Rehoboam v. Jeroboam

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein

Episode: “Rehoboam v. Jeroboam”

Date: August 20, 2025
Host: Yael Eckstein
Focus Scripture: 1 Kings 12:20–33; 2 Chronicles 11

---

Overview

This episode of The Chosen People explores the aftermath of King Solomon’s reign and the monumental split of the united Israelite kingdom into northern Israel and southern Judah. Through rich character-driven storytelling and reflective commentary, Yael Eckstein guides listeners into the political, spiritual, and emotional upheavals triggered by the conflict between Rehoboam—the son of Solomon and heir to the Davidic dynasty—and Jeroboam, the ambitious leader chosen by the northern tribes. The episode investigates the cost of leadership rooted in pride and fear, the peril of idolatry, and the consequences for the soul of a nation.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Kingdom Teeters, The Split Begins

• Background (00:00–02:19):
  The episode opens on a fractured Israel. Solomon’s rule, though prosperous, left a legacy of discontent due to excessive taxation and forced labor. The people, led by Jeroboam, plead for relief but are met with arrogance and violence by Rehoboam.

  • “The children of Israel were crushed under the weight of taxes and conscripted labor…little faith left in their rulers.” (Narrator, 00:00)

• Turning Point (Rebellion, 06:00–09:34):
  After Rehoboam’s unwillingness to heed the pleas for lighter burdens, the northern tribes, under Jeroboam, violently break away, crowning Jeroboam king in Shechem.

  • “People of Israel, you have thrown off the heavy yoke of the House of David…We are strong. We are the Kingdom of Israel.” (Jeroboam, 08:13)

2. Leadership of Fear vs. Faith

• Jeroboam’s Dilemma (09:34–13:00):
  Jeroboam, lacking royal blood but possessing shrewd political sense, establishes his rule by courting influential priests and constructing a new inner circle. Yet anxiety over Jerusalem’s temple and lingering loyalty gnaws at him.

  • “He could charm men…But there was one thing he could never change. The heart of Israel still beat in Jerusalem.” (Narrator, 11:51)

• Rehoboam’s Pride and Humiliation (13:00–16:30):
  Humiliated by his failed coronation and loss of the northern tribes, Rehoboam—encouraged by his family and advisors—leans toward violence to restore his power, dismissing the severity of a looming civil war.

  • “Let the north burn. Let the whole kingdom burn. That means they fear me again.” (Rehoboam, 16:33)

3. The Spiritual Crisis: Altars and Idolatry

• Jeroboam’s Solution: Counterfeit Worship (18:40–21:02):
  Fearing that worship at Jerusalem would threaten his throne, Jeroboam listens to questionable advisors and initiates the building of new altars with golden calves, echoing Israel’s darkest moment in the wilderness.

  • "'We must give them something else … If they long for the temple, I will give them something to bow before.'" (Jeroboam, 19:21; 20:50)

• Abiel’s Warning (20:33–21:02):
  The priest Abiel warns: “You have what you wanted, Jeroboam. Do not turn from the Lord now. After all this.” But Jeroboam refuses, prioritizing political security over faithfulness.

4. Prophetic Intervention: Shemaiah’s Divine Restraint

• In Jerusalem: War Averted (21:02–25:23):
  As Rehoboam prepares for civil war, the prophet Shemaiah arrives and delivers a direct word from God:
  • “You shall not go up and fight against your brothers. This division is from the Lord.” (Shemaiah [Narrator], 22:10)
  • Facing the heavy silence and family pressure, Rehoboam yields—“Withdraw the troops.” (Rehoboam, 25:21)—ending the war before it begins, but not without deep humiliation.

5. The Final Fall: Idolatry in the North

• Golden Calves and Severed Identity (27:16–28:38):
  Jeroboam openly introduces the golden calves as objects of worship, using near-identical words to those uttered at Sinai:
  • "'Behold your gods, O Israel. Here are the gods who brought you out of Egypt.'" (Jeroboam, 27:16)
  • The act divides the people further; some cheer, desperate for separation, while others, like Abiel, are horrified by the repeat of ancient rebellion.

6. Yael Eckstein’s Reflection: Lessons on Fear, Leadership, and Idolatry

• Consequences of Fear-Based Leadership (31:31–36:45):
  Yael notes that fear drove both kings to destructive actions:

  • “What does Fear do to People? Today's story shows us the worst it can do when it makes someone act in the least godly way possible.” (Yael Eckstein, 31:31)
  • Jeroboam’s fear led to idolatry and exile; Rehoboam’s pride nearly sparked fratricidal war.
  • She invites listeners to ponder where they might be standing “in the rubble” as the kings were, and to find healing and restoration not through force, but through faith and surrender to God.

