The Beginning: After Solomon’s death, his son Rehoboam went to Shechem, where Israel gathered to confirm him as king. The people, led by Jeroboam, asked Rehoboam to lighten the heavy labor and burdens associated with Solomon’s rule. Rehoboam delayed his answer to seek counsel.
The Middle: Rehoboam first consulted the older advisers, who urged him to serve the people with kindness so they would remain loyal. He rejected their advice and followed the counsel of younger men, responding harshly and promising even greater burdens. The tribes of Israel reacted by refusing allegiance to the house of David, declaring, “To your tents, O Israel,” and they made Jeroboam king over the northern tribes. Rehoboam attempted to enforce control through Adoram, an official over forced labor, but the people stoned him, and Rehoboam fled to Jerusalem.
The End: Rehoboam prepared to fight to reclaim the kingdom, but God sent Shemaiah to stop the civil war, declaring that the division was “from Me.” Rehoboam and Judah obeyed and withdrew. The kingdom remained divided: Judah under Rehoboam, and Israel (the northern tribes) under Jeroboam.
This account shows God’s sovereignty over Israel’s history: the division of the kingdom occurs through human choices—pride, harsh rule, and rebellion—yet also fulfills God’s word previously spoken concerning judgment on Solomon’s house. The narrative highlights the covenant principle that kings are accountable to God and are meant to shepherd the people rather than exploit them. Even in judgment, God restrains total devastation by forbidding fratricidal war, preserving the Davidic line through Judah in accordance with His ongoing covenant purposes.
Shechem was a traditional gathering place for covenant and political assemblies in Israel’s memory (linked with earlier covenant ceremonies), making it a fitting location to confirm a king and negotiate obligations. The dispute over “heavy yoke” reflects well-attested ancient Near Eastern realities: royal building projects and administration often relied on corvée-style labor and taxation, pressures that could trigger political fragmentation.
“For it was a turn of affairs brought about by the LORD.” — 1 Kings 12:15
Answer the questions below. When you choose an option, you will see the result and an explanation.
1. Where did Israel gather to confirm Rehoboam as king after Solomon’s death?
2. Who did God send to stop Rehoboam from fighting to reclaim the kingdom?