# Day 128

# Israel Is Divided

1 Kings 11:42–12:20

Solomon ruled Israel for forty years. Then he died and was buried in Jerusalem. Solomon’s son, Rehoboam, sat as king on David’s throne. But he was weak. Jeroboam, who was Rehoboam’s rival, led the people. They said to Rehoboam, “Do not be like your father, overtaxing and overworking us, and you can be our king.

Said Rehoboam, “In three days, I will let you know.”

Jeroboam and the people waited three days. Rehoboam asked his father’s old, wise men what to do.

“Be wise,” they advised. “Do what they ask.”

Then Rehoboam talked to the young princes of Israel. “How shall I answer the people?” he asked.

“Tell them that you’re much stronger than your father,” they advised.

On the third day, Jeroboam and the people returned. Rehoboam ignored the old men’s advice. He did what the young princes said he should do. That day, ten of Israel’s tribes revolted and made Jeroboam their king.

Questions: What did the people want Rehoboam to do? Did Rehoboam follow the advice of the old men or the young princes?