After King Solomon, the kingdom of Israel was ruled by his son, Rehoboam. Rehoboam became king following Solomon’s death, inheriting a prosperous yet unstable kingdom.
Rehoboam’s reign is often noted for its division of the kingdom. When he ascended to the throne, the people of Israel approached him, seeking relief from the heavy taxation and forced labor that had been imposed during Solomon’s reign. They requested that he lighten their burden.
Instead of heeding their advice, Rehoboam sought counsel from his younger advisors, who encouraged him to increase the people’s burdens, famously stating, ‘My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add to your yoke.’ This decision led to a split in the kingdom, with ten tribes rejecting his leadership and recognizing Jeroboam as their king, establishing the northern kingdom of Israel, while Rehoboam ruled the southern kingdom of Judah.
This division had lasting effects on the history of the Israelites and marked the beginning of a turbulent period in which both kingdoms would face various challenges and conflicts.