Topic 3: The Division of the Kingdom of Israel

1. Background

After the death of Solomon (about 931 BC), the united kingdom of Israel split into two: the northern kingdom (Israel) and the southern kingdom (Judah) (1 Kings 12).

2. Causes of the Division

1. Solomon's idolatry: his foreign wives led him to worship other gods, so God said the kingdom would be torn (1 Kings 11).
2. Heavy taxation and forced labour under Solomon.
3. Rehoboam's harsh reply: at Shechem the people asked him to lighten their load. He rejected the elders' advice and followed the young men.
4. Tribal rivalry between the north (Ephraim and others) and the south (Judah).
5. Prophecy of Ahijah: the prophet told Jeroboam that God would give him ten tribes (1 Kings 11:29-39).

3. The Two Kingdoms

4. Religious Condition

• Jeroboam set up golden calves at Bethel and Dan, appointed non-Levite priests and changed the festivals to prevent people returning to Jerusalem.
• Many northern kings did evil; Baal worship grew strong under Ahab and Jezebel.
• Judah had some good kings (e.g. Hezekiah, Josiah) but also fell into idolatry.

5. Results of the Division

1. Israel became weaker and vulnerable to foreign powers.
2. Continuous hostility and wars between the two kingdoms.
3. Spread of idolatry and moral decay.
4. Prophets were raised to call the people back to God.
5. Exile: Israel to Assyria and Judah to Babylon.

6. Lessons for Christians Today

• Leaders should listen to wise counsel.
• Oppressive leadership breeds division.
• Unity is vital in the church and the nation.
• Turning from God leads to downfall.