Rehoboam, the son of Solomon and Naamah the Ammonitess, ascended to the throne of Judah following the death of his father, Solomon. His reign is chronicled in the books of 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles, providing a narrative of both political and spiritual dimensions that marked his time as king.

Accession to the Throne

Rehoboam's reign began around 931 BC, a period marked by significant political tension. Upon Solomon's death, Rehoboam traveled to Shechem, where all Israel had gathered to make him king (1 Kings 12:1). However, his accession was immediately challenged by the northern tribes, led by Jeroboam, who had returned from exile in Egypt. The people of Israel, burdened by Solomon's heavy yoke, requested that Rehoboam lighten their load. 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, opting instead to follow 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).

Division of the Kingdom

Rehoboam's harsh response led to the division of the united monarchy. The northern tribes rebelled, forming the separate kingdom of Israel under Jeroboam's leadership, leaving Rehoboam to rule over the tribes of Judah and Benjamin (1 Kings 12:16-20). This division fulfilled the prophecy given to Jeroboam by the prophet Ahijah (1 Kings 11:29-31).

Military and Political Challenges

Rehoboam initially sought to reunite the kingdom by force, assembling an army of 180,000 chosen warriors from Judah and Benjamin. However, the word of the LORD came to Shemaiah, the man of God, instructing Rehoboam not to fight against his brothers, the Israelites, for this division was from God. Obediently, Rehoboam heeded this divine command and returned to Jerusalem (1 Kings 12:21-24).

During his reign, Rehoboam fortified several cities in Judah to strengthen his kingdom against potential threats (2 Chronicles 11:5-12). Despite these efforts, his reign was marked by continual conflict with Jeroboam and the northern kingdom (1 Kings 14:30).

Religious Apostasy and Consequences

Rehoboam's reign was also characterized by religious decline. The people of Judah did evil in the sight of the LORD, building high places, sacred stones, and Asherah poles on every high hill and under every green tree (1 Kings 14:22-23). This apostasy provoked the LORD's anger, leading to divine judgment.

In the fifth year of Rehoboam's reign, Shishak, king of Egypt, attacked Jerusalem. He 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, declaring that because they had abandoned the LORD, He had abandoned them to Shishak. In response, the leaders and Rehoboam humbled themselves, and the LORD's anger was partially turned away, sparing Jerusalem from total destruction. However, Shishak plundered the treasures of the house of the LORD and the king's house, including the gold shields Solomon had made (2 Chronicles 12:1-9).

Legacy and Death

Rehoboam reigned for 17 years in Jerusalem, the city the LORD had chosen to put His Name. Despite his failures, he is noted for humbling himself, which brought some measure of relief from divine wrath (2 Chronicles 12:12). 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; 2 Chronicles 12:16).

Rehoboam's reign serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of forsaking wise counsel and the LORD's commandments, illustrating the importance of humility and obedience to God's will.