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 leadership and decisions significantly impacted the history 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, approached Rehoboam with a request to lighten the heavy yoke that Solomon had placed upon them. They sought relief from the burdensome labor and high taxes imposed during Solomon's reign.

The Division of the Kingdom

Rehoboam's response to this request was pivotal. He first sought counsel from 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 with 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).

Rehoboam's harsh response led to the division of the united kingdom. The ten northern tribes rejected Rehoboam's rule and followed Jeroboam, forming the separate kingdom of Israel. Only the tribes of Judah and Benjamin remained loyal to Rehoboam, constituting the kingdom of Judah (1 Kings 12:16-20).

Rehoboam's Rule 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. 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).

In the fifth year of Rehoboam's reign, Shishak, king of Egypt, attacked Jerusalem. He carried off the treasures of the house of the LORD and the royal palace, including the gold shields Solomon had made. Rehoboam replaced them with bronze shields (1 Kings 14:25-27).

Religious and Political Challenges

Rehoboam's reign was characterized by continual conflict with Jeroboam. The division of the kingdom led to ongoing hostilities between Israel and Judah. Despite these challenges, Rehoboam attempted to fortify his kingdom by building cities for defense in Judah (2 Chronicles 11:5-12).

Rehoboam's religious policies were inconsistent. While he initially strengthened the kingdom by welcoming priests and Levites who had been rejected by Jeroboam, he later allowed the people to fall into idolatry. This apostasy provoked the LORD's anger, leading to the invasion by Shishak as a divine judgment (2 Chronicles 12:1-2).

Legacy

Rehoboam's reign is often viewed as a cautionary tale of leadership failure. His inability to heed wise counsel and his harsh treatment of the people led to the fracturing of the united kingdom established by David and Solomon. His reign serves as a reminder of the importance of humility, wise counsel, and faithfulness to God's commandments. Rehoboam was succeeded by his son Abijah, who continued to rule over Judah.