1. What was God’s promise to Jeroboam? How was it different than God’s promise to David?

God promised that Jeroboam would have ten tribes in the North. God promised Jeroboam a sure house and that he would reign over all his soul desired—a remarkable promise! But it was a conditional promise, dependent on Jeroboam’s faithfulness to God’s law. If Jeroboam obeyed Deuteronomy, God would do this for him. This differed from David, because God’s promise to David was made independently of David’s personal faithfulness to the law.

2. What did Rehoboam do that was so foolish that it caused the kingdom to split?

Rehoboam listened to the counsel of the young men around him instead of the wisdom from the older men. He spoke harshly to the people of Israel, saying he would make their burden heavier than his father Solomon had. This led ten tribes to secede and form the Northern Kingdom of Israel.

3. How many soldiers did Rehoboam have ready to fight Israel? Why did they not go to battle?

Rehoboam gathered 180,000 soldiers from the tribes of Judah and Benjamin to fight their brothers. God sent a word through a prophet instructing them not to wage civil war, because the division was both a judgment on Solomon and Rehoboam and a fulfillment of God’s word to bless Jeroboam.

4. What did Jeroboam do that led Israel into idolatry? What other story does this remind you of?

Jeroboam made two golden calves and set them up in Dan and Bethel so that the people of Israel would not go back to Jerusalem to worship and have their hearts turn back to Rehoboam. Fearing for his life and kingdom instead of trusting God’s promise, he led Israel into sin. This echoes Exodus 32, when Israel committed idolatry with the golden calf.

5. What was God’s punishment for Jeroboam?

God pronounced a just judgment: every male from Jeroboam’s house would be cut off, their bodies would not be buried, and Jeroboam’s dynasty would end—his house would no longer rule in Israel.

6. What does this story teach us about God?

It teaches that God is sovereign—nothing can thwart His plan. God is just—He brings righteous judgment in His timing, which should lead us to repentance and trust in Christ. And God always keeps His promises—He will keep His promise to David and preserve the messianic line. God keeps His word to judge, to show mercy, and to remain faithful.

7. How is Jesus a better King than Jeroboam and Rehoboam?

Jesus gives true rest. He is a King who never commands what He will not empower us to do—His commands are not burdensome; His yoke is easy and His burden is light. He offers the rest that Solomon and Rehoboam could not give.

Jesus will never cut us out of His family. If we are in Christ—trusting Him as Savior and Lord—He will never cast us off as Jeroboam’s line was. He will ensure none of His sheep are lost and will raise every one who trusts in Him on the last day.