Kingdom Divided

After King Solomon died, his son Rehoboam traveled to the
city of Shechem so the Israelites could make him the next king.

But someone else, a man named Jeroboam, wanted to be king. This man thought he would be a better choice for the people, and a prophet long ago had told this man he would rule some of God’s people one day.

Jeroboam and many people of Israel went to see Solomon’s son Rehoboam. “Rehoboam, your father, Solomon, was hard on our people and took a lot from us. Since you will be king, tell us you will not be this way. Show kindness to us and we will serve you.”

Rehoboam said he would give an answer in three days.

Then Rehoboam asked some older men who had served King Solomon what they thought he should do. The elders said to be kind and work with Jeroboam and the people.

But Rehoboam did not like this advice. So he went to his young friends and asked them what he should do. They said, “No way! Make it even harder for the people. Punish them when they don’t obey you.”

When Jeroboam and the people returned to get Rehoboam’s answer, they heard the terrible news. Even though they were God’s people, they knew Rehoboam would still mistreat them.

Rehoboam went back to Jerusalem so the people could make him king. But the people who were with Jeroboam made him king over them.

Now there were two kings to rule the people. And this was all part of God’s plan for the people.