• The Impact of Spiritual Neglect (32:40–34:20):
  “The land of Israel without the Torah is like a body without a soul. Once they had abandoned the Torah…they were taken by the shining gold of the golden calves of idolatry.” (Yael Eckstein, 32:40)

  • Sincere, pious leadership is critical; leaders’ sins corrupt entire nations.
  • Even so, God is always open to repentance (“teshuvah”)—but Jeroboam chose not to heed prophetic warning.

• Modern Parallels:
  Yael compares biblical leadership crises to the temptations and distractions of contemporary life, urging listeners to seek spiritual integrity in their leaders and themselves.

7. Final Message: The Beginning of Unraveling

• “There's something heartbreaking in watching a people divided. Because once we were 12 sons, 12 tents, one camp in the wilderness with one flame above us. But here, in this episode, it all slips away…It's not exile, not yet. But it's the beginning of the chosen people's unraveling.” (Yael Eckstein, 36:45)

• Closing Invitation:
  “Maybe you're in a season where something has been torn apart…Let me tell you, the strength to lead well does not come from controlling outcomes. It comes from listening, from stopping, from surrendering your own expectations and trusting in God.” (Yael Eckstein, 36:59)

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “We have no inheritance in the son of Jesse. Israel, return to your tents. The sons of David can look after their own house. We were slaves once, Rehoboam. Never again.”
  (Jeroboam, 00:48)
• “A king does not beg for loyalty. He shapes it. If they long for the temple, I will give them something to bow before.”
  (Jeroboam, 20:50)
• “You shall not go up and fight against your brothers. This division is from the Lord.”
  (Shemaiah, 22:10)
• “Behold your gods, O Israel. Here are the gods who brought you out of Egypt.”
  (Jeroboam, 27:16)
• “Altars built on fear will always betray us. And Rehoboam thought war would prove that he was worthy. But violence cannot restore what pride destroyed.”
  (Yael Eckstein, 36:59)

---

Important Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment/Event | |------------|----------------------------------------------------------| | 00:00 | Intro, setting the decline and split of Solomon’s kingdom| | 06:00 | Jeroboam crowned king in the North; break from Judah | | 08:13 | Jeroboam rallies northern tribes, rejects Judah’s claim | | 18:40 | Jeroboam’s fears about Jerusalem’s influence | | 20:37 | Jeroboam decides to build rival altars | | 22:10 | Prophet Shemaiah forbids Rehoboam’s civil war | | 25:21 | Rehoboam reluctantly calls off his army | | 27:16 | Jeroboam unveils golden calves, triggering idolatry | | 31:31 | Yael’s reflection on fear, idolatry, and leadership | | 36:45 | Yael’s concluding message on division and healing |

---

Takeaway Reflections

• Leadership grounded in fear will inevitably lead to ruin—for leaders, followers, and even nations.
• Idolatry, in any form, severs a community’s lifeblood—its connection to God—and invites destruction.
• God still calls for repentance and faithful leadership; the prosperity of a people in their promised land depends on their devotion and obedience.
• Healing and unity are possible only when leaders and people alike lead with humility, faith, and a willingness to listen to God’s voice over their own ambitions or fears.

---

For listeners:
This episode offers both a compelling historical narrative and a timeless message: when pride and fear rule, disaster follows. Leadership—personal or national—finds its true strength by resting in faith and guiding others to do likewise.

Transcript

[Narrator]

Previously on the Chosen People. 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.

[Jeroboam]

Your Majesty, we have come before you not as rebels, but as your loyal subjects. We have built your father's cities, harvested his fields, paid his tribute, but his yoke was heavy upon us.

[Narrator]

You don't truly think the 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. What portion do we have in David?

[Jeroboam]

We have no inheritance in the son of Jesse. Israel, return to your tents. The sons of David can look after their own house. We were slaves once, Rehoboam. Never again.

[Narrator]

There was stillness for another fraught heartbeat, and then chaos. 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. Rehoboam stumbled, but was shoved toward the chariot. The kingdom his father built was tearing itself apart. Or rather, it was being torn from him.

[Podcast Host / Advertiser]

This is an I Heart podcast. HelloPreg.com Jill Simonian here from Prageru Kids. I am so excited to share that we are now on Spotify. You can stream all of our kids shows filled with faith and wholesome prayer, pro American edutainment anytime, anywhere. Our popular playlist Bible Stories for Kids is now available. Perfect for kindergarten through third grade. Gideon, King David, Daniel and the Lions, Noah's Ark, the Good Samaritan, and so many more. Search Prageru Kids on Spotify or head to pragerukids.com to start listening now.

