Rehoboam, the son of Solomon and Naamah the Ammonite, ascended to the throne of Judah following the death of his father, Solomon. His reign is a significant period in the history of Israel, marked by the division of the united monarchy and the establishment of the separate kingdoms of Israel and Judah.

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. Rehoboam sought counsel on how to respond, first consulting the elders who had served his father. They advised him to serve 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). Rehoboam followed this harsh counsel, leading to a significant revolt.

Division of the Kingdom

Rehoboam's decision to increase the burden on the people resulted in the division of the kingdom. The ten northern tribes rejected Rehoboam's rule and made Jeroboam their king, 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).

Reign in Judah

Rehoboam reigned in Judah for seventeen 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 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 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 whenever he went to the LORD's temple (1 Kings 14:27-28).

Legacy and Death

Rehoboam's reign is often viewed as a period of decline for the kingdom of Judah, characterized by internal strife and external threats. Despite his failures, Rehoboam is noted for his efforts to fortify cities in Judah and strengthen his kingdom's defenses (2 Chronicles 11:5-12).

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). The account of Rehoboam's reign serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of pride, poor counsel, and disobedience to God's commandments.