Rehoboam
maleDivided KingdomMeaning: “He enlarges the people”
The son of Solomon whose harsh policy split the kingdom; he reigned over Judah while the ten northern tribes broke away under Jeroboam.
Biography
Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, was the last king of the united monarchy and the first king of Judah after the kingdom divided.
The folly that split a kingdom
When Israel asked him to lighten Solomon's heavy yoke, Rehoboam rejected the counsel of the elders and followed his young companions, threatening, "my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions" (1 Kings 12:11). The northern tribes revolted under Jeroboam, and only Judah and Benjamin remained loyal (1 Kings 12:16–20). The Chronicler notes this turn was "from the LORD" in fulfillment of the word against Solomon.
Reign over Judah
Rehoboam reigned seventeen years in Jerusalem. He fortified cities, but "he did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the LORD" (2 Chronicles 12:14). In his fifth year, Shishak of Egypt plundered the temple treasures (1 Kings 14:25–26). He stands in the royal line of Judah leading to Christ (Matthew 1:7).
Life Timeline
Becomes king; his harshness divides the kingdom
Jerusalem plundered by Shishak of Egypt
Dies after a 17-year reign over Judah
On the Bible timeline
Rehoboam belongs to the The United Monarchy era (c. 1050 – 930 BC).
- c. 1010 – 970 BCDavid's Reign
- c. 966 BCSolomon's Temple Built
- c. 930 BCThe Kingdom Divides
Family Tree
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Themes & lessons from Rehoboam
Biblical themes that run through the passages where Rehoboam appears.
People they appear with
Scripture Appearances
6 verses in 3 books1 Kings4 verses
1 Kings 11:43
And Solomon slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David his father: and Rehoboam his son reigned in his stead.
1 Kings 12:8
But he forsook the counsel of the old men, which they had given him, and consulted with the young men that were grown up with him, and which stood before him:
1 Kings 12:13
And the king answered the people roughly, and forsook the old men’s counsel that they gave him;
1 Kings 12:16
So when all Israel saw that the king hearkened not unto them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion have we in David? neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: to your tents, O Israel: now see to thine own house, David. So Israel departed unto their tents.
2 Chronicles1 verse
2 Chronicles 12:14
And he did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the Lord.
Matthew1 verse
Matthew 1:7
And Solomon begat Roboam; and Roboam begat Abia; and Abia begat Asa;
Frequently asked about Rehoboam
Who was Rehoboam in the Bible?
The son of Solomon whose harsh policy split the kingdom; he reigned over Judah while the ten northern tribes broke away under Jeroboam.
What does the name Rehoboam mean?
The name Rehoboam means “He enlarges the people”.
What did Rehoboam do in the Bible?
Rehoboam served as king, of the tribe of Judah.
Who were Rehoboam's parents?
Rehoboam was the child of Solomon.
Where does Rehoboam appear in the Bible?
Rehoboam is mentioned 6 times across 3 books: 1 Kings, 2 Chronicles, Matthew.
What can we learn from Rehoboam?
The story of Rehoboam touches on themes of rehoboam, revolt, young men, alliance and society with the enemies of god — explore each to study the lessons drawn from Rehoboam's life.
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