Part 7 of 12 / Solmon And The Divided Kingdom
- Chris Houser
- Aug 29
- 3 min read
Introduction
Under Solomon, Israel reached its greatest height in wealth, and influence. The magnificent Temple in Jerusalem symbolized God's presence among His people. Yet Solomon's compromises with foreign gods sowed the seeds of decline.
After his death, the kingdom split into two nations: the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. What began as a golden era quickly spiraled into disunity, idolatry, and political strife.
Key Scriptures
1 Kings 3:9-12 - Solomon Asks For Wisdom
1 Kings 6:11-13 - God's Promise During The Temple Construction
1 Kings 10:23-25 - Solomon's Wealth And Fame
1 Kings 11:1-6 - Solomon's Downfall Through Idolatry
1 Kings 12:16-20 - The Division Of The Kingdom
1 Kings 18:20-39 - Elijah's Contest On Mount Carmel (Northern Kingdom)
Solomon's Wisdom And Achievements
When God offered Solomon anything, he asked for wisdom to govern (1 Kings 3:9).
God granted this along with great wealth and honor.
Solomon's Achievements
Built The Temple Of Jerusalem (1 Kings 6-8)
Authored Much Of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, And Song of Songs
Expanded Israel's Borders And Made Alliances With Surrounding Nations
The Lesson: wisdom begins with fearing God (Proverbs 9:10)
Solomon's Compromise
Despite his wisdom, Solomon's heart was divided. He married foreign wives who led him into idolatry (1 Kings 11:1-6). This compromise angered God and set the stage for judgment.
The Lesson: even the wisest can fall if their heart drifts from God.
The Division Of The Kingdom
After Solomon's death (around 931 BC), his son Rehoboam ruled harshly, prompting ten northern tribes to rebel under Jeroboam.
The results are as follows:
Northern Kingdom (Israel): 10 Tribes, capital in Samaria, ruled by ungodly kings.
Southern Kingdom (Judah): 2 Tribes (Judah and Benjamin), capital Jerusalem, David's line lasts.
The Lesson: disobedience and pride fracture unity.
The Lesson: Outward strength fades, but a heart after God will last forever.
Prophets In The Northern Kingdom
The northern kingdom quickly plunged into idolatry under Jeroboam, who set up golden calves. God sent prophets like Elijah and Elisha to call the people back to God.
Elijah on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18) - God proved that He alone is Lord by sending fire from Heaven.
Elijah, Elisha and other prophets, served as God's voice, warning the people of judgement and calling them to repentance.
Spiritual Themes
Wisdom Without Obedience Is Wasted: Solomon's wisdom could not save him from compromising.
Idolatry Leads To Division: Israel's unity collapsed when their worship strayed.
God Always Sends Warnings: through prophets, He gave opportunity after opportunity to return.
Application
Wealth, success, and wisdom mean nothing if the heart is not wholly devoted to God. Compromise in small areas can lead to great collapsing. The Church, like Israel, must guard itself against division by keeping Christ at the center of it.
Reflection Questions
What can we learn from Solomon's request for wisdom?
Why did Solomon fall into compromise despite such a strong beginning?
How does the division of Israel reflect the dangers of pride and disobedience?
In what ways do we see "modern idols" pulling God's people away today?
Closing Prayer
Lord, give us a heart fully devoted to You. Guard us against compromise. Let your Wisdom be rooted in us through obedience, not pride or arrogance. Keep us from idols that pull us away from Your presence. Use us, as you used Elijah, to point others back towards You in a world that is filled with false gods and false hope. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
SNEAK PEEK / Week 8
In Week 8, we will be studying the fall of the northern and southern kingdoms, the warnings of the prophets, and the exile which would reshape Israel's history forever.
Tune Next Week for Week 8: Fallen Kingdoms, The Prophets, And The Exile
Don't miss next week!
Until We Meet Again ~ Maranatha ~ Come Lord Jesus!
