When Solomon was alive, he promoted a servant named Jeroboam, known for his skill in getting things done. One day a prophet met him wearing a new coat, tore it into twelve pieces, and gave Jeroboam ten. He said, “God will take the kingdom from Solomon because he turned to idols. You will rule the ten northern tribes, while David’s line will keep Judah. Obey God, and He will establish your dynasty.”
When Solomon heard this, he tried to kill Jeroboam, who fled to Egypt until Solomon died. His son Rehoboam then became king. At Shechem, the northern tribes, led by Jeroboam, asked him to lighten their heavy burdens. The older counsellors advised kindness, but the younger urged harshness. Rehoboam chose the latter, declaring, “My father beat you with whips; I’ll beat you with scorpions.”
The people rebelled, rejecting the house of David, and made Jeroboam king of Israel. Rehoboam sent an official to restore order, but he was stoned to death. Rehoboam prepared to attack with the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, but a prophet said, “Do not fight your brothers. This division is from God.” So they went home.
Jeroboam made Shechem the capital of Israel and built his palace there. Fearing his people would remain loyal to David’s line by going to worship in Jerusalem, he set up two golden calves—one in Bethel and one in Dan—telling the people, “Here is your god who brought you out of Egypt.” He built shrines, appointed non-Levite priests, and established new festivals.
One day, as Jeroboam offered sacrifices at Bethel, a prophet from Judah declared, “A king named Josiah will one day sacrifice the priests of these idols on this altar. As a sign, the altar will split and its ashes spill.” When Jeroboam tried to seize him, his hand withered. At once the altar broke apart, fulfilling the prophecy. The king begged for mercy, and when the prophet prayed, his hand was restored. Yet Jeroboam refused to repent and continued in idolatry. He reigned 22 years before dying, and his entire family was later destroyed, just as foretold.
Meanwhile, in Judah, Rehoboam also led the nation into sin. In his fifth year, Egypt raided Jerusalem, carrying off the Temple and palace treasures, including Solomon’s gold shields. Rehoboam replaced them with bronze ones. Throughout his 17-year reign, there was constant war between Judah and Israel.