Rehoboam

Rehoboam is Solomon’s son who became king in his place and held kingship over the Israelites living in the cities of Judah (1 Kings 11:43; 1 Kings 12:17). He is named in at least 41 verses across 1 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and Matthew. Matthew’s genealogy states that Solomon begot Rehoboam and that Rehoboam begot Abijah (Matthew 1:7).

At Shechem, all Israel had gathered to make Rehoboam king. Jeroboam and the assembly came to speak with him, and Rehoboam consulted elders who had served Solomon about how to answer the people (1 Kings 12:1; 1 Kings 12:3; 1 Kings 12:6). A parallel account says that he answered severely and rejected the elders’ counsel (2 Chronicles 10:13).

After Rehoboam sent Adoram, the official over forced labor, all Israel stoned Adoram. Rehoboam then fled by chariot to Jerusalem (1 Kings 12:18). In Jerusalem he assembled men of Judah and Benjamin to fight against Israel and restore the kingdom to himself (2 Chronicles 11:1). Later, the text says that, after becoming strong, he forsook the instruction of the LORD (2 Chronicles 12:1). Abijam succeeded him (1 Kings 14:31).