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Rehoboam
Previously on the Chosen People.
Jeroboam
What God has given you. Did he tell you to build those Asherah poles? How about the altar to Milcom? Have you heard their screams, Solomon?
Rehoboam
What screams?
Jeroboam
The screams of the children they sacrifice on those altars. You allowed them to build children, Solomon?
Rehoboam
My king. The northern tribes grow restless. Jeroboam, who has successfully evaded our assassins, is now reported to be in exile in Egypt. But his name is everywhere. They are rallying around him. To the right of the Temple Mount, in the distance, he could see firelight. Another festival to Molech was being held. Solomon could hear the drums, the women and the crying of infants, Drunken rituals, idol worship, child sacrifice. Because you have done this, because you have turned your heart from me, because you have chased after the gods of your wives, and because you have not kept my covenant and my statutes as your father David did, I will tear the kingdom from your hands and give it to your servant. Now, your enemy, Jeroboam.
Solomon
What have I done?
Jeroboam
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Yael Eckstein
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Jeroboam
Salman built the kingdom with wisdom. His son, he tried to hold it together with fear. Shalom, my friends. From here in the holy land of Israel, I'm Yael Eckstein with international fellowship of Christians and Jews. And welcome to the chosen people. What does it take to hold a kingdom together? Is it might wisdom, lineage? Or is it something less glamorous like trust? In today's episode drawn from First Kings, chapter 12, we step into a moment of unrest. King Solomon, the builder, the dreamer, the man of a thousand proverbs is gone and what remains is his house. A divided house, splintering beneath the weight of ambition and memory. Rehoboam his son has inherited the throne but not the love of the people. And from the North a new voice rises, one who speaks not of lineage but of burdens, one who carries not gold but grievance. This is not an easy story, but it's a story of decisions that echo, of power that is tested, of a legacy that is unraveling. This Bible story will ask hard questions about leadership, about loyalty, about what it means to rule and be ruled.
Yael Eckstein
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Rehoboam
King Solomon the wise went the way of all men. Whether they be kings or servants, tyrants or priests, the fate of all remains the same. Solomon left a gleaming empire behind, but for all its glamour, it teetered on the brink of chaos and war. The children of Israel were crushed under the weight of taxes and conscripted labor. As a result, they had little faith left in their rulers. They had given their gold and their sons to build the wealthy king's magnificent city. And now they wondered if it had all been for nothing. Unlike his father, Solomon left no grand deathbed speeches, no impassioned final blessings. He died as the pagan kings did, surrounded by his wealth, his concubines, his courtiers, and his progeny, squabbling over their place in the power vacuum he left behind. His burial procession was as glamorous as his reign, but even then, the cries of mourners and sounding of the dirge were swallowed by the relentless clang of chisels and hammers. Israel was still building. Only one woman stood apart from the clamor. Abishag, the Shulamite, his first and only love. She grieved not only for the man he was, but for the man he could have been. His gift had become his pride. His wisdom had made him blind. His hunger for more had led him down a path of destruction. Solomon's son, Rehoboam, inherited the kingdom, the wealth, the throne, but not the wisdom. When the time for a coronation came, it was decided that it would take place in Shechem, in the north, not Jerusalem. Shechem was a city steeped in Israel's history. It was the site of Abraham's first altar, the resting place of Joseph, and the valley where the nation once reaffirmed its covenant with Yahweh. A symbolic location and a strategic one, because this was Ephraimite land, the heart of Israel's territories, and it was here that the north would make its demands. And because the south was clinging to its remaining sovereignty over the kingdom, made up of 12 tribes, the decision was made for them to leave the grandeur and safety of the capital and venture north. But as Rehoboam and his entourage set out, Jeroboam returned from Egyptian exile. The prodigal son of Ephraim, champion of the northern tribes, had arrived to stake his claim. He stood before Rehoboam and all the tribal leaders of Israel, pleading the case of the north.
