Why did God allow the kingdom to split?

God allowed the kingdom to split as part of His sovereign plan. The division fulfilled His word spoken through the prophet Ahijah to Jeroboam (1 Kings 11:29–39). Though the split was a result of Rehoboam’s pride and Jeroboam’s fear, it ultimately served God’s purpose in preserving the Davidic line and preparing the way for the coming of Christ.

What can we learn from Rehoboam’s leadership failure?

Rehoboam’s failure teaches us the importance of humility and listening to godly counsel. His harsh leadership and disregard for wisdom led to national division and spiritual decline. Leaders must prioritize servant-heartedness and the fear of the Lord over power and pride.

How does Jeroboam’s counterfeit worship foreshadow future judgment?

Jeroboam’s creation of golden calves and his imitation of true worship established a pattern of idolatry that plagued the northern kingdom. This compromise led to God’s judgment on Israel, culminating in exile. It serves as a warning against reshaping worship to suit personal or political agendas.

The Division of Israel and the Sovereignty of God – 1 Kings 12 (August 7, 2025)

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The Division of the Kingdom – 1 Kings 12

Show: Reading the Bible Daily with Dave

Host: Dave Jenkins

Date: August 7, 2025

In this episode of Reading the Bible Daily with Dave, we examine 1 Kings 12—the chapter that marks the division of Israel into two kingdoms. Rehoboam rejects wise counsel, Jeroboam resorts to false worship, and the united kingdom fractures. But even amid political and spiritual upheaval, God’s sovereign hand is at work.

Dave Jenkins walks through the passage verse-by-verse, offering practical insights on leadership, worship, and the unshakable reign of Christ.

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Scripture: 1 Kings 12:1–33

Theme: The kingdom of Israel is divided because of poor leadership and idolatry. Christ is the greater King who brings unity and peace.

Dave Jenkins

Dave Jenkins is happily married to his wife, Sarah. He is a writer, editor, and speaker living in beautiful Southern Oregon. Dave is a lover of Christ, His people, the Church, and sound theology. He serves as the Executive Director of Servants of Grace Ministries, the Executive Editor of Theology for Life Magazine, the Host and Producer of Equipping You in Grace Podcast, and is a contributor to and producer of Contending for the Word. He is the author of The Word Explored: The Problem of Biblical Illiteracy and What To Do About It (House to House, 2021), The Word Matters: Defending Biblical Authority Against the Spirit of the Age (G3 Press, 2022), and Contentment: The Journey of a Lifetime (Theology for Life, 2024). You can find him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, or read his newsletter. Dave loves to spend time with his wife, going to movies, eating at a nice restaurant, or going out for a round of golf with a good friend. He is also a voracious reader, in particular of Reformed theology, and the Puritans. You will often find him when he’s not busy with ministry reading a pile of the latest books from a wide variety of Christian publishers. Dave received his M.A.R. and M.Div through Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.

The Division of Israel and the Sovereignty of God – 1 Kings 12 (August 7, 2025)

The Division of the Kingdom – 1 Kings 12

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