The nation of Israel was divided into 12 groups or tribes, each named after one of the twelve sons of Israel (Jacob).  Saul was the first king of Israel, but David was the first king that was chosen by God.  Solomon, David’s son, was the second chosen king of the nation of Israel.  Solomon was widely known for his wisdom, but because of his many wives and concubines, his heart was eventually turned away from God.  We read in 1 Kings 11:3, “And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and HIS WIVES TURNED AWAY HIS HEART.” 

1 Kings 11:9-13 tells us, “And the LORD was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the LORD God of Israel, which had appeared unto him twice, And had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods: but he kept not that which the LORD commanded. Wherefore the LORD said unto Solomon, Forasmuch as this is done of thee, and thou hast not kept my covenant and my statutes, which I have commanded thee, I will surely rend the kingdom from thee, and will give it to thy servant. Notwithstanding in thy days I will not do it for David thy father’s sake: but I will rend it out of the hand of thy son. Howbeit I will not rend away all the kingdom; but will give one tribe to thy son for David my servant’s sake, and for Jerusalem’s sake which I have chosen.”  Because of Solomon’s unfaithfulness, the Lord determined to rend, or divide, the nation of Israel…leaving one tribe for Solomon.  Out of respect for David, the Lord promised to wait until Solomon’s death before dividing the kingdom. We read in 1 Kings 11:43 that Rehoboam, Solomon’s son, succeeded Solomon as king.

Let’s read that portion you referred to…words of the Lord to Jeroboam.  1 Kings 11:35-39 says, “But I will take the kingdom out of his son’s hand, and will give it unto thee, even ten tribes. And unto his son will I give one tribe, that David my servant may have a light alway before me in Jerusalem, the city which I have chosen me to put my name there. And I will take thee, and thou shalt reign according to all that thy soul desireth, and shalt be king over Israel. And it shall be, if thou wilt hearken unto all that I command thee, and wilt walk in my ways, and do that is right in my sight, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as David my servant did; that I will be with thee, and build thee a sure house, as I built for David, and will give Israel unto thee. And I will for this afflict the seed of David, but not for ever.”  So, it was shortly after Rehoboam became king, the ten northern tribes under the rule of Jeroboam rebelled and left Rehoboam with his own tribe (Judah) and the tribe of Benjamin.

Could Rehoboam have prevented this split?  In 1 Kings 12:1-10, we read that Jeroboam went to Rehoboam and requested a lighter workload than what David had placed upon the northern ten tribes, with the promise they would serve Rehoboam if he would grant their request.  Rehoboam went to the older men who had served under Solomon and asked for their counsel.  They advised him to accept this offer, for if he did, “then they will be thy servants for ever.” (Verse 7).  Instead of heeding this good advice, Rehoboam sought counsel from the young men who had served him.  Their terrible advice was to tell Jeroboam, “My father did lade you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke: my father hath chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.” (Verse 11).  The result? “So Israel rebelled against the house of David unto this day.” (1 Kings 12:19).

The Lord had already announced the kingdom would be taken from Solomon.  I believe the Lord used the harshness and immaturity of Rehoboam to accomplish this separation.  After all, the kingdom was divided because of Solomon’s wickedness, not Rehoboam’s ill-advised actions.  (CC)  (737.6)