[Yael Eckstein]

Two Kings stood where one God should have been. 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. In today's episode, drawn from 1 Kings 12:20 to 33 and 2 Chronicles 11, we find ourselves in the rubble of what once was unity. The sons of Israel, once gathered as one under David, are now divided. And the question that hovers over it all is this. How does a nation lose itself? What happens when fear guides leadership? When insecurity dresses up as strength? When men who were once brothers become enemies? Previously on the Chosen People. We witnessed the rise of Solomon's son, Rehoboam, and his stunning failure to keep the tribes unified. Now Jeroboam sees his opportunity from the fracture and two kings stand where there should have been. Just one. And today we begin to see the cost of that split.

[GoDaddy Advertiser]

Running a business online look legit and own your own brand with professional tools from GoDaddy instantly build trust with your customers and boost your credibility with an email that matches your domain so people know you mean business. There's never been a better time. Just go to GoDaddy.com GDnow and choose from a wide variety of popular domains. To find one that's right for you. Pair that with a professional email that works for all your business needs from daily communications to email marketing and everything in between. That's a little price for a lot of credibility. For a limited time, get a domain and matching professional email for just 99 cents a month for one year. Go to GoDaddy.com GD now and look legit with GoDaddy. That's GoDaddy.com GDnow again. GoDaddy.com GDnow there's never been a better time to choose the domain and email that's right for you. New customer purchases only products Auto renew separately. See terms on site godaddy.com gdnow this.

[Podcast Host / Advertiser]

Labor Day say goodbye to spills, stains and overpriced furniture with washablesofas.com featuring Annabe, the only machine washable sofa inside and out where designer quality meets budget friendly pricing. Sofas start at just $6.99, making it the perfect time to upgrade your space. Anibae's Pet Friendly Stain resistant and interchangeable slipcovers are made with high performance fabric built for real life. You'll love the cloud like comfort of hypoallergenic high resilience foam that never needs fluffing and a durable steel frame that stands the test of time with modular pieces you can rearrange anytime. It's a sofa that adapts to your life. Now through Labor Day. Get up to 60% off site [e-mail] Every order comes with a 30 day satisfaction guarantee. If you're not in love, send it back for a full refund. No return shipping, no restocking fees. Every penny back. Shop [e-mail] Offers are subject to change and certain restrictions may apply.

[Rehoboam]

Hey, it's Ryan Seacrest for Albertsons and Safeway. Now through August 26th. It's back to Deals time where you can enjoy storewide deals and earn four times points. Look for in store tags to earn on eligible items from Kettle, Haagen, Dazs, M&MS. Ritz, Chips Ahoy, Arrowhead, All Poppy, Charman and Red Bull. Then clip the offer in the app for automatic event long savings. Shop in online for easy drive up and go pickup or delivery subject to availability restrictions. Apply Visit Albertsons or Safeway.com for more details.

[Narrator]

Jeroboam had won. The House of David had lost. Miles away from the gleaming capital of Jerusalem in the north, a modest coronation had taken place. The victorious northerners gathered in their burned hall of Shechem, anointing Jeroboam as king despite the charred stone walls of the recent fire. Raucous cheers reverberated. Joyously Rising from the ashes of their rebellion, the northern tribes cast off the yoke of Solomon's line, rallying around their chosen king. But the cost was high. Brothers had spilled each other's blood. For the first time since David had united them, Israel was fractured. Jeroboam stood atop a sooty, rough hewn stone platform in the destroyed hall. He looked out at the expectant faces, hungry for inspiration, ready to be led into a glorious future as a liberated people. He had fought to be worthy of this moment. He rose from nothing. And yet Jeroboam exhaled slowly, his fingers clenching at his sides. He had won. But had he? The throne of the northern kingdoms was his. Yet his kingdom was built on ashes and betrayal. Was this what a prophecy fulfilled looked like?

[Jeroboam]

I have taken the throne. Now I must keep it.

[Narrator]

To the side of his platform in the dilapidated hall, his wife, Elisheba stood with their young sons. Abijah the elder watched his father with admiration. Beside him, Nadab clutched the hem of his mother's robe, his young eyes wide with unease. Jeroboam fixed a confident smile to his face, stepped forward, his voice steady and commanding, and addressed the crowd.

[Jeroboam]

People of Israel, you have thrown off the heavy yoke of the House of David. Today we stand as a free nation, no longer subject to the tribe of Judah. Let the house of David and the tribe of Judah sit in their palaces and look after themselves. For what portion do we have in David? We have no inheritance. In the Son of Jesse we will arise and build ourselves into an even greater nation. Let Judah and Benjamin in the south fall away and look after their own house. Let the 12 become 10. We are Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulon, and the sons of Joseph, Ephraim, and Manasseh. We are strong. Strong without Benjamin, strong without Judah. We we are the Kingdom of Israel.

