Rehoboam was the son of Solomon and the grandson of David. He became king of Israel after Solomon’s death, but his harsh and unwise leadership led to the division of the kingdom. His reign is recorded in 1 Kings 12–14 and 2 Chronicles 10–12.
When Rehoboam assumed the throne, the people requested relief from the heavy burdens Solomon had placed on them. The elders advised Rehoboam to be a servant-leader and speak kindly to the people. But he rejected their counsel and instead followed the advice of younger men who urged him to increase the burden. 1 Kings 12:14 says:
“My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add to your yoke; my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scourges!”
As a result, ten of the twelve tribes rebelled and formed the northern kingdom of Israel under Jeroboam, leaving Rehoboam with only Judah and Benjamin in the south. This division fulfilled the judgment God had pronounced due to Solomon’s idolatry.
Though Rehoboam initially planned war against the northern tribes, God sent a prophet to stop him. 1 Kings 12:24 records:
“You shall not go up nor fight against your brethren the children of Israel. Let every man return to his house, for this thing is from Me.”
Rehoboam later abandoned the Law of the Lord, and Judah followed him in idolatry. Because of this, God allowed Shishak, king of Egypt, to invade Jerusalem and take treasures from the temple and the king’s house. However, Rehoboam humbled himself, and God did not allow complete destruction (2 Chronicles 12:6–7).
Rehoboam’s reign illustrates the consequences of pride, the danger of rejecting godly counsel, and the mercy of God when there is genuine humility. His failure to lead wisely caused a national split, yet his repentance delayed greater judgment.
