1. Name and Meaning
• Name: Rehoboam (Hebrew: רְחַבְעָם, Rəḥaḇʿām)
• Meaning: “He enlarges the people” or “the people are enlarged”; possibly signifies aspiration for national strength and expansion

2. Genealogical Placement and Lineage Role
• Position: Thirty-fifth generation from Adam; twenty-fifth generation after the flood in the Messianic line
• Father: Solomon – king of Israel and temple builder
• Son: Abijah (Abijam) – continues the Davidic line in Judah
• Lineage Role: First king of the southern kingdom (Judah) after the united monarchy split; preserved the Davidic line despite national division

3. Life Summary and Historical Setting
• Reigned after Solomon’s death during a time of rising tribal tensions (1 Kings 12; 2 Chronicles 10)
• Refused to ease the heavy labour burdens of his father, leading to the secession of the northern tribes under Jeroboam
• Ruled the kingdom of Judah (the tribes of Judah and Benjamin), with Jerusalem remaining its capital
• Faced both internal reforms and external threats, including an invasion by Shishak of Egypt (2 Chronicles 12:2–9)
• Reigned 17 years in Jerusalem (1 Kings 14:21)

4. Theological and Christological Significance
• His reign marks the beginning of the divided kingdom—an event that highlights human folly and the consequence of rejecting