[Narrator]

A resounding cheer rose from the assembly, but Jeroboam knew well enough cheers today did not guarantee loyalty tomorrow. As the crowds started to disperse to the center of town to celebrate their newfound independence, his shrewd eyes scanned the fringes of the crowd until he found him. Abiel, an old priest from Shiloh. Situated at the edge of the crowd. Jeroboam moved with the throng of people, shaking hands and clapping arms until he finally made his way to the stooped priest on the edge. He then bent down so as to be eye level with Abiel. Jeroboam's voice dropped so only the priests could hear him.

[Jeroboam]

Fabio, I'm. I'm honored that you would be here at my coronation.

[Narrator]

Really?

[Rehoboam]

I must admit, I'm surprised to hear that, your highness.

[Narrator]

Though not from the prominent line of high priests now situated in Jerusalem, Abiel was still an influential priest in the lesser spiritual circles of the North, Shiloh, Bethel and Shechem. And he knew the prophet Ahijah well. Jeroboam knew the priest would be essential in securing his hold on the northern tribes.

[Jeroboam]

Oh, yes, I'm sure you're familiar with the prophecy given about me by the prophet Ahijah.

[Narrator]

Oh, of course, your highness.

[Rehoboam]

Everyone in Israel knows about that. The northerners have talked of nothing else these last few years.

[Narrator]

Years?

[Jeroboam]

Oh, well, I. I only meant to say that. That Ahijah mentioned. Mentioned you.

[Narrator]

Really?

[Jeroboam]

I've long considered you for my counsel, Ebiel. And now that I'm king, I would. I would be honored to have you at my side.

[Narrator]

The old man seemed caught off guard to have risen to the attention of the new king. But Jeroboam noticed with satisfaction that a flush of pride came over him.

[Rehoboam]

Why, of course, it would be an honor to advise you, my king.

[Jeroboam]

Wonder. Wonderful. Now, come, let me introduce you to my wife and my two sons, Abijah and Nadab, the future of Israel.

[Narrator]

Jeroboam charismatically threw an arm around the old priest and steered him over to his waiting family and the other influential men he had collected. For his inner circle, Jeroboam had no royal blood, no claim, but the one he seized, Rehoboam had power handed to him. While Jeroboam had earned it, he prided himself on the difference. Where Rehoboam's fragile ego made him reckless, Jeroboam harnessed the wisdom of others, shaping it into something he could wield. But even in this, a seed of fear had taken root in Jeroboam's heart. He had taken the kingdom. But a question kept gnawing at the back of his mind. How long could he hold it? He could charm men, win alliances, and shape his kingdom. But there was one thing he could never change. The heart of Israel still beat in Jerusalem. And as long as the temple stood, his throne would never be secure. In the south, in the palace of Jerusalem, Rehoboam licked his wounds from his humiliating ousting from his would be coronation in the north. He stormed through the corridors, his fury masking the utter embarrassment of it all. His royal guard were stoned and burned alive while he fled with his weeping mother. His hands still trembled at the thought, barely containing his fury. He was still king, technically speaking. But there wasn't a merchant, nobleman or farmer who hadn't heard of what happened. There was no getting around it. He had fled from Shechem. Fled from his own people. What he did next was critical. To regain the control he had lost, he stormed into the audience chamber, still fuming about how he was humiliated. His inner circle was waiting for him. Neymar, his mother. Macha, his favorite wife. And Abijam, along with his group of young instigators. They think they can defy me, that they can cast me aside like some commoner. And have you heard? False king Jeroboam, that usurper is saying that they alone in the north are Israel. We are only Judah. Can you believe that?

[Podcast Host / Advertiser]

They have made a mistake, my love. A mistake you will correct. Israel is not Israel without Judah to lead them.

[Yael Eckstein]

Everyone knows that.

[Narrator]

His wife practically purred her words of comfort as his mother slammed the table with her fist.

[Rehoboam]

Your father built this kingdom with his bare hands.

[Narrator]

He made Jerusalem the finest city in the world. We will not be put to shame in our own kingdom. You will reclaim.

[Rehoboam]

And we should go to war. Father, let's teach the peasants a lesson. Take back the kingdom.

[Narrator]

Yes. A lesson. Rehoboam turned to his last loyal general, Benaiah, the old warrior who had once fought beside David himself. Raise the army. Rouse our allies. Surely the tribe of Benjamin will stand with us. Jerusalem is their territory after all. We march at dawn, my king. Are you sure this is not just a battle? This would be a civil war. Rehoboam's pride flared hot. It blinded him to the severity of Benaiah's warning. I will not be the king who loses. The House of David's kingdom.

[Rehoboam]

Yes, we'll decide. Destroy all the disloyal tribal leaders of.

[Narrator]

The north who replaced him with new families.

[Rehoboam]

Loyal families to rule in their place. Show the Traitors.

[Jeroboam]

No mercy.

