Breaking the Kingdom into 2 – Rehoboam and Jeroboam
Shabbat shalom, Nazarene family.
This week we will see that after Solomon’s death, his son Rehoboam refused to relieve the heavy yoke that weighed on the people, breaking the kingdom into two. Jeroboam led the northern tribes in the creation of the Kingdom of Israel, while Rehoboam ruled the southern kingdom, Judah. Both kingdoms fell into the hands of foreign powers due to their deviation from Yahweh’s commandments. The biblical passages used in this study are:
- Who were Rehoboam and Jeroboam?: Melachim Aleph (1 Kings) 11:26-33
- How did the breakup of the kingdom come about?: Divre Hayamim Bet (2 Chronicles) 10:1-15
- The final result of the break: Melachim Aleph (1 Kings) 12:16-24
- The reign of Rehoboam: Divre Hayamim Bet (2 Chronicles) 12:1-16
- The reign of Jeroboam: Melachim Aleph (1 Kings) 12:25-33
Some of the lessons learned from this study include:
- Consequence of disobedience: In the biblical narrative, it is mentioned that the division was a consequence of disobedience to Yahweh’s commandments. Solomon had allowed his numerous foreign wives to influence his worship of other elohim, leading to divine anger and the separation of the kingdom as punishment for religious infidelity.
- Consequence of oppression: Rehoboam, Solomon’s son, adopted a harsh and oppressive attitude toward the people, which led to rebellion and the request for a lighter tax burden. His refusal to relent led to the separation of the northern tribes.
- Consequence of political conflicts: Jeroboam, one of the leaders in the north, had been a critic of Solomon and, after his death, led the separation of the Kingdom of Israel due to political disagreements and a lack of representation in governmental decisions.
In terms of teachings, the division of Solomon’s kingdom can be seen as a warning about the consequences of disobedience to ethical and moral principles, as well as the danger of oppression and lack of empathy toward the people. It can also be viewed as a lesson about the effects of political discord and the importance of unity and harmony in society.
This story teaches us a lesson about the importance of righteousness, wisdom in decision making and fidelity to biblical principles to avoid divisions and conflicts within the community of believers.
Melachim Aleph (1 Kings) 11:9-11
9 So Yahweh became angry with Solomon, because his heart had turned from Yahweh Elohim of Israel, who had appeared to him twice,
10 and had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other elohim; but he did not keep what Yahweh had commanded.
11 Therefore Yahweh said to Solomon, “Because you have done this, and have not kept My covenant and My statutes, which I have commanded you, I will surely tear the kingdom away from you and give it to your servant.
Remember, obedience to Yahweh’s commandments will bring blessing but disobedience will lead to the perdition of our souls eternally. Decide what you will do today.
We hope that you, and especially your sons and daughters, will enjoy this activity. For it is through the study of the Scriptures that we can come to understand the love and care that Yahweh has always had for us. And also perceive that He has been taking care of even the smallest detail, so that we can take care and enjoy all that He gives us. That is why it is so important that our children learn and grow up knowing that they are loved by the Creator of all that exists.
Shalom.