What happensPermalink
Gathered in Shechem to make Rehoboam king, the people ask him to ease the burdens imposed by Solomon. Rejecting the advice of his elders, he follows the counsel of his younger advisors and responds harshly. The northern tribes rebel, and Rehoboam retreats to Jerusalem.
Why it mattersPermalink
The division of the kingdom arises from Rehoboam’s unwise and heavy-handed leadership, but the Chronicler presents it as ultimately directed by God. Even as the house of David fractures, God remains sovereign over Israel.
Key versePermalink
So the king did not listen to the people, for it was a turn of affairs brought about by God that the Lord might fulfill his word…