[Narrator]

We'll wipe them off the face of the earth. The young nobles hung on every word and pounded the table in enthusiastic support. His son, Abidjan, had a certainty and confidence to him that Rehoboam envied. The two women eyed him with maternal admiration. They shaped him into the young leader that he was. But the old general frowned, disapproval flashing and then quickly disappearing on his disciplined face. Rehoboam saw it flare up, even though his own fury bent on revenge. The look was sobering even in Rehoboam's murderous rage. Doubt twinged in his gut, casting a shadow of uncertainty over their plans. I will meet with my lieutenants and see about raising a force with our allies. Rehoboam tamped down the flicker of doubt. He turned back to his advisors, but his gaze lingered on Abidjan, his son. So young, so sure. There was no hesitation in his words, no fear, no doubt. Was this what a true king looked like? Rehoboam swallowed hard, clenching his fists. If he had to carve his name into history with blood, so be it. Let the north burn. Let the whole kingdom burn. That means they fear me again. While Rehoboam sharpened his swords for war up in the north, Jeroboam paced the stone floors of his newly built palace in Shechem. It was plain, almost austere, nothing like the grandeur of Jerusalem. But power was not in the walls. Power was in control. And if Jeroboam was to keep his throne, he needed more than soldiers. He needed loyalty. He needed time. Time to fortify, to build, to make the people forget the House of David. Abiel the priest, stood across from him, his brow furrowed. He had lingered after the council meeting had concluded to express his concern about the rising number of advisors and priests of other gods. To Jeroboam's annoyance, it was becoming a bit of a pattern.

[Jeroboam]

Yes, yes, yes, I heard you the first time. But tell me this. What happens when they long for the temple? When their hearts turn toward Jerusalem?

[Rehoboam]

Then let them go to worship as the Lord commanded. You were chosen, my king, appointed by the prophet Ahijah. By the will of the Lord, he will keep your throne secure.

[Narrator]

Jeroboam stiffened. Faith alone had not put him here. It had been strategy, persuasion, and an understanding of the people's grievances. He would not let faith be his undoing. Jeroboam turned his back on the priest, a shadow crossing his face.

[Jeroboam]

We must give them something else.

[Rehoboam]

Is this why you've been entertaining the counsel of these pagan priests? You should know better.

[Narrator]

Don't you know your history?

[Rehoboam]

And did not the prophet Ahijah warn you of what would happen if you.

[Narrator]

Turn from the Lord?

[Rehoboam]

You flirt with disaster, my king.

[Jeroboam]

The prophet told me I would be king, and I am. And I may not have been brought up with tutors, but I know enough of our history. And you sound like my youngest son Nadab, Always worrying and fretting like a little desert mouse clinging to my wife's hem.

[Narrator]

Visibly exasperated, the old priest sighed and tried a softer approach.

[Rehoboam]

You have what you wanted, Jeroboam. Do not turn from the Lord now. After all this.

[Jeroboam]

If the people must visit Jerusalem to worship, then it's more and more opportunity for Rehoboam to entice them with wealth and false promises. The temple is a threat. We need one here.

[Rehoboam]

My king, I beg you. Trust the Lord to uphold what he has given you. Do not repeat Solomon's folly.

[Narrator]

But Jeroboam's mind was made up.

[Jeroboam]

No. We will build our own altars, our own places of worship.

[Narrator]

Abiel's breath hitched.

[Rehoboam]

But the Ark of the Covenant is in Jerusalem. Who will you build these places of worship to?

[Jeroboam]

A king does not beg for loyalty. He shapes it. If they long for the temple, I will give them something to bow before.

[Narrator]

The silence between them was deafening. Abiel's body tensed in fear, but Jeroboam's lips curved into a slow smile. By the time he was finished, they would no longer look to Jerusalem. They would kneel here in the kingdom he built for them. Back in the south. In Jerusalem, Rehoboam's forces stood ready, banners unfurled, war drums pounding. His army was prepared to march north, reclaiming what had been stolen from him. Then the prophet. Prophet arrived, a lone figure in the vast corridors of the palace. His name was Shemaiah. The name alone was a thunderclap in the hall. A prophet of the Lord. Rehoboam stiffened in his seat as the man entered. The room stilled. Attention. Deeper than battle weighed upon them now. His generals, his young noble, even his own family. Each of them felt it. Shemaiah's robes were simple, but the authority in his presence was like iron. He did not kneel. He did not bow. He raised a hand, his voice booming with divine finality. You shall not go up and fight against your brothers. This division is from the Lord. The words sliced through the room like a blade. Benaiah. The old warrior exhaled sharply, his shoulders slumping as though he had just been released from death itself. His relief was palpable. My king, we cannot defy the Lord's decree. But even as the general spoke, there was a ripple of uneasiness. Knees. The young nobles shifted, glancing at one another, their expressions darkening. Rehoboam's jaw clenched. He could feel their eyes on him, the weight of their expectations. Abidjan, his son, was the first to speak, his voice sharp and unyielding.

