1 Kings 12:16-33
As a result of Rehoboam’s intransigence, ten tribes separated themselves. Jeroboam becomes their king. As for Solomon’s descendants, they retain only the tribes of Judah and Benjamin. From now on we shall follow the history of the two kingdoms in parallel. Until the end of the second book of Kings, the kingdom of Israel will have prominence (the ten tribes), whereas the second book of Chronicles will take up the account of the kingdom of Judah.
With one short sentence, God puts a stop to the civil war that was about to take place, "This thing is from me" (v. 24). A short sentence that is important to us as well! Does a difficulty or an obstacle stand in the way of our plans? Listen carefully! Without doubt we shall hear the same voice saying to us, "This thing is from me!"
After this Jeroboam’s first actions are recounted. He sets up two golden calves (compare his words in v. 28 with those of Aaron in Exodus 32:4). These are the essential elements of a worship totally invented by man. But self-will is nowhere so reprehensible as where religion is concerned. And in reign after reign we hear reference to this sin of Jeroboam.