Rehoboam, the son of Solomon and Naamah the Ammonite, ascended to the throne of Israel following the death of his father, Solomon. His reign is chronicled in the biblical books of 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles, providing a narrative of division, conflict, and spiritual decline.

Accession to the Throne

Rehoboam's reign began around 931 BC. Upon Solomon's death, Rehoboam traveled to Shechem, where all Israel had gathered to make him king (1 Kings 12:1). The people, led by Jeroboam son of Nebat, requested that Rehoboam lighten the harsh labor and heavy yoke imposed by Solomon. Rehoboam 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 young men he had grown up with, who suggested he increase the burden on the people (1 Kings 12:6-14).

Division of the Kingdom

Rehoboam's harsh response led to the division of the united monarchy. The ten northern tribes rebelled, forming the separate kingdom of Israel under Jeroboam's leadership, while Rehoboam retained control over the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, forming the kingdom of Judah (1 Kings 12:16-20). This division fulfilled the prophecy given to Jeroboam by the prophet Ahijah (1 Kings 11:29-31).

Rehoboam's Reign in Judah

Rehoboam reigned in Jerusalem for 17 years (1 Kings 14:21). His reign was marked by a departure from the ways of the LORD, as 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). This spiritual decline provoked the LORD's anger.

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). Rehoboam replaced them with bronze shields, a symbolic representation of the diminished glory of his kingdom (1 Kings 14:27-28).

Military and Political Challenges

Rehoboam fortified cities in Judah to strengthen his kingdom against potential threats (2 Chronicles 11:5-12). Despite these efforts, his reign was fraught with conflict, particularly with Jeroboam. The ongoing hostilities between the two kingdoms are noted in the biblical record (1 Kings 14:30).

Religious Reforms and Failures

Although Rehoboam initially strengthened the kingdom by welcoming priests and Levites who had been rejected by Jeroboam's idolatrous practices, his commitment to the LORD was inconsistent (2 Chronicles 11:13-17). The chronicler notes that Rehoboam did evil because he did not set his heart to seek the LORD (2 Chronicles 12:14).

Death and Succession

Rehoboam died and was buried in the City of David. His son Abijah succeeded him as king (1 Kings 14:31). The legacy of Rehoboam's reign is one of division and decline, setting the stage for the tumultuous history of the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah.