Melachim I Perek 12

• Rechavam went to Sh’chem to be anointed by Yisrael.

• Yiravam had returned from Egypt upon hearing the news about the death of Shlomo.

• Yiravam rallied the support of Yisrael and confronted Rechavam, asking for him to alleviate the burden of taxes that Shlomo had placed on them.

• Rechavam requested 3 days’ time to answer.

• 1st Rechavam asked the elders for their advice. The elders told Rechavam that if he listens, the burden of Yisrael will be his forever.

• 2nd Rechavam asked his childhood friends. The friends told him to speak to Yisrael in a harsh manner saying, “If my father hurt you with sticks, I will hurt you with scorpions!”

• Rechavam did not listen to the advice of the elders, but listened instead to the advice of the “youngsters.”

• This was all orchestrated by Hashem to have the kingdom ripped away from the house of Shlomo.

• Immediately upon Rechavam delivering the harsh words of the “youngsters”, Yisrael started rebelling against Rechavam.

• Adorom, the tax collector for Rechavam, was stoned and killed by Yisrael.

• Rechavam prepared for civil war, but received a prophecy from Shemayah not to attack.

• The kingdom was split. Yiravam set up 2 golden calves for idol worship, one located in Dan and the other located in Beit-el. Yiravam also constructed a “mini Beis Hamikdash” for idol worship and created an imitation, faux holiday for Yisrael to worship on.