Introduction:
Rehoboam, the son of Solomon and grandson of David, was the fourth king of Israel and the first king of the divided kingdom of Judah. His reign is marked by the significant event of the division of the united monarchy into the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. Rehoboam's account is primarily found in 1 Kings 12-14 and 2 Chronicles 10-12.

Accession to the Throne:
Rehoboam ascended to the throne following the death of his father, Solomon. His reign began around 931 BC. The people of Israel gathered at Shechem to make him king, as recorded in 1 Kings 12:1: "Then Rehoboam went to Shechem, for all Israel had gone there to make him king."

The Division of the Kingdom:
Rehoboam's reign is most notably characterized by the division of the kingdom. The people of Israel, led by Jeroboam, approached Rehoboam with a request to lighten the 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 advised him to increase the burden on the people (1 Kings 12:6-14).

Rehoboam's harsh response 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! Look now to your own house, O David!" (1 Kings 12:16). Consequently, ten tribes broke away to form the northern kingdom of Israel under Jeroboam, leaving Rehoboam to rule over the tribes of Judah and Benjamin.

Rehoboam's Reign in Judah:
Rehoboam reigned over Judah for 17 years, from Jerusalem, the city chosen by the LORD to put His Name there (1 Kings 14:21). His reign was marked by a departure from the ways of the LORD, as Judah engaged in idolatry and practices detestable to God. "Judah did evil in the sight of the LORD, and by the sins they committed they provoked Him to jealousy" (1 Kings 14:22).

Invasion by Shishak:
In the fifth year of Rehoboam's reign, Shishak, king of Egypt, attacked Jerusalem. This invasion was a divine judgment for Judah's unfaithfulness. Shishak captured the fortified cities of Judah and came as far as Jerusalem. The prophet Shemaiah conveyed the LORD's message to Rehoboam and the leaders of Judah, leading them to humble themselves. As a result, the LORD's wrath was partially averted, and Jerusalem was not destroyed, though Shishak plundered the treasures of the temple and the royal palace (2 Chronicles 12:1-12).

Religious and Political Context:
Rehoboam's reign was a time of religious decline and political instability. The high places, sacred stones, and Asherah poles proliferated, and male shrine prostitutes were in the land, reflecting the syncretism and moral decay of the period (1 Kings 14:23-24). Despite these challenges, the Davidic line continued through Rehoboam, fulfilling God's covenant promise to David.

Death and Succession:
Rehoboam died and was buried in the City of David. His son Abijah succeeded him as king (1 Kings 14:31). Rehoboam's reign serves as a cautionary tale of the consequences of forsaking wise counsel and the LORD's commandments, leading to division and decline.