KINGDOM OF ISRAEL DIVIDED, Brother Kenny Allen, September 6, 2026

Arrogance, injustice, and lust for power cause division. "Better is a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish king, who will no more be admonished" (Ecclesiastes 4:13) THE LESSON OVERVIEW We begin a study of one of the most tragic periods in the history of ancient Israel. This period followed the rule of three kings--Saul, David and Solomon. for 120 years, the people of Israel were united as one nation. (These three kings each ruled for forty years.) Under David and during the early reign of Solomon, the Israelites experienced their golden age. They were victorious in battle. They expanded their borders. They were prosperous and thriving. They built a glorious temple to honor and worship the Lord. In every way, God blessed them. But as Solomon aged he turned from a pure heart and pure worship. The king whom had built a magnificent temple to honor the one true God turned tom idols and built shrines to honor the gods of the surrounding nations. As a result of Solomon's infidelity, the judgement of God came upon the land and the people. What should have been a royal dynasty lasting for ages was torn away from Solomon's family, and the nation of Israel was divided into two kingdoms. The southern kingdom was called Judah, and its 19 kings were all descendants of David. Judah endured for about three hundred years. The northern kingdom was called Israel. It also had 19 kings, but from various tribes and families. Israel followed other gods, especially Baal and the gods of Canaanites. This kingdom lasted for about two hundred years before facing ultimate destruction. THE LESSON OUTLINE 1. WHY THE KINGDOM WAS DIVIDED 1 Kings 11:1-13 A. Solomon's Unfaithful Heart (1 Kings 11:1-8) B. The Lord's Decree (1 Kings 11:9-13) 2. KING REHOBOAM'S FOLLY 1 Kings 11:42-12:14 A. Contradictory Advice (1 Kings 11:42-43; 12:1-11) B. Foolish Decision (1 Kings 12:12-14) 3. KING REHOBAM'S LOSS 1 Kings 12:15-24 A. Nation Divided (1 Kings 12:15-19) B. Civil War Averted (1 Kings 12:20-24)