Introduction
The division of Israel into two parts after Solomon’s death.
Questions
1. What did the elders tell Rehoboam to do and how did it compare with the advice from the young men who had grown up with him?
v 7 ... “If you will be a servant to this people today, and will serve them, and answer them with good words, then they will be your servants forever.”
v 10 and 11 The young men who had grown up with him said to him, “Tell these people who spoke to you, saying, ‘Your father made our yoke heavy, but make it lighter to us;’ tell them, ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist. 11 Now my father burdened you with a heavy yoke, but I will add to your yoke. My father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.’ ”
2. What did the LORD tell Rehoboam not to do when the ten tribes rebelled against him?
v 24 'The LORD says “You shall not go up or fight against your brothers, the children of Israel. Everyone return to his house; for this thing is from me.” ' ...
3. How did Jeroboam discourage his people from worshipping in Jerusalem?
v 28 and 29 So the king ... made two calves of gold; and he said to them, “It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem. Look and behold your gods, Israel, which brought you up out of the land of Egypt!” He set the one in Bethel, and the other he put in Dan.
Summary Points
- v 1 to 5 Rehoboam is made king at Shechem. The people’s spokesman, Jeroboam, asks Rehoboam to reduce the heavy taxation that Solomon had imposed
- v 6 to 11 Rehoboam consults his father’s contemporaries who advise acting on the request. His own contemporaries recommend a strong line and increased taxation
- v 12 to 24 Rehoboam speaks roughly to the people and tells them taxes will increase. Israel revolts against Rehoboam and they make Jeroboam their king
- v 25 to 33 Jeroboam then encourages the people in bad ways by discouraging them from going to Jerusalem to worship. He set up gods in Bethel and Dan and organises an alternative feast day for Israel