Introduction:
Rehoboam, the son of Solomon and grandson of David, was the fourth king of Israel and the first king of the divided kingdom of Judah. His reign is marked by the significant event of the division of the united monarchy into two separate kingdoms: Israel in the north and Judah in the south. Rehoboam's account is primarily found in 1 Kings 11:43–14:31 and 2 Chronicles 9:31–12:16.

Background and Ascension to the Throne:
Rehoboam was born to Solomon and Naamah, an Ammonite woman (1 Kings 14:21). Upon Solomon's death, Rehoboam ascended to the throne at the age of forty-one and reigned for seventeen years in Jerusalem, the city chosen by the LORD to put His Name there (1 Kings 14:21; 2 Chronicles 12:13).

The Division of the Kingdom:
Rehoboam's reign began with a pivotal moment at Shechem, where all Israel had gathered to make him king (1 Kings 12:1). The people, led by Jeroboam son of Nebat, requested that Rehoboam lighten the heavy yoke imposed by Solomon. Rehoboam sought counsel from the elders who had served his father, who advised him to serve the people and speak kindly to them (1 Kings 12:6-7). However, Rehoboam rejected their advice and instead followed the counsel of the young men he had grown up with, deciding to increase the burden on the people (1 Kings 12:8-14).

This harsh response led to the rebellion of the northern tribes, who declared, "What portion do we have in David? We have no inheritance in the son of Jesse. To your tents, O Israel!" (1 Kings 12:16). Consequently, the kingdom was divided, with Jeroboam ruling over the northern kingdom of Israel and Rehoboam retaining control over Judah and Benjamin in the south (1 Kings 12:17-20).

Rehoboam's Reign in Judah:
Rehoboam's reign in Judah was marked by a mixture of fortification efforts and spiritual decline. He fortified cities throughout Judah to strengthen his kingdom against potential attacks (2 Chronicles 11:5-12). Despite these efforts, Rehoboam's reign was characterized by idolatry and unfaithfulness to the LORD. The people of Judah did evil in the sight of the LORD, building high places, sacred stones, and Asherah poles (1 Kings 14:22-24).

In the fifth year of Rehoboam's reign, Shishak, king of Egypt, attacked Jerusalem and carried off the treasures of the house of the LORD and the king's palace, including the gold shields Solomon had made (1 Kings 14:25-26; 2 Chronicles 12:2-9). This invasion was a divine judgment for Judah's unfaithfulness, as conveyed by the prophet Shemaiah (2 Chronicles 12:5).

Repentance and Humility:
Faced with the threat of Shishak, Rehoboam and the leaders of Judah humbled themselves, acknowledging the LORD's righteousness (2 Chronicles 12:6). As a result, the LORD's anger was turned away, and Jerusalem was not destroyed, though they became subject to Shishak (2 Chronicles 12:7-8).

Legacy and Death:
Rehoboam's reign ended with his death, and he was buried in the City of David. His son Abijah succeeded him as king (1 Kings 14:31; 2 Chronicles 12:16). Rehoboam's legacy is a cautionary tale of the consequences of pride, poor counsel, and unfaithfulness to God. His failure to heed wise advice and his subsequent actions led to the division of the kingdom, a pivotal moment in Israel's history.