy. His reign is chronicled in the books of 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles. Rehoboam's account is a pivotal moment in the history of Israel, marking the division of the kingdom into two separate entities: the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah.Early Reign and Division of the Kingdom Rehoboam ascended to the throne after the death of his father, Solomon. His reign began with a significant challenge when Jeroboam, son of Nebat, returned from Egypt and led a delegation of Israelites to Rehoboam at Shechem. They requested that he lighten the heavy yoke imposed by Solomon. Rehoboam sought counsel from two groups: the elders who had served his father and the young men he had grown up with. The elders advised him to serve the people and speak kindly to them, but the young men suggested he increase their burdens. Rehoboam chose the latter advice, responding harshly to the people. 1 Kings 12:14 records Rehoboam's response: "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 the rebellion of the northern tribes, who declared, "What portion do we have in David? We have no inheritance in the son of Jesse. To your tents, O Israel!" (1 Kings 12:16). Consequently, the kingdom was divided, with Rehoboam reigning over Judah and Benjamin, while Jeroboam became king over the northern tribes. Reign Over Judah Rehoboam's reign over Judah lasted seventeen years, during which he fortified cities and strengthened the kingdom's defenses (2 Chronicles 11:5-12). Despite these efforts, his reign was marked by spiritual decline. The people of Judah engaged in idolatry and adopted the detestable practices of the nations the LORD had driven out before the Israelites (1 Kings 14:22-24). 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 divine judgment for Judah's unfaithfulness, as prophesied by Shemaiah the prophet (2 Chronicles 12:5-8). Legacy and Death Rehoboam's reign is often viewed as a cautionary tale of leadership failure and the consequences of forsaking wise counsel. His inability to heed the advice of the elders and his harsh treatment of the people led to the fracturing of the kingdom. Despite his shortcomings, Rehoboam is noted for humbling himself before the LORD, which led to some measure of deliverance from Shishak's invasion (2 Chronicles 12:12). Rehoboam was succeeded by his son Abijah (also known as Abijam), and he was buried in the City of David (1 Kings 14:31). His reign serves as a reminder of the importance of humility, wise counsel, and faithfulness to God's commandments. Strong's Hebrew 7346. Rechabam -- "a people are enlarged," a king of Judah... Rechabam. 7347 . "a people are enlarged," a king of Judah. Transliteration: Rechabam Phonetic Spelling: (rekh-ab-awm') Short Definition: Rehoboam. ... Rehoboam. ... /hebrew/7346.htm - 6k Library Rehoboam's Great Mistake The Rending of the Kingdom Contrasted Services How to Split a Kingdom The Children's Bible The Kingdom Op Judah. Asa's Prayer Asa's Reformation, and Consequent Peace and victory Concerning Rehoboam, and How God Inflicted Punishment Upon Him for ... Joel Thesaurus Rehoboam's (4 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Rehoboam's (4 Occurrences). 1 Kings 14:29 Now the rest of the acts of Rehoboam, and all that he did, are ... /r/rehoboam's.htm - 7k Rehoboam (42 Occurrences) Rehoboth (4 Occurrences) Rehobo'am (42 Occurrences) Uriel (4 Occurrences) Jerimoth (10 Occurrences) Mahalath (6 Occurrences) Adoniram (4 Occurrences) Shemaiah (40 Occurrences) Sodomite (1 Occurrence) Resources Who was King Rehoboam in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the story of Rehoboam and Jeroboam? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Rehoboam's (4 Occurrences)1 Kings 14:29 2 Chronicles 12:1 2 Chronicles 12:2 2 Chronicles 12:15 Subtopics Related Terms |