Learn the Story of God and of the Old Testament
Season 6: Kings and Kingdoms
6.6 A Divided Kingdom
A Divided Kingdom: When God’s People Were Separated
After Solomon’s death, the united kingdom of Israel split into two nations—Israel in the north and Judah in the south. The division revealed the consequences of pride, poor leadership, and turning away from God, yet God’s faithfulness continued through every generation.
6.6 A Divided Kingdom
Under David and Solomon, Israel experienced a golden age.
The kingdom was united.
Jerusalem was the capital.
The Temple stood as the center of worship.
The nation enjoyed peace, prosperity, and influence.
Yet beneath the surface, problems were growing.
Solomon’s later years were marked by compromise and disobedience.
After his death, the kingdom faced a crisis that would change Israel’s history forever.
The nation divided into two kingdoms.
The northern kingdom became known as Israel.
The southern kingdom became known as Judah.
The division brought conflict, spiritual decline, and heartbreak.
Yet even in the midst of division, God continued to call His people back to faithfulness.
This story reminds us that choices have consequences, but God’s faithfulness remains.
Scripture References
1 Kings 11–12
2 Chronicles 10–11
Related Reading:
1 Kings 14:21–31
2 Chronicles 12
Hosea 11:1–4
The Story
As Solomon grew older, he began turning away from wholehearted devotion to God.
Influenced by foreign wives and cultures, Solomon allowed idol worship to gain a foothold in Israel.
God warned that the kingdom would eventually be divided.
After Solomon’s death, his son Rehoboam became king.
The people approached Rehoboam with a request.
They asked him to lighten the heavy burdens placed upon them during Solomon’s reign.
Rehoboam sought advice.
The older counselors encouraged him to serve the people with kindness and wisdom.
The younger advisors encouraged him to show strength and authority.
Rehoboam rejected the wiser counsel.
He responded harshly.
The people rebelled.
Ten tribes broke away and formed the northern kingdom of Israel under Jeroboam.
Only Judah and Benjamin remained loyal to Rehoboam in the southern kingdom of Judah.
The united kingdom was no more.
To make matters worse, Jeroboam established alternative places of worship and introduced practices that led people away from God.
Over time, both kingdoms struggled with idolatry and disobedience.
God repeatedly sent prophets to warn, encourage, and call the people back to Him.
Understanding the Story
Choices Have Consequences
Rehoboam’s decision changed the course of history.
One unwise choice led to division and conflict.
The story reminds us that leadership decisions matter.
Our choices often affect more than just ourselves.
Pride Can Lead to Division
Rehoboam wanted to appear strong.
Instead of listening carefully, he relied on pride and stubbornness.
Humility often brings healing.
Pride often creates division.
God Remains Faithful
Even when the kingdom divided, God did not abandon His people.
He continued sending prophets and opportunities for repentance.
God’s faithfulness is greater than human failure.
Unity Is Valuable
The division of the kingdom brought pain and weakness.
Scripture consistently emphasizes the importance of unity among God’s people.
Healthy relationships require humility, forgiveness, and wisdom.
Why This Story Matters
The divided kingdom teaches important lessons.
Why did the kingdom divide?
Because of disobedience, poor leadership, and pride.
What can we learn from Rehoboam?
Wise leaders listen carefully and seek godly counsel.
Why is unity important?
Unity strengthens relationships and reflects God’s design for His people.
Did God give up on His people?
No. God continued calling them back to Himself.
Connecting to Jesus
The divided kingdom reveals humanity’s need for a perfect King.
Israel’s kings often failed.
Their kingdoms fractured.
Their leadership was imperfect.
Jesus came to establish a kingdom that will never be divided.
He brings reconciliation where there is division.
He unites people from every nation, tribe, and language.
The failures of Israel’s kings point us toward Christ, the faithful King whose reign is eternal.
Living the Message
The divided kingdom challenges us to pursue wisdom and unity.
This week:
Seek godly counsel before making important decisions.
Practice humility in relationships.
Look for opportunities to bring peace rather than division.
Pray for unity within your family, church, and community.
Remember that God’s faithfulness remains even when people fail.
Reflect and Discuss
Why did the kingdom divide?
Possible answers:
Pride, poor leadership, disobedience, and failure to listen to wise counsel.
What mistake did Rehoboam make?
Possible answers:
He rejected wise advice and responded harshly to the people.
How did God respond to the division?
Possible answers:
He continued to send prophets and opportunities for repentance.
What does this story teach about unity?
Possible answers:
Unity is valuable and requires wisdom, humility, and faithfulness.
GROW Framework
Grounded in Scripture
1 Kings 11–12 reveals the consequences of disobedience and the importance of wise leadership.
Reasons We Believe
God remains faithful even when human leaders and nations fail.
Obedience in Action
Seek wisdom, humility, and unity in your relationships and decisions.
Walk It Out
Identify one relationship where you can be a peacemaker and take a step toward reconciliation this week.
Season 6 Review: Kings and Kingdoms
In Season 6 we have learned:
Saul: Israel’s First King — Outward appearance is not enough; God desires obedience.
David and Goliath — Faith is greater than fear.
David: A King After God’s Own Heart — God looks at the heart and offers grace through repentance.
Solomon’s Wisdom — True wisdom comes from God.
The Temple of the Lord — God desires to dwell among His people.
A Divided Kingdom — Pride and disobedience bring division, but God’s faithfulness remains.
Together these stories reveal both the strengths and weaknesses of human leadership and point us toward the perfect King, Jesus Christ.
Related Pages
Season 7: Prophets and Promises
