10 Interesting Facts About Rehoboam in the Bible

Rehoboam is a key figure in the Old Testament. He was the son of Solomon and the grandson of David. His reign marked a turning point in Israel's history, leading to the division of the kingdom. Here are 10 interesting facts about Rehoboam from the Bible.

1. Rehoboam Was Solomon’s Son

Rehoboam was the son of King Solomon and Naamah, an Ammonite woman. This made him part Israelite and part Ammonite by blood.

1 Kings 14:21
"And Rehoboam the son of Solomon reigned in Judah. Rehoboam was forty and one years old when he began to reign..."

2. He Became King at Age 41

Rehoboam took the throne at 41 years old after the death of his father Solomon.

2 Chronicles 12:13
"So king Rehoboam strengthened himself in Jerusalem, and reigned: for Rehoboam was one and forty years old when he began to reign..."

3. He Reigned for 17 Years

Rehoboam ruled the southern kingdom of Judah for 17 years, with his capital in Jerusalem.

1 Kings 14:21
"...And he reigned seventeen years in Jerusalem..."

4. The Kingdom Was Divided Under His Rule

The most defining moment of Rehoboam’s reign was the division of the united kingdom. Ten tribes broke away and formed the northern kingdom of Israel, leaving only Judah and Benjamin under Rehoboam’s rule.

1 Kings 12:16-17
"So when all Israel saw that the king hearkened not unto them... Israel departed unto their tents."

5. He Rejected the Advice of the Elders

When asked to lighten the heavy burdens Solomon had placed on the people, Rehoboam ignored the wise counsel of the elders and followed the harsh advice of younger men.

1 Kings 12:13-14
"And the king answered the people roughly... My father made your yoke heavy, and I will add to your yoke..."

6. His Harsh Words Led to Rebellion

His response caused the people to rebel. Jeroboam, who had returned from Egypt, became king over the northern tribes.

1 Kings 12:20
"And it came to pass, when all Israel heard that Jeroboam was come again... they made him king over all Israel..."

7. God Forbade Rehoboam from Fighting Israel

Rehoboam prepared to fight the northern kingdom, but God stopped him through the prophet Shemaiah.

1 Kings 12:24
"Thus saith the Lord, Ye shall not go up, nor fight against your brethren the children of Israel..."

8. He Built Fortified Cities in Judah

To strengthen his kingdom, Rehoboam built and fortified cities for defense across Judah.

2 Chronicles 11:5-10
"And Rehoboam dwelt in Jerusalem, and built cities for defense in Judah..."

9. He Turned Away from God

Rehoboam started strong but later abandoned God's law, leading to national sin and judgment.

2 Chronicles 12:1
"And it came to pass, when Rehoboam had established the kingdom... he forsook the law of the Lord, and all Israel with him."

10. Egypt Invaded During His Reign

Because of Judah’s unfaithfulness, King Shishak of Egypt invaded and plundered Jerusalem.

2 Chronicles 12:9
"So Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem, and took away the treasures of the house of the Lord..."

Summary Table: Key Facts About Rehoboam