Yael Eckstein
Your Majesty, we have come before you not as rebels, but as your loyal subjects. We have built your father's cities, harvested as fields, paid his tribute. But his yoke was heavy upon us.
Rehoboam
Rehoboam shifted on his makeshift throne. In the cramped hall. He stood flanked by his advisors. At his right was Benaiah. The other, standing nearby, was Adoniram, the stern and sour overseer of conscripted labor beside Them stood his mother, Naamar, now reigning as Gabira, Queen Mother, and his favorite wife, Macha, whispering in his ear, maneuvering him to suit her own ambitions. Their son and heir, Abijam, sat close, by his scheming mother's design. And then, of course, there were Rehoboam's spoiled young companions, arrogant, entitled men who grew up with him in the palace, ready to blindly lead him astray. Jeroboam, despite having been exiled in Egypt these past few years, could see their pretentious royal pride laid before him. Plainly. It was important that Jeroboam lived up to being the man of the people. He did not have high hopes for the outcome of this gathering, but he was certain of one thing. It would seal both his fate and Rehoboam's forever. And all of Israel would bear witness.
Yael Eckstein
And so I come to you, your Majesty, and I ask that you lighten the burden your father placed on us. Do this and we will serve you as our king.
Rehoboam
There was a long pause. Rehoboam leaned back, eyes flicking to his counsel. He was painfully unaware of how important this request was. Macha narrowed her eyes and shook her head almost imperceptibly at her husband's questioning look. Their son, Abijam, loudly scoffed at Jeroboam's request. Their reaction solidified Rehoboam's answer.
Solomon
You ask me to weaken my father's rule.
Yael Eckstein
We ask for justice and the right to return to our homes.
Rehoboam
Murmurs from the crowd stirred at that. Rehoboam hesitated, unsure of what to do. His wife leaned over and whispered in his ear. Three days.
Macha
Keep them waiting.
Rehoboam
Make them beg for your favor. Rehoboam nodded and stood.
Solomon
Leave me. Return in three days and you'll have my answer.
Rehoboam
Grumbles of frustration rippled through the hall, but the northern leaders bowed stiffly and withdrew. Jeroboam's smile curled. Rehoboam's obvious indecision would only solidify Jeroboam's claim to the throne. The kingdom was slipping through his fingers, and he didn't even know it. Jeroboam turned, following his fellow tribesmen out of the hall. In three days, Israel would not decide its future. Its future had already been decided. Rehoboam's fingers anxiously tapped the table in front of him as his advisors laid out their cases before him. Again they were divided into two camps, the elders who served Solomon and the younger nobles who grew up alongside Rehoboam. Benaiah, the old general, pleaded the case of the elders. Your Majesty, if today you Serve the people, they will serve you forever. But if you speak harshly, they will turn against you. Rehoboam's son Abijam, scoffed and interjected on behalf of the younger group, you don't truly think that people would turn against the House of David, do you? My great grandfather united us, and my grandfather made us all rich. The people won't forget that. The old general winced at the young prince's willful arrogance, but kept trying for reason anyway. Yes, Prince Abidjan, I'm sure the people remember their heritage, but people also tend to bow to what is right in front of them under duress. King Solomon's rule was great, but costly. My King Rehoboam, if I may, I.
Yael Eckstein
Think you should heed your father's elders.
Rehoboam
And hear our counsel. Perhaps your greatness will be found in wisdom as well, not oppression. Rehoboam's mother, Naamah, rose to her son's defense and snapped at Benaiah from across the table from her seat at her son's right hand.
Jeroboam
My son has already found his greatness, Benaiah. I prayed to the God of my people that Rehoboam would be king after his father and twice as powerful with the kingdom he inherited. And Milcom has delivered. I don't understand why these Northerners haven't just crowned Rehoboam and made it official by now. We marched all the way up here. Why the delay?
