After Solomon’s death, his son Rehoboam travels to Shechem to be made king. The assembly, led by Jeroboam, asks him to lighten the heavy labor and burdens imposed by Solomon.

Rehoboam asks for three days to consider the request.

The older advisers who served Solomon recommend a conciliatory answer. If Rehoboam serves the people and speaks kindly, they say, the people will remain loyal.

Rehoboam rejects that counsel and turns instead to younger men who grew up with him. They advise him to threaten even harsher rule.

When the people return, Rehoboam tells them that his father made their yoke heavy and he will make it heavier.

The northern tribes respond by rejecting the house of David. Rehoboam retains Judah, while Jeroboam becomes king over the northern kingdom.

Rehoboam initially prepares for war to reunify the nation, but a prophetic word tells him not to fight his fellow Israelites.

Jeroboam then faces his own political fear. He worries that if his subjects continue worshiping in Jerusalem, their loyalty may return to David’s dynasty.

He establishes golden calves and worship centers at Bethel and Dan, creating a religious system that Kings repeatedly condemns.

The united monarchy has lasted only through Saul, David, and Solomon. From this point forward, the biblical history follows two kingdoms moving on separate but intertwined paths.