The Kingdom is Divided: The Tale of Solomon’s Sins and Israel’s Split

Solomon’s Golden Age Fades

Solomon’s reign, which began with wisdom and prosperity, took a darker turn in his later years. Despite his legendary wealth and wisdom, the king succumbed to greed, disobedience, and idolatry. His vast building projects, including the grand temple in Jerusalem and his own opulent palaces, placed a heavy financial burden on the people of Israel. He taxed them heavily and forced many into unpaid labor. These measures left his subjects resentful and impoverished.

More troubling was Solomon’s spiritual decline. He married numerous foreign wives, who brought their gods and idols into Israel. Instead of guiding them toward the worship of the true God, Solomon built temples for their gods and even participated in idolatrous practices. His unfaithfulness to God, who had blessed him with unparalleled wisdom and wealth, grieved the Lord deeply.

God’s Judgment on Solomon

God confronted Solomon about his disobedience:
“I made you king and blessed you richly, yet you have turned from me. Because of your actions, I will take the kingdom from your family. However, for the sake of your father David, I will not do this during your lifetime. Your son will rule over only a small portion of the kingdom, while the rest will be given to another.”

Though Solomon continued to rule until his death, God’s judgment loomed over Israel.

Jeroboam’s Astonishing News

One day, as Solomon inspected workers repairing Jerusalem’s walls, he noticed a young laborer, Jeroboam, whose diligence caught his eye. Promoting him to a leadership role, Solomon unknowingly placed a future rival in a position of influence.

Soon after, Jeroboam encountered the prophet Ahijah on a lonely road. Ahijah, wearing a new cloak, tore it into 12 pieces. Handing Jeroboam 10 pieces, he declared:
“God is tearing the kingdom from Solomon’s family. Ten tribes will be yours to rule, while two will remain with David’s descendants. Learn from Solomon’s mistakes. Serve God faithfully, and He will bless your reign.”

Though shocked, Jeroboam began to dream of kingship. However, his ambitions became known to Solomon, who sought to kill him. Jeroboam fled to Egypt, waiting for Solomon’s death to return.

Rehoboam’s Folly

After Solomon’s death, his son Rehoboam ascended the throne. His coronation was overshadowed by a delegation from the northern tribes, led by Jeroboam, who had returned from exile. The people pleaded for relief from the heavy taxes and forced labor imposed by Solomon.
“Lighten our burdens,” they asked, “and we will serve you faithfully.”

Rehoboam sought advice from two groups. The elder advisors, who had served Solomon, urged leniency:
“Treat the people kindly, and they will be loyal.”

But Rehoboam’s younger, more arrogant peers suggested a show of strength:
“Tell them your rule will be harsher than your father’s. Keep them in line with fear.”

Rehoboam followed the harsher advice. He told the people:
“My father disciplined you with whips, but I will use scorpions!”

Enraged, the northern tribes rebelled, rejecting Rehoboam as king. They declared Jeroboam their ruler and formed the independent kingdom of Israel, leaving Rehoboam with only the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, known as the kingdom of Judah. The once-united Israel was now divided.

Jeroboam’s Mistake

Jeroboam’s rise to power fulfilled Ahijah’s prophecy, but he quickly deviated from God’s ways. Fearing that his subjects might return to worship at the temple in Jerusalem and pledge loyalty to Rehoboam, he took drastic measures.

Jeroboam commissioned two golden calf idols and set them up in the northern cities of Bethel and Dan. He told the people:
“These are your gods who brought you out of Egypt. Worship here, not in Jerusalem.”

He appointed priests who were not from the tribe of Levi and instituted new festivals, leading Israel into idolatry. This betrayal angered God, who had given Jeroboam the kingdom.

God’s Warning to Jeroboam

When Jeroboam’s son fell ill, he sent his wife in disguise to consult Ahijah, the prophet who had foretold his kingship. Despite his blindness, Ahijah recognized her and delivered a grave message from God:
“You have turned away from me and led my people into sin. Because of this, disaster will come upon your family. Your dynasty will be destroyed, and your descendants will not rule Israel.”

Shortly after, Jeroboam’s son died, and his dynasty faced eventual extinction.

Israel’s Turmoil

After Jeroboam’s death, Israel descended into chaos. Successive kings seized power through intrigue and murder. Dynasties rose and fell swiftly, with palace plots and assassinations becoming common. One of the most ambitious rulers, Omri, stabilized the kingdom and established Samaria as its capital. However, he continued the idolatry begun by Jeroboam.

The Reign of Ahab and Jezebel

Omri’s son, Ahab, married Jezebel, a princess from Sidon. Jezebel brought with her the worship of Baal, a pagan god, and zealously promoted it throughout Israel. Ahab, influenced by his wife, built a grand temple to Baal in Samaria and allowed her to persecute the prophets of God, killing many.

Under Jezebel’s influence, Israel spiraled further into idolatry and injustice. Yet, God did not abandon His people. He raised up a prophet, Elijah, to confront Ahab and Jezebel, demonstrating His power and calling Israel back to true worship.

Lessons from a Divided Kingdom

The division of Israel was a direct consequence of Solomon’s disobedience and the failures of his successors. The northern kingdom, Israel, fell into idolatry under Jeroboam and his successors, while Judah, though initially loyal to God, also struggled with faithfulness over time.

The story of Solomon’s sins and the division of Israel serves as a reminder that even the greatest human leaders are fallible. True leadership requires humility, obedience to God, and a commitment to justice. Without these qualities, even the most prosperous kingdoms can crumble.