Rehoboam
Pardon any offense, Gabira, but I just wanted to ensure there is a peaceful transfer of power for your son. Naomar waved off the general dismissively and leaned in toward her son.
Jeroboam
You are not just your father's son, Rehoboam. You are my son. I prayed to Milcom that you would rule, and he has answered. Do not insult the gods by squandering what they have given. Given?
Rehoboam
From Rehoboam's other side, Macha entered the fray with her signature flattery that had earned her the spot of favored wife and future queen mother.
Jeroboam
My husband has the wisdom of his father, and he has the power bestowed upon him by Asherah, the God of my people. My love, who has has been loyal.
Macha
To you, the people, or the ones.
Jeroboam
Sitting at this table? Your father built this kingdom. We stand on his foundation. What good is love from men who forget their place? King Rehoboam will do what he thinks is right, and we will all support him without question.
Rehoboam
Macha punctuated her final words words with a threatening stare. In Benaiah's direction, her carefully crafted security rode on her ability to keep Everyone obeying her husband's words. Marca had worked to secure her position as the favored wife of Rehoboam and her son as the heir. She was not about to upset it now. Rehoboam frowned but did not answer. He turned to the younger nobles he grew up with, with his son Abijam leading the charge of their shared opinion. Father, you're not truly considering bending to these old men. The younger nobles laughed. Rehoboam's pride stung, but he looked between the two groups of advisors, his supportive mother and wife in between. They only wanted to see him in power. They didn't care how he did it. Grandfather ruled with iron, and you would rule with straw. Laughter erupted from the young nobles again, landing harshly on Rehoboam's ears. He forced a smirk to mirror his son's, but something twisted in his gut. His fingers tightened around the edge of the table. His father's legacy, his burden, pressed heavily on his shoulders. Tell them your little fingers, thicker than your father's waist. Tell them my father scourged you with whips, but I'll scourge you with scorpions.
Yael Eckstein
Show them your power.
Rehoboam
If you show them anything less, they won't fear you. Rehoboam nodded with a gleam in his eye at his son's words. Tempted, but he was determined to consider all his options, like Father would have done.
Solomon
Leave me.
Rehoboam
The advisors rose, bowed, and departed the room. The older ones seemed eager to excuse themselves, while the younger seemed put out that they didn't receive affirmation right away for their extreme stance. His mother swept from the room with an encouraging squeeze on his arm, while his wife lingered with a questioning look in her eye.
Solomon
You can go, my love. This is a decision I must make alone.
Jeroboam
As you say, my love.
Rehoboam
When he was alone in the dusty hall, Rehoboam sighed, running his hands over his round face. He had long relied on his father's guidance, his famed wisdom, but now that it was all on him, he hesitated. This decision would define his reign.
Solomon
Should I be feared and powerful like my son and my friends advise carrying out my father's legacy? Should I give in to the people's demands and become beloved by them? Then would I be spitting in the face of what my father built?
Rehoboam
Rehoboam stood and paced around the ancient table in the dimly lit hall. Solomon had toiled to give his son stability and prosperity, but the endeavors had also pulled him away. Rehoboam knew he should be grateful for the easy, privileged life he had been afforded, but he often resented his Father for the long hours of devoted to building his empire and writing and debating with men with whom Rehoboam had nothing in common. And so he had become his mother's creature, worshipping her gods, basking in the light of her praise and aspirations, and dreaming about the day that he would become the man in charge at last.
Solomon
What kind of king should I be? A king of all wisdom? Or a king of power? My father built this kingdom, but they resent him for it. And now they want me to be weaker than him.
Rehoboam
He stopped his pacing and gripped the edge of the table. He longed to build a legacy like his father's, in spite of his father's. Perhaps.
Solomon
No, I will not. I was born to rule. A king is feared, not questioned. If my father was a king of wisdom, then I will be a king of power. If he built with a hammer, then I will rule with an iron fist. His kingdom is mine. Mine. And they will know it.
