Page 247 - Bible History

IV. THE DIVISION OF SOLOMON'S KINGDOM
1. JEROBOAM FOUNDS THE KINGDOM OF ISRAEL
Robuam's After the death of Solomon, his son Roboam, then :isers forty-one years old, went to Sichem, where he hoped to be anointed king. He was met by representatives of the people, who told him that before they would recognize him as their king they had certain demands to make. They asked that the taxes which his father
had imposed upon them be reduced.
Roboam requested that he be allowed three days to
consider their petition. He called together his father's counselors and asked them what he should do. They advised him to lighten the burden of the people. Next he called together a number of young men, friends of his and companions of his youth. They advised him to continue to demand the heavy taxes, because he would need the money if he were to con­ tinue to live in splendor as his father had lived.
Roboam heeded the counsel of his friends. He sent for the representatives of the people and said to them, "My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add to your yoke; my father beat you with whips, but I will beat you with scorpions.''
Tn When the people heard the answer of the king, they
rose up in rebellion. The king sent Aduram to calm them, but they stoned him to death. Roboam, realizing that his life was in danger, ed to Jerusalem in his chariot. He intended to raise an army and force the 220
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