Related Terms • Old Testament

Definition:
After the death of Solomon (some time between the years 930 and 925 BCE), his sons were unable to reach an agreement which would keep the kingdom united. His one son, Rehoboam informed people in the north that he would be even harsher with them than his father had, causing them to seek support from a rebel named Jeroboam.

Jeroboam was supported Egypt and the Pharaoh Sheshonk, who probably thought it would be useful to encourage political and religious divisions among the people on his northern border. Because of this, the ten tribes in the north broke away from the rule of Rehoboam, who was left to rule just the two tribes of Judah and Benjamin. The southern kingdom's name would be taken from the name of the former tribe, Judah, while the northern would be known as Israel.

Jeroboam even erected two golden bulls in shrines where idol worship was encouraged, thus firmly establishing his break from Hebrew traditions and rule. After he died 20 years later, his son took over but was in turn removed in a military coup. Eventually Omri, an officer in the army, took control and established a new period of political stability in Israel. He moved his capital to the new city of Samaria and conquered the neighboring Moabites. Indeed, Assyrian records refer not to Israel but instead to the "House of Omri."

Also Known As: none

Alternate Spellings: none

Common Misspellings: none

Related Resources:

What is Theism?
What is the difference between monotheism and monolatry? Between pantheism and panentheism? How about between animism and shamanism? Or theism and deism? What the heck is henotheism? For that matter, what is and is not a religion?

What is Religion?
A system of human beliefs, ideals and practices which is harder to define than it may at first appear.