Rehoboam
Archimandrite Nikifor’s Biblical Encyclopedia
(enlarger of the people) (1 Kings 14:21 and elsewhere)—son and successor of Solomon. He ascended Judah’s throne at forty-one and reigned seventeen years. At the beginning of his reign he could have relieved the resentment caused by the heavy burdens imposed under Solomon. Instead he rejected the elders’ wise counsel, followed the rash counsel of younger men, and answered the people’s lawful appeal with pride: “My father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions” (2 Chron. 10:11). Ten tribes revolted, leaving only Judah and Benjamin faithful to him (2 Chron. 10:1–19).