1. The Divided Kingdom
Judah and Israel

2. The divided kingdom The story of Solomon and his son Jeroboam
Solomon was the king of Israel
Under Solomon’s rule the kingdom was united
But he used forced labor and high taxes
kingdom did not survive after Solomon’s death
His son Rehoboam was his successor
Had lived a life of luxury
Took some bad advice – made things even worse than his father – was even tougher on the people – especially the workers

3. Rebellion Most went with Jeroboam – one of Solomon’s advisers
10 tribes rebelled and made him their king
Only the far southern part of the Kingdom stayed loyal to Rehoboam
The kingdom was now divided and would never be united again
North Kingdom: Israel
Southern kingdom: Judah

4. Return of the Golden calf
Jeroboam did not trust God’s plan
Had two golden calves made for the people to worship

5. Good and bad kings Jeroboam set the pattern
For the rest of their history Judah and Israel alternated between good and bad kings
But, God provided relief
The prophets: means “one who is called” or “one who calls”
Called the rulers of the time back to faith in God