Topical Encyclopedia Name and Meaning: Roboam, also known as Rehoboam, is a biblical figure whose name means "he who enlarges the people" or "the people are enlarged." He is a significant character in the history of Israel, particularly noted for his role in the division of the united monarchy.Biblical References: Roboam is primarily mentioned in the Old Testament books of 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles. His account is detailed in 1 Kings 11:43–14:31 and 2 Chronicles 9:31–12:16. Family Background: Roboam was the son of King Solomon and Naamah, an Ammonite woman (1 Kings 14:21). He was the grandson of King David, making him the third king in the Davidic line. His mother’s foreign origin is noted in the biblical text, reflecting the complex political and cultural dynamics of Solomon's reign. Reign and Division of the Kingdom: Roboam ascended to the throne of Israel after the death of his father, Solomon. His reign is marked by the significant event of the division of the united kingdom of Israel. When Roboam became king, the people of Israel, led by Jeroboam, approached him with a request to lighten the heavy burdens imposed by Solomon. Roboam sought counsel from the elders who had served his father, who advised him to serve the people and speak kindly to them. However, he rejected their advice and instead followed the counsel of the younger men he had grown up with, responding harshly to the people's request (1 Kings 12:1-15). This decision led to the rebellion of the northern tribes, who rejected Roboam's rule and made Jeroboam their king. As a result, the kingdom was divided into two: the northern kingdom of Israel, consisting of ten tribes, and the southern kingdom of Judah, which remained under Roboam's rule (1 Kings 12:16-20). Religious and Political Challenges: Roboam's reign was fraught with challenges. The division of the kingdom weakened the political and military strength of both Israel and Judah. Additionally, Roboam faced religious challenges, as the people of Judah engaged in practices that were displeasing to the Lord. The biblical text notes that "Judah did evil in the sight of the LORD" and built high places, sacred stones, and Asherah poles (1 Kings 14:22-24). Conflict with Egypt: During Roboam's reign, Judah was invaded by Shishak, the king of Egypt. Shishak captured the fortified cities of Judah and came as far as Jerusalem. Roboam and the leaders of Judah humbled themselves before the Lord, and as a result, Jerusalem was not destroyed, although Shishak took away the treasures of the house of the Lord and the king's house (2 Chronicles 12:1-12). Death and Succession: Roboam reigned for seventeen years in Jerusalem. He was succeeded by his son Abijah (also known as Abijam) upon his death. The biblical account notes that Roboam's actions and the events of his reign were recorded in the annals of the kings of Judah (1 Kings 14:29-31; 2 Chronicles 12:15-16). Legacy: Roboam's reign is often viewed as a turning point in the history of Israel, marking the end of the united monarchy and the beginning of a divided kingdom. His failure to heed wise counsel and his harsh response to the people's grievances are seen as pivotal factors leading to the division. Despite the challenges and failures of his reign, Roboam's place in the Davidic line is significant, as it continues through the kings of Judah and ultimately to the promised Messiah. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ROBOAMro-bo'-am (Rhoboam). the King James Version; Greek form of "Rehoboam" (thus the Revised Version (British and American)) (Matthew 1:7); successor of Solomon. Greek 4497. Rhoboam -- Rehoboam, a king of Judah ... Roboam. Of Hebrew origin (Rchab'am); Roboam (ie Rechobam), an Israelite -- Roboam. see HEBREW Rchab'am. (roboam) -- 2 Occurrences. 4496, 4497. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4497.htm - 6k Library For, on the Death of Solomon in the Fortieth Year of his Reign... Matthew's Genealogy of Jesus Christ Whether Christ's Genealogy is Suitably Traced by the Evangelists? Of the Agreement of the Evangelists Matthew and Luke in the ... The Jewish Institutions and Laws of Far Higher Antiquity than the ... Thesaurus Roboam (1 Occurrence)...ROBOAM. ro-bo'-am (Rhoboam). ...Roboam (1 Occurrence). Matthew 1:7 And Solomon begat Roboam; and Roboam begat Abia; and Abia begat Asa; (KJV DBY WBS). ... /r/roboam.htm - 6k Begat (112 Occurrences) Abia (3 Occurrences) Rehoboam (42 Occurrences) Robs (3 Occurrences) Robes (124 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Roboam (1 Occurrence)Matthew 1:7 Subtopics Related Terms |