Rehoboam
On the third morning, the tribes of Israel once more gathered before Rehoboam, with Jeroboam at their helm. Jeroboam's calculating eyes took in everything. Rehoboam rose and puffed out his chest, ready to give his answer. Jeroboam fought the urge to roll his eyes at the display of self importance, but he knew the eyes of the north were upon him too. They would follow his reaction to Rehoboam's proclamation.
Solomon
You say my father was harsh. Hear me now. My little finger is thicker than my father's waist.
Rehoboam
Outrage rippled through the crowd. Jeroboam expected this, but he was surprised that he was clenching his jaw and balling his fists nonetheless.
Solomon
My father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions.
Rehoboam
There was a long, deadly silence. Jeroboam stared, stunned by the sheer ignorance before him. Scorpions. The word alone sent a shudder down his spine. He had seen the scorpions before in Egypt. They were more than whips. They were tools of torture, torture and bloodshed. Long wooden handles, thick leather lashes, and shards of jagged metal woven in between. He had watched men's backs split open like parchment, flesh curling away to expose raw muscle, sometimes even bone. And now Rehoboam had invoked that image. Here he threw, threatened the very men whose backs had built Solomon's empire, the very men Rehoboam hoped to rule.
Solomon
Did I say something to amuse you?
Yael Eckstein
Forgive me. It's just. It's just funny. I believe I heard something similar from Pharaoh in Egypt.
Solomon
What are you getting at?
Yael Eckstein
We were slaves once. Rehoboam Never again.
Rehoboam
The hall was tense. Every man at Jeroboam's back fixed Rehoboam and his ilk with lethal stares. Then, from the crowd of northerners, the words of an old battle cry rang out over the strained silence.
Yael Eckstein
What portion do we have in David?
Rehoboam
We have no inheritance in the son of Jesse. Israel.
Yael Eckstein
Return to your tents. The sons of David can look after their own house.
Rehoboam
Jeroboam saw a glimmer of panic cross before Rehoboam's eyes. There was stillness for another fraught heartbeat, and then chaos. Jeroboam peeled back into the crowd, but was handed a club. The northerners at the far end of the hall exploded with fury and sprang forward past the tribal leaders and toward the royal family and advisors. But they were swiftly driven back by Rehoboam's guard worms. Defend your king. The old general then swiftly hauled Rehoboam off the makeshift throne and fled toward the back of the hall, the royal women hot on his heels. He and a few of the royal guards formed a protective wall around Rehoboam, Abidjan, and the women. With Benaiah defending Rehoboam, Adoniram, the overseer of conscripted labor, stepped up to aid the guards in holding the furious crowd back to give the others a chance to escape. For a moment it seemed like the mob would quiet. And then a stone flew. Then another, and another. The crowd surged forward, their stones finding their mark over and over on Adolemun's defenseless body. The overseer of forced labor stumbled to the ground, dead, blood pooling on the stone floor. Benaiah tightened his grip, yanking Rehoboam back. Chariots waited behind them. Your Highness.
Solomon
Go now.
Rehoboam
Rehoboam stumbled, but was shoved toward the chariot. His mother was similarly thrust in after him. His wife and son were in a second chariot behind the din of the riot. Behind them was deafening shouts, screams, more sickening cracks of stone on flesh. The chariot jolted forward, and Rehoboam gripped aside, panting. The wheels kicked up dust. The sound of hooves drowned out the chaos as they fled. He turned back once when they crested a hill. To his horror, tongues of fire were licking the sides of the ancient Shechem Hall. His people, his kingdom, were reduced to a riot of fury and flame. He jerked forward, ignoring the tears of his mother beside him.
Solomon
It's just faction. This is a setback. It can be reforged, reclaimed. I am still the king.
Rehoboam
The kingdom his father built was tearing itself apart. Or rather, it was being torn from him.