[Rehoboam]

The Lord's decree. The Lord's decree. Decree is that my father should be king over all Israel, as is our right as the house of David.

[Narrator]

There were murmurs of agreement. At that, the nobles stirred their loyalty, fueled by fury, by ambition, by the intoxicating hunger for power. Macha touched Rehoboam's arm gently, her voice smooth, coaxing. The prophet is wrong, my love.

[Podcast Host / Advertiser]

The Lord does not divide his people.

[Yael Eckstein]

Would he truly let rebels steal what is yours?

[Podcast Host / Advertiser]

What was David's?

[Narrator]

But then his mother, Nehemiah, spoke. She stood rigid as stone, her dark eyes locked onto Shemaiah with something close to contempt. The throne of Israel is yours, my son.

[Rehoboam]

Will you surrender it without even a fight?

[Narrator]

We have been praying to Milcom day and night, readying for war. Don't throw away his favor like this. The room was turning, voices rising. The young nobles pounded the table.

[Rehoboam]

We should go to war. Let us take back what is ours.

[Narrator]

Rehoboam's fingers dug into the arms of his. He wanted to believe them, needed to believe them. And yet the prophet's gaze was unwavering, unshaken. His father's God. The God who had spoken to Solomon, the God who had made David's throne unshakable. A chill coiled around Rehoboam's spine. His vision blurred with rage. But deep, deep inside, beneath his pride, was something else. Fear. His voice, when it came, was tight, reluctant, almost strangled.

[Rehoboam]

Withdraw the troops.

[Narrator]

The words fell like a hammer into the silence. The nobles stiffened. Abijam's nostrils flared, his fists tight with fury. A murmur rippled through through the ranks, but none dared disobey. The war was over before it began. And as Rehoboam sat there, his father's throne beneath him, but a divided kingdom beyond him, he knew one thing with certainty. They would not forget this moment. And neither would he. In Jerusalem, Rehoboam sat in his throne room, stewing over his failure. He had lost the north, lost his people, and now, with no war to fight, he turned inward to his father's wealth, his father's women, his father's indulgences. The nation was fractured and too distinct identities emerged. Israel to the north and Judah. To the south, the kingdom David had fought to unite was divided. What Solomon had built was torn apart by his son. But even as Rehoboam drowned in self pity in the north, Jeroboam was sealing his own fate. In the ancient, storied city of Bethel, torches flickered against the night sky. The scent of burning incense clung to the air, mingling with the hum of voices. Before the gathered priests and tribal leaders, Jeroboam stood tall and commanding. He raised his arms, his voice ringing bold with the certainty of his decision.

[Jeroboam]

Behold your gods, O Israel. Here are the gods who brought you out of Egypt.

[Narrator]

A hush fell over the crowd. For a moment, silence held its breath. Then shockwaves rippled through the assembly. Some cheered, desperate for a kingdom fully severed from Jerusalem's rule. They raised their hands, bowed their heads, grateful for this new order Jeroboam had created. But others hesitated. The words had been spoken once before in a time of wilderness, in a time of calves and golden idols and ruin. At the edge of the gathering, Abiel felt his stomach twist.

[Rehoboam]

He really doesn't know our history. This is the golden calf remade.

[Narrator]

Abiel had feared this. He had warned Jeroboam that power alone could not hold hold a kingdom together. They needed the guidance of their God, for the Lord's relationship with Israel was what set them apart from the rest of the world. And now, before his eyes, the new king had crossed the line. The firelight cast grotesque shadows against the gleaming golden calves.

[Rehoboam]

What have you done?

[Narrator]

Cheroboam did not look at him. He did not waver. His decision had been made, and neither he nor Rehoboam could see it yet. But their choices would lead them both to ruin.

[GoDaddy Advertiser]

Running a business online. Look legit and own your own brand with professional tools from GoDaddy. Instantly build trust with your customers and boost your credibility with an email that matches your domain so people know you mean business. There's never been a better time. Just go to GoDaddy.com GDnow and choose from a wide variety of popular domains. To find one that's right for you. Pair that with a professional email that works for all your business needs, from daily communications to email marketing and everything in between. That's a little price for a lot of credibility. For a limited time, get a domain and matching professional email for just 99 cents a month for one year. Go to GoDaddy.comGdNow and look legit with GoDaddy. That's GoDaddy.comGdNow again. GoDaddy.comGdNow there's never been a better time to choose the domain and email that's right for you. New customer purchases only products Auto renew separately. See terms on site godaddy.com gdnow this.

