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The material here is repeated from I Kings 12 .
We have recorded here the foolishness of Solomon's son, Rehoboam, in the treatment of the already over taxed people and the rebellion of the 10 northern tribes.
The story of the division of the Nation of Israel is a sad one. Obviously, Rehoboam did not inherit his father's wisdom. When Solomon died, all the leaders of Israel came to Rehoboam and said, "Your father has made our burden heavy, (taxes) if you lighten the burden, we will serve you." Rehoboam asked for 3 days to consider their request. He first sought the council of the Elders that had served his father. They suggested that he be kind and considerate to the people. Then he sought the council of his young friends who suggested that he add to the burden of the people. He chose to follow the advice of his young friends and the 10 northern tribes rebelled and formed the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The people of the Tribe of Judah however, remained loyal to Rehoboam. This had been prophesied by Ahijah the Shilonite.
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