The chapter where a dynasty fractures in a single afternoon. Rehoboam’s choice at Shechem - to follow his peers over his father’s counselors - split the united kingdom of Israel in two, and verse 15 says: it was brought about by God.

Full sung version coming soon.

Lyrics

Rehoboam went to Shechem For all Israel came to Shechem to make him king

And when Jeroboam the son of Nebat heard of it He returned out of Egypt For Jeroboam had fled from the presence of King Solomon And Jeroboam dwelt in Egypt

And they sent and called him And Jeroboam and all Israel came and spoke to Rehoboam Saying, Your father made our yoke heavy Now therefore make you the grievous service lighter

And he said to them, Depart yet for three days Then come again to me And the people departed

And King Rehoboam took counsel with the old men That had stood before Solomon his father While he yet lived, saying, What counsel give you me To return answer to this people

And they spoke to him saying If you be kind to this people and please them And speak good words to them Then they will be your servants forever

But he forsook the counsel of the old men Which they had given him And took counsel with the young men that were grown up with him

And spoke to them saying My father made your yoke heavy but I will add to your yoke My father chastised you with whips but I will chastise you with scorpions So the king hearkened not unto the people

The kingdom divided The choice made in pride The unity shattered The kingdom split in two

Listen

2 Chronicles 10 sung by Psalm Selah. The whole Bible, one chapter at a time.

Published 2026-05-22 · Last updated 2026-06-06
Written by Reid Wender, Editorial Director at Psalmody Press