[Podcast Host / Advertiser]

Labor Day say goodbye to spills, stains and overpriced furniture with washablesofas.com featuring Anabe, the only machine washable sofa inside and out where designer quality meets budget friendly pricing. Sofas start at just $6.99, making it the perfect time to upgrade your space. Anibe's Pet Friendly stain resistant and interchangeable slipcovers are made with high performance fabric built for real life. You'll love the cloud like comfort of hypoallergenic high resilience foam that never needs fluffing and a durable steel frame that's sticking stands the test of time with modular pieces you can rearrange anytime. It's a sofa that adapts to your life. Now through Labor Day get up to 60% off site [e-mail] Every order comes with a 30 day satisfaction guarantee. If you're not in love, send it back for a full refund. No return shipping, no restocking fees, every penny back. Shop [e-mail] Offers are subject to change and certain restrictions may apply.

[Rehoboam]

Hey, it's Ryan Seacrest for Albertsons and Safeway. Now through August 26th. It's back to Deals time where you can enjoy storewide deals and earn four times points. Look for in store tags to earn on eligible items from Califia Farms, Pillsbury Crescent, Yoplay, General Mills, Prego, Bertoli, Heinz and Kraft. Then clip the offer in the app for automatic event long savings. Shop in store or online for easy drive up and go pickup or delivery subject to availability restrictions. Apply. Visit Albertsons or Safeway.com for more details.

[Yael Eckstein]

What does Fear do to People? Today's story shows us the worst it can do when it makes someone act in the least godly way possible. But it didn't have to be that way. Chosen by God, Jeroboam had established his kingdom in the north with the 10 tribes. But he was afraid and he ruled in fear. What was he so afraid of? Well, Jeroboam was afraid of the Israelites and his kingdom going to Jerusalem, especially for the biblical festivals. But fearful of going to Jerusalem. That doesn't make so much sense, does it? Why would he fear that? Well, Jeroboam worried that his people in the north would come in contact with the Temple in all of its glory and with Rehoboam, the King of Judah. So Jeroboam had no problem breaking multiple biblical laws just to keep his people from visiting Jerusalem. To keep them from developing an allegiance to Rehoboam, he set up two spiritual centers in the north and placed a golden calf, the very symbol of idolatry and rebellion against Moses, in the desert. In each of those spiritual centers, he even uttered the same words as the people did as they danced around the original golden calf in the desert. He said this. Here are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up from the land of Egypt. Here we have it yet again. Someone whose ego and lust for power blinded him to the evil that he was perpetrating. But for Jeroboam, his actions brought the ultimate punishment, and that was exile from the Holy Land. But I have a question. Why did the people accept this shocking departure from the proper path? Well, some of our sages suggest that the opulence and general prosperity during Solomon's reign caused them to focus on material matters a lot more than spiritual ones. They neglected the study of the Torah. There's an important expression whose meaning the people ignored. The land of Israel without the Torah is like a body without a soul. Once they had abandoned the Torah, the Bible we are studying right now, they were taken by the shining gold of the golden calves of idolatry. As we've seen again and again, God is always open to a sinner's teshuvah, to a sinner's repentance. Even though God sent a prophet to admonish Jeroboam, he still didn't repent. Jewish tradition gives Jeroboam the worst condemnation. He's condemned as one who sins and causes others to sin. It's one thing to go off track yourself, but to bring a whole community of 10 tribes along with you, can you imagine anything worse than that? Yet again, we see the concept of sincere and pious leadership being so important to the chosen people. Because we see where the leader goes. So go those that they are leading. And at the end of today's story, Aisha the prophet delivers a blistering prophecy to the Northern Kingdom in general and to Jeroboam's family specifically. In short, both the Northern Kingdom and Jeroboam's family would suffer complete and total destruction. This isn't comfortable for us to read or to hear, but it points to yet another truth that the Bible has shown us over and over again. Even if this truth is pretty brutal, it's that our existence in the Holy Land is dependent upon following God's laws, and even more specifically, not descending into idolatry. Our world today might not be gripped like the days of the Bible were by the temptation of idolatry. But we have plenty of other temptations that draw us away from God, don't we? And just as the chosen people did in Bible times, when we look towards our spiritual leaders, our pastors and our rabbis for guidance and to act as role models for us. And we pray that unlike the kings we met today, that our leaders are worthy and that they help us to be worthy in the eyes of God. There's something heartbreaking in watching a people divided. Because Once we were 12 sons, 12 tents, one camp in the wilderness with one flame above us. But here, in this episode, it all slips away. The sons of Jacob pull apart. It's not exile, not yet. But it's the beginning of the chosen people's unraveling. Jeroboam thought a new altar would secure his throne. But altars built on fear will always betray us. And Rehoboam thought war would prove that he was worthy. But violence cannot restore what pride destroyed. Maybe you're in a season where something has been torn apart. A relationship, a ministry, a dream that you built that's now scattered. And maybe you're standing in that rubble like Jeroboam or Rehoboam, asking, how do I hold this all together? My friends, let me tell you, the strength to lead well does not come from controlling outcomes. It comes from listening, from stopping, from surrendering your own expectations and trusting in God. So let's be a people who listen to him and lead. Not by force, but faith.

