34. The Division of the Kingdom: Rehoboam and Jeroboam (1 Kings 12)

After the death of Solomon, his son Rehoboam inherited the throne. The people, weary from the heavy taxes and labor burdens of the previous reign, asked for relief. Rehoboam, instead of listening to the wise counsel of the elders who had served his father, followed the advice of his young friends and responded with harshness and pride, threatening to be even more severe than Solomon.

Faced with this response, ten tribes of Israel rebelled and chose Jeroboam as their king, forming the Northern Kingdom (Israel). Rehoboam was left with only two tribes, forming the Southern Kingdom (Judah), with its capital in Jerusalem. This division was a tragedy for the chosen people, as they lost their unity and grew spiritually weak, especially when Jeroboam, fearing the people would return to Jerusalem, set up golden idols for them to worship.

The division of the kingdom teaches us the importance of prudence, humility, and listening. Rehoboam's pride and Jeroboam's lack of trust in God led to the breaking of what God had joined. As Christians, we are called to work for unity and to listen to those with more experience and wisdom, remembering that "every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste."

Key Points according to the Bible

Pride that Divides: Rehoboam chooses power and force over service and kindness.
A Split People: Israel (North) and Judah (South) begin a history of conflict.
The Danger of Idolatry: Jeroboam replaces true worship with idols for political reasons.
Consequences of Sin: Infidelity to the Covenant leads to the loss of peace.

Biblical Text

Consult the account of the kingdom's division here: USCCB - 1 Kings Chapter 12

Reflection Activities: 1 Kings 12

1. Text Comprehension: What was the advice Rehoboam received from the elders, and why did he reject it in favor of his friends' advice?

2. Doctrinal Content: What does this account teach us about the responsibility of leaders and the consequences of pride in the life of a community?

3. Catechetical Application: How can you, in your family or group of friends, be a builder of unity instead of causing divisions through pride or always wanting to be right?

4. Faith Commitment: The division moved the people away from God. What "idols" (things that distract us from God) do you think can divide a Christian's heart today?