The Tanakh Podcast

In this chapter we encounter the histories of the Kings of Judah - Rechavam, Aviyam and Assa.
What is happening in Judah during this period?

Jeroboam's son is sick. He asks his wife to disguise herself and approach the prophet.
Why doesn't Yerovam go himself?
Why did she need to wear a disguise?
And what did the prophet say to her?

Yerovam has become king in the North. But he needs a new religious center. If the prople keep celebrating their holidays at the Temple in Jerusalem, he will lose legitimacy.
Yerovam builds two new Temples in Dan and Bethel setting up a golden calf (!) in each shrine. But, the Tanakh tells us that this was a grave error.
Chapter 13 reveals the people's confusion. Is Yerovam legitimate or illegitimate?

Solomon is dead. The people come to crown his son Rechavam (Rehoboam) and ask for a tax break.
Rechavam takes bad advice and responds to the people in an imperious, disdainful manner.
In response, the northern tribes revolt and split from Rehoboam's kingdom, forming their own State and appointing Yerovam (Jeroboam) as king.
This is the moment that split the kingdom, never to be reunited.

"In his old age, his wives turned away Solomon’s heart after other gods, and he was not wholeheartedly devoted to God."
How did the wisest of men make such a blunder?
Did Solomon actually worship idolatry?
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