[Narrator]

You can listen to the Chosen People with Yael Eckstein ad free by downloading and subscribing to the prey.com app today. This pray.com production is only made possible by our dedicated team of creative talents. Steve Catena, Max Bard, Zach Shellevaga and Ben Gammon are the executive producers of the Chosen People with Yael Eckstein. Edited by Alberto Avila. Narrated by Paul Coltofianu. Characters are voiced by Jonathan Cotton, Aaron Salvato, Sarah Seltz, Mike Reagan, Stephen Ringwald, Sylvia zaradoc, Thomas Copeland Jr, Rosanna Pilcher and Mitch Leschinsky. And the opening prayer is voiced by John Moore. Music by Andrew Morgan Smith. Written by Aaron Salvato, Bree Rosalie and Chris Baig. Special thanks to Bishop Paul Lanier, Robin Van Etten, Caleb Burrows, Jocelyn Fuller, Rabbi Edward Abramson and the team at International Fellowship of Christians and Jews. You can hear more Pray.com productions on the Pray.com app available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. If you enjoyed the Chosen People with Yael Eckstein, please rate and leave a review.

[Rehoboam]

Hey, it's Ryan Seacrest for Albertsons and Safeway. Now through August 26th, it's back to Deals Time, where you can enjoy storewide deals and earn four times points. Look for in Store tags to earn on eligible items from Kettle, Haagen, Dazs, M&MS. Ritz, Chips Ahoy, Arrowhead, All Poppy, Charman and Red Bull. Then clip the offer in the app for automatic event long savings. Shop in store or online for easy drive up and go pickup or delivery subject to availability restrictions apply. Visit Albertsons or Safeway.com for more details.

[Podcast Host / Advertiser]

Untold Stories Life with a Severe Autoimmune Condition, a production from Ruby Studio in partnership with Argenics, is back with Season four. Join me, Martine Hackett, as we explore the realities of life with Myasthenia gravis or MG and Chronic Inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, or cidp. We'll uncover the stories of resilience and self advocacy in the face of uncertainty. From overcoming misdiagnosis to finding empowerment in small victories, these are moments that change us. Here's a glimpse of what's in store. Whenever I go to my specialist, he.

[Yael Eckstein]

Mentions the R word remission.

[Podcast Host / Advertiser]

Is it possible? Like, is it over? But also knowing it's never really over, but just being able to say, hey, there's light at the end of the tunnel. Stay the course. Don't give up on yourself. Every single person living with the autoimmune illness has a life worth living, and it's up to you to define that, to capture that, and to go guns blazing. Follow and listen to Untold Stories on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Narrator]

At Hills Pet Nutrition, we know that pet parent guilt is real. Leaving too long, playing too little. New homes, new babies. Waking them up when they look so comfy. Running out of patience. Running out of treats. Running the vacuum. You can only do so much. That's why there's hills. Science led nutrition to help you give more love than humanly possible because you're only human. There's hills. Find the right [e-mail] ScienceDoesMore this is.

[Podcast Host / Advertiser]

Danielle Fishel from Pod Meats World.

[Yael Eckstein]

Parents, quick question. When is the last time you won snack time?

[Podcast Host / Advertiser]

The other day I handed my son a perfectly portioned Pinterest level snack and he traded it for a Mott's Applesauce pouch. I'm not mad, just impressed. And that's why Mott's no Sugar Added Applesauce pouches are perfect to keep on hand. They're made with real apples packed in a super easy pouch.

[Yael Eckstein]

Perfect for tossing in a lunchbox, keeping.

[Podcast Host / Advertiser]

In the car, or grabbing as you're running out the door. Plus, they're a good source of vitamin.

[Yael Eckstein]

C and kids love them.

[Podcast Host / Advertiser]

Win, win. Make sure your kid wins.

[Yael Eckstein]

Snack time with Mott's Real apples make real good applesauce.

[Rehoboam]

Learn [e-mail] hey, it's me, Earhart. Mind if I pick the next song? Listen, Even though we're eating better, people.

[Narrator]

Who'Ve had one heart attack are at.

[Rehoboam]

Higher risk of another. But Repatha Evolocumab plus a statin lowers LDL C, our bad cholesterol, and our heart attack risk. So let's talk to our doctor about Repatha.

[Podcast Host / Advertiser]

Do not take Repatha if you're allergic to it. Serious allergic reactions can occur. Get medical help right away if you have trouble breathing or swallowing Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat or arms. Common side effects include runny nose, sore throat common cold symptoms flu or flulike symptoms back pain, high blood sugar and redness Pain or bruising at the injection site. View the important safety information in our banner. Listen to your heart. Ask your doctor about Repatha. This is an iHeart podcast.