1 Kings 12 - Introduction

CHAPTER TEN

THE DIVISION OF THE KINGDOM

1 Kings 12:1-33

The signs of disintegration in the empire during Solomon's last days have been noted by the historian. Still the events recorded in Chapter s 12 and 13 are somewhat shocking and certainly sad. In these Chapter s the historian speaks of (1) the great schism (1 Kings 12:1-24); and (2) the great apostasy (1 Kings 12:25-33).

REVIEW OF CHAPTER TEN

I. FACTS TO MASTER

A. What is the significance of each of the following places in chapter 12:

1. Shechem

4. Israel

7. Penuel

2. Egypt

5. Judah

8. Bethel

3. Jerusalem

6. Ephraim

9. Dan

B. What role did each of the following people play in chapter 12:

1. Rehoboam

3. Ahijah

5. Adoram

2. Jeroboam

4. Shemaiah

C. Numbers worth remembering:

1. 931 B.C.

3. Eighth month

2. Three days

4. 180,000

D. The following words should recall to mind significant facts related in chapter 12:

1. yoke

6. chariot

2. whips

7. calves

3. scorpions

8. priests

4. tents

9. feast

5. stones

10. incense

II. QUESTIONS TO PONDER

1.

Why did Rehoboam respond to the summons to meet with the Northern leaders at Shechem?

2.

Did the Northern tribes make unreasonable demands of Rehoboam at Shechem? Why did the king follow the advice of his junior counselors?

3.

What really caused the schism of 931 B.C.?

4.

What is meant by the expression, My little finger is thicker than my father's loins?

5.

What advantages did Israel have after the schism? What of Judah?

6.

What problems of adjustment did Jeroboam face following the schism of 931 B.C.?

7.

Why did Jeroboam fear for his people to go to Jerusalem to worship? Why did Jeroboam use the calf symbol in his worship?

8.

In what ways did the religion of Jeroboam differ from that practiced in Jerusalem?

9.

What was the theological significance of the calves?