Rehoboam goes to Shechem where all Israel has gathered; Jeroboam returns from Egypt. The people request lighter burdens than Solomon imposed; Rehoboam consults the elders who advise gentleness, but prefers his young friends' counsel to increase the burden and discipline with scorpions rather than whips. Israel hears and revolts: 'What share have we in David? To your tents, O Israel!' Ten tribes make Jeroboam king; only Judah remains with Rehoboam. When Rehoboam musters Judah and Benjamin to fight, the prophet Shemaiah forbids battle against their brothers. Fearing that going to Jerusalem's temple will restore the people's allegiance to Rehoboam, Jeroboam makes two golden calves, sets them up at Bethel and Dan, declares 'Here are your gods who brought you out of Egypt,' makes high places, appoints non-Levite priests, and institutes a feast in the eighth month. This becomes Israel's great sin.
Read 1 Kings Chapter 12 Summary
Characters in This Chapter
David's son, wisest and wealthiest king, builder of the temple, but later fell into idolatry
Prophet who confronted Baal worship and demonstrated God's power on Mount Carmel
Wicked king of Israel who promoted Baal worship through his wife Jezebel
Ahab's Phoenician wife who promoted Baal worship and persecuted God's prophets
Solomon's son whose harsh policies caused the kingdom to divide
King of Israel
Son of Jacob, Ancestor of David and Christ
Youngest Son of Jacob
Places in This Chapter
Shechem was an important Canaanite city where Abraham first built an altar after entering the Promised Land. Jacob purchased land here and dug a well. Joseph's bones were buried here after the Exodus. Joshua gathered the tribes at Shechem for a covenant renewal ceremony.
Egypt plays a significant role throughout the Bible, from the time of Abraham to the flight of the Holy Family. Joseph was sold into slavery there and rose to become second to Pharaoh, saving his family during famine. The Israelites were enslaved in Egypt for 400 years before God delivered them through Moses in the Exodus. Jesus' family fled to Egypt to escape King Herod, fulfilling the prophecy "Out of Egypt I called my son."
Position in Book
Rehoboam's folly, Jeroboam leads northern rebellion, the kingdom splits into Israel and Judah.