Yael Eckstein
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Jeroboam
Do you know what the name Rehoboam means in Hebrew? It's Rahavam, which It means he enlarges the people or the people spread out. It's two words, raav, which means to spread out, and am, which means nation. Isn't that ironic? Because in our story today, the people do spread out, but not in blessings. As we've studied God's word together, we found that the Bible often associates kingship with shepherding. Not dominating, not taxing into the grave, but shepherding. The image goes all the way back to Moses, who herded sheep before he herded people. And David Solomon's father was a shepherd before he became king. But Rehoboam, he doesn't walk in with a staff. He walks in with scorpions. Think about that image through the lens of a biblical Israelite people whose recent descendants had been slaves in Egypt. The scorpion is a reminder of Egypt, of bondage. And here, this descendant of David echoes the language of Pharaoh. And we see what happens when Israel's king forgets what it means to be the chosen people. The chosen people scatter, they run, they cry. TIR 10 so Israel and and a holy place of covenant and calling while it becomes a battlefield of betrayal, all because of Israel's king. And we're left wondering, how should a king treat his subjects? We learn how a king should not act by Rehoboam's example. Rehoboam actually began his reign correctly by consulting with his late father's advisors. He asked how to respond to the chosen people's complaint. You remember that, about the heavy taxation that King Solomon had placed on them. And the Bible actually tells us exactly how Solomon's advisers responded. They told King Rehovoam, quote, if today you will be a servant to these people and serve them and give them a favorable answer, they will always be your servants, end quote. I think that's a beautiful passage and it's beautiful advice for any leader range right, telling them be a servant to the people and then they will be loyal. The great sage Maimonides in his Laws of Kings, uses this exact Bible verse to give some very good advice. He taught, a Hebrew king must be without personal pride, should not act towards Israel with undue haughtiness, and should be gracious and compassionate to small and great. End quote. Rehovan basically violated each of these points, didn't he? He insulted the people, he bragged about himself. He rejected the wise advice given to him by his wise father's advisors. And then he turned to some young people he had grown up with who offered him bad advice. And this disastrous episode ended up being the prelude to a much larger disaster. The division of Israel into two separate kingdoms, each of them hostile to the other, all because of how the king of Israel treated God's chosen people. Today's Bible story was a tragedy of a king who confused fear for strength, of a nation that asked for relief, but instead was given the lash. We face this very same danger today in our homes, in our politics, even in our spiritual communities. The danger of thinking that to lead is to dominate, that to be right is to be harsh. Maybe you're a parent unsure of how to lead your children without becoming a tyrant. Maybe you're just tired of being told to carry more, to prove yourself more, to do more. Well, this Bible's story tells us there's another way. The way of the shepherd, the way of listening. Rehoboam had the chance to listen and he refused. We don't have to make that very same mistake. We can pause, we can ask questions, we can listen for God's voice. And in doing so, we won't lose power, we'll actually gain it.
Rehoboam
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Rehoboam
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Macha
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Rehoboam
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Yael Eckstein
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Rehoboam
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Podcast Summary: The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein
Episode: Israel Divided
Release Date: August 14, 2025
In the "Israel Divided" episode of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein, host Yael Eckstein delves into the tumultuous period following King Solomon's reign, exploring the factors that led to the division of the united Kingdom of Israel into the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. Drawing from First Kings chapter 12, the episode intricately weaves a dramatized narrative alongside insightful commentary, offering listeners a profound understanding of leadership, loyalty, and the consequences of decisions that shape a nation's destiny.
The episode opens with a dramatized exchange highlighting the brewing tensions within King Solomon’s empire:
Jeroboam (likely representing dissenting voices): "What God has given you. Did he tell you to build those Asherah poles? How about the altar to Milcom? Have you heard their screams, Solomon?" [00:03]
Solomon: "What have I done?" [01:29]
This exchange sets the tone for the ensuing conflict, emphasizing the people's discontent with Solomon's heavy taxation and forced labor, which strained the nation's unity.
