(1 Kings 12:1 –12:24 and 2 Chronicles 10:1 – 11:12)

We have talked about the magnificence of Solomon’s empire. But not all of his subjects were thrilled about it. When Solomon’s son, Rehoboam, was crowned king in Shechem,[1] Jeroboam returned from Egypt to ask on behalf of the people that the new king “lighten the hard service of your father.”[2]

The Bible does not clarify what this “hard service” was. Perhaps it refers to military service and forced labor to sustain Solomon’s large army and building programs.[3] Or maybe the king imposed high taxes to support his extravagant spending.

Rehoboam, who was then forty-one years old,[4] asked for three days to think over Jeroboam’s request. During that time the new king received conflicting advice. The elders who had served his father recommended that he grant the request and earn the people’s loyalty through service and kindness.[5] But the young men who had grown up with the king advised him to be tough. Probably afraid of appearing weak, the king followed the advice of these young men, threatening the people with even harsher treatment than his father had inflicted.[6] This prompted a revolt by the northern ten tribes. They made Jeroboam their king, just as the prophet Ahijah the Shilonite had predicted. Only the tribe of Benjamin remained loyal to Judah and Rehoboam.[7]

Rehoboam mustered his army to suppress the rebellion. But then Shemaiah, “the man of God,” brought word that this uprising was from the Lord and that the king must not oppose it.[8] So he contented himself with strengthening his defenses in the territories of Judah and Benjamin.[9]

The northern ten tribes would become known as Israel, and the southern two tribes would be called Judah. In the future the two nations would at times be allies, and at other times rivals, but never again would they be united as one people.

Question to ponder or discuss: Like Judah and Israel, Christianity has failed to maintain its unity, dividing into many different denominations.

Do you believe that such divisions are from God—as was the case with Solomon’s empire—or from the desires and/or failings of men? Explain.

Endnotes for Chapter 121

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[1]. Shechem featured prominently in Israel’s history. This was where Jacob settled his family when he returned from serving Laban. It was one of the six cities of refuge. Before his death, Joshua gathered the Israelites in Shechem to renew their covenant with the Lord. The city was also the center of Abimelech’s power after he murdered the sons of Gideon. For more on Shechem, see chapters 14, 44, 53, 54 and 61 in Part One of The Old Testament Made Simple.

[2]. 1 Kings 12:4; 2 Chronicles 10:4

[3]. See, for example, 1 Kings 4:26 and 5:13.

[4]. 1 Kings 14:21

[5]. 1 Kings 12:7; 2 Chronicles 10:7

[6]. 1 Kings 12:8-14; 2 Chronicles 10:8-14. Rehoboam told the people, “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.” A “scorpion” was a whip with metal bits embedded in it, which was used to punish slaves. Thus, Rehoboam’s remark was not only threatening, but insulting.

[7]. 1 Kings 12:16-21; 2 Chronicles 10:16-11:1 and 11:12

[8]. 1 Kings 12:21-24; 2 Chronicles 11:1-4

[9]. 2 Chronicles 11:5-12