Page 244 - Bible History

THE ISRAELITES UNDER KIXG SOLOMON 217
stroyed the religious unity of the Jews, without which there could be no national unity.
Thus, taxation and idolatry were the two causes that led to the break-up of Jewish unity, the unity which had been the aim of David.
The people were now ready for a rebellion, and the leader of the rebellion was preparing himself. Jero­ boam was that leader. He was a brave and talented man, whom Solomon had put in charge of the forti ­ cations of Jerusalem. Later he gave him the o ce of collecting the tribute from the tribes of Ephraim, Ben­ jamin, and Manasses.
One day when Jeroboam was going out of the city of Jerusalem he met the prophet Ahias, who was clad in a new cloak. Ahias walked along with him until they came into the open country. Then, taking o his new cloak, he tore it into twelve pieces and said to Jeroboam, "Take thee ten pieces, for thus saith the Lord God of Israel, 'Behold, I will rend the kingdom out of the hands of Solomon and will give thee ten tribes. But one tribe shall remain to him for the sake of My servant David, because he hath forsaken Me and adored false gods and hath not kept My command­ ments as did David his father. I will take away the kingdom out of his son's hands and will give thee ten tribes and to his son I will give one tribe. If thou wilt hearken to all I command thee and wilt walk in My ways, keeping My commandments as My servant David d, I will deliver Israel to thee.'"
His work of collecting taxes gave Jeroboam ample opportunity to learn how discontented the people had
A rebel leader