1 Kings 12

After Solomon’s death, his son Rehoboam travels to Shechem to be crowned king over all Israel. The people ask Rehoboam to lighten the heavy burdens (taxes and labor) imposed by Solomon. Rehoboam consults the elders, who advise kindness, but he listens instead to his young, foolish counselors, who tell him to be even harsher. Rehoboam announces, "My little finger is thicker than my father's loins!" Ten tribes revolt, proclaiming, "What portion have we in the son of Jesse?" Jeroboam is made king of the new Northern Kingdom of Israel, leaving Rehoboam only with the Southern Kingdom of Judah (Judah and Benjamin).