Upon Solomon’s death, his son Rehoboam inherits the throne but lacks his father's wisdom and the people's affection. Yael Eckstein narrates:
"Rehoboam his son has inherited the throne but not the love of the people. And from the North, a new voice rises, one who speaks not of lineage but of burdens, one who carries not gold but grievance." [02:49]
Rehoboam's advisors present opposing counsel on whether to lighten the burdens imposed by Solomon:
Benaiah (the old general): "If today you serve the people, they will serve you forever. But if you speak harshly, they will turn against you." [09:58]
Abijam (Rehoboam’s son): "You don't truly think that people would turn against the House of David, do you? My great grandfather united us, and my grandfather made us all rich. The people won't forget that." [12:03]
Faced with these conflicting opinions, Rehoboam grapples with honoring his father's legacy versus addressing the people's grievances.
Jeroboam, returning from exile in Egypt, challenges Rehoboam's authority:
Rehoboam, influenced by his wife Macha and his mother Gabira, opts for a harsh stance:
This declaration betrays the people's trust and mirrors Solomon’s oppressive methods, igniting further unrest.
As tensions escalate, the northern tribes, led by Jeroboam, refuse to accept Rehoboam's rule. The confrontation culminates in chaos and violence:
"The kingdom his father built was tearing itself apart. Or rather, it was being torn from him." [26:10]
Jeroboam seizes the moment to declare the division:
"We have no inheritance in the son of Jesse. Israel." [23:21]
This pivotal moment marks the official split, leading to the formation of two separate kingdoms—Israel in the north and Judah in the south.
Throughout the episode, Yael Eckstein interjects with thoughtful analysis, connecting the historical narrative to contemporary themes:
Leadership and Servant Leadership: Yael emphasizes the importance of servant leadership over authoritarian rule. She cites Solomon’s advisors who advised Rehoboam to serve the people to ensure their loyalty:
"If today you serve the people, they will serve you forever." [09:58]
The Perils of Ignoring Wise Counsel: Rehoboam’s rejection of his father's wise advisors in favor of youthful arrogance highlights the dangers leaders face when they disregard experienced counsel:
"Rehoboam basically violated each of these points, didn't he? He insulted the people, he bragged about himself. He rejected the wise advice given to him by his wise father's advisors." [27:51]
Modern-Day Relevance: Yael draws parallels between Rehoboam's decisions and modern leadership challenges, urging listeners to adopt a "shepherd's way"—listening and compassion over domination and fear:
"We can pause, we can ask questions, we can listen for God's voice. And in doing so, we won't lose power, we'll actually gain it." [32:32]
Biblical Lessons for Today: Highlighting the consequences of Rehoboam’s actions, Yael underscores the importance of empathy, wisdom, and humility in leadership roles within families, communities, and nations.
"The Chosen People" episode "Israel Divided" masterfully interlaces a dramatized retelling of a critical biblical event with insightful commentary, offering listeners both an engaging story and profound lessons on leadership and governance. Yael Eckstein's reflections encourage listeners to learn from Rehoboam's failings, advocating for servant leadership and attentive listening to foster unity and strength within any community.
Jeroboam: "What God has given you. Did he tell you to build those Asherah poles? How about the altar to Milcom? Have you heard their screams, Solomon?" [00:03]
Rehoboam: "My little finger is thicker than my father's waist. My father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions." [21:13]
Benaiah: "If today you serve the people, they will serve you forever. But if you speak harshly, they will turn against you." [09:58]
Yael Eckstein: "We can pause, we can ask questions, we can listen for God's voice. And in doing so, we won't lose power, we'll actually gain it." [32:32]
"The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein" not only recounts historical and biblical events but also bridges them to present-day scenarios, emphasizing timeless truths about leadership, loyalty, and the impact of our decisions on the broader community. This episode serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of compassionate leadership and the enduring relevance of ancient wisdom in navigating modern challenges.