12 min read
Mathew Wahome
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
- Solomon's idolatry: his foreign wives led him to worship other gods, so God said the kingdom would be torn (1 Kings 11).
- Heavy taxation and forced labour under Solomon.
- Rehoboam's harsh reply: at Shechem the people asked him to lighten their load. He rejected the elders' advice and followed the young men.
- Tribal rivalry between the north (Ephraim and others) and the south (Judah).
- Prophecy of Ahijah: the prophet told Jeroboam that God would give him ten tribes (1 Kings 11:29-39).
3. The Two Kingdoms
| Feature | Northern Kingdom (Israel) | Southern Kingdom (Judah) |
|---|---|---|
| Tribes | Ten tribes | Judah and Benjamin |
| First king | Jeroboam | Rehoboam |
| Capital | Shechem, Tirzah, later Samaria | Jerusalem |
| Worship centres | Bethel and Dan (golden calves) | Jerusalem Temple |
| Fall | To Assyria, 722 BC | To Babylon, 586 BC |
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
- Israel became weaker and vulnerable to foreign powers.
- Continuous hostility and wars between the two kingdoms.
- Spread of idolatry and moral decay.
- Prophets were raised to call the people back to God.
- 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.