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 books of 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles, where his actions and decisions led to significant and lasting consequences for the nation of Israel.

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 heavy yoke that Solomon had placed upon them. They promised loyalty if he would ease their burdens (1 Kings 12:4).

The Division of the Kingdom

Rehoboam sought counsel on how to respond to the people's request. He first consulted the elders who had served his father, who advised him to serve the people and speak kindly to them. However, Rehoboam rejected their advice and instead consulted the young men he had grown up with, who advised him to increase the people's burdens (1 Kings 12:6-11). Rehoboam followed the counsel of the young men, responding harshly to the people, saying, "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" (1 Kings 12:14).

This decision led to the division of the united monarchy. The ten northern tribes rejected Rehoboam's rule, proclaiming Jeroboam as their king, thus forming the separate kingdom of Israel. Rehoboam was left to rule over the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, forming the southern kingdom of Judah (1 Kings 12:16-20).

Rehoboam's Reign in Judah

Rehoboam's reign in Judah was marked by both religious and political challenges. Initially, he sought to consolidate his rule by fortifying cities and strengthening his military (2 Chronicles 11:5-12). Despite these efforts, his reign was characterized by a departure from the religious fidelity of his forefathers. The people of 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).

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). This invasion was seen as a divine judgment for Judah's unfaithfulness.

Religious Reforms and Legacy

Despite the initial apostasy, Rehoboam did experience a period of religious reform. The Chronicler notes that when Rehoboam humbled himself, the LORD's anger turned from him, and conditions in Judah improved (2 Chronicles 12:12). However, the overall assessment of Rehoboam's reign is negative, as he "did evil because he had not set his heart on seeking the LORD" (2 Chronicles 12:14).

Rehoboam reigned for seventeen years in Jerusalem, the city the LORD had chosen to put His Name. He was succeeded by his son Abijah (1 Kings 14:21, 31). Rehoboam's legacy is largely defined by the division of the kingdom, a pivotal moment in Israel's history that had enduring implications for the people of God. His failure to heed wise counsel and his subsequent actions serve as a cautionary tale about the importance of humility and seeking the LORD's guidance in leadership.