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 marked by significant events that led to the division of the united monarchy of Israel and Judah. Rehoboam's account is primarily recorded in 1 Kings 12-14 and 2 Chronicles 10-12.

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 of Israel, led by Jeroboam son of Nebat, approached Rehoboam with a request to lighten the harsh labor and heavy yoke imposed by Solomon. Rehoboam sought counsel on how to respond, first consulting the elders who had served his father. They advised him to be a servant to the people and speak kindly to them, which would ensure their loyalty (1 Kings 12:6-7).

However, Rehoboam rejected the elders' advice and instead consulted the young men he had grown up with. They advised him to increase the burden on the people, suggesting he tell them, "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).

Division of the Kingdom

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). This marked the division of the kingdom, with Jeroboam becoming king over the northern tribes of Israel, while Rehoboam retained control over the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, forming the southern kingdom of Judah.

Rehoboam's Reign in Judah

Rehoboam reigned in Jerusalem for 17 years. His reign was characterized by a departure from the ways of the LORD, as he and the people of Judah engaged in idolatry and built high places, sacred stones, and Asherah poles on every high hill and under every green tree (1 Kings 14:23). This provoked the LORD to anger, as they did more evil than their ancestors.

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, which were used by the guards when he went to the house of the LORD (1 Kings 14:27-28).

Death and Legacy

Rehoboam's reign ended with his death, and he was buried in the City of David. His son Abijah succeeded him as king (1 Kings 14:31). Rehoboam's reign is often viewed as a period of decline from the heights of Solomon's kingdom, marked by internal strife, idolatry, and foreign invasion. His failure to heed wise counsel and his harsh policies led to the division of the kingdom, a pivotal moment in Israel's history. The account of Rehoboam serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of pride, poor leadership, and disobedience to God's commandments.