Rehoboam, the son of Solomon and grandson of David, ascended to the throne of Israel around 930 B.C. His reign is marked by a significant event: the division of the united kingdom of Israel. This division was precipitated by Rehoboam's attempt to reassert control over the tribes of Israel, which ultimately led to the secession of the northern tribes and the formation of the separate kingdom of Israel under Jeroboam.

Background and Ascension to the Throne

Rehoboam's ascension to the throne is recorded in 1 Kings 12 and 2 Chronicles 10. Upon Solomon's death, Rehoboam traveled to Shechem, where all Israel had gathered to make him king. The people of Israel, led by Jeroboam son of Nebat, approached Rehoboam with a request: "Your father made our yoke heavy. Now therefore lighten the harsh labor and the heavy yoke your father imposed on us, and we will serve you" (1 Kings 12:4).

Rehoboam's Decision

Rehoboam sought counsel on how to respond to the people's request. He first consulted the elders who had served his father Solomon. They 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. These young advisors recommended that he increase the burden on the people, saying, "My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist! Whereas my father burdened you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke. My father scourged you with whips, but I will scourge you with scorpions" (1 Kings 12:10-11).

The Division of the Kingdom

Rehoboam's harsh response led to a revolt among the northern tribes. When Rehoboam sent Adoram, who was in charge of forced labor, to enforce his rule, the Israelites stoned him to death. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Rehoboam fled to Jerusalem (1 Kings 12:18). The northern tribes then made Jeroboam their king, effectively splitting the kingdom into the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah, over which Rehoboam continued to reign.

Rehoboam's Attempt to Reassert Control

In an effort to reassert control over the seceded tribes, Rehoboam assembled an army of 180,000 chosen warriors from the tribes of Judah and Benjamin to fight against Israel and restore the kingdom to himself (1 Kings 12:21). However, the word of God came to Shemaiah, the man of God, instructing Rehoboam and the people of Judah not to fight against their brothers, the Israelites. The LORD said, "For this thing is from Me" (1 Kings 12:24). Obedient to the divine command, Rehoboam and his army refrained from attacking Jeroboam and returned to their homes.

Rehoboam's Reign in Judah

Rehoboam's reign in Judah was marked by efforts to strengthen his kingdom. He fortified cities and built up defenses (2 Chronicles 11:5-12). Despite these efforts, his reign was characterized by spiritual decline. The people of Judah engaged in practices that were detestable to the LORD, leading to divine judgment. 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 (1 Kings 14:25-26).

Rehoboam's attempt to reassert control over the northern tribes ultimately failed, and his reign serves as a pivotal moment in the history of Israel, marking the division of the once-united kingdom. His account is a testament to the consequences of rejecting wise counsel and the importance of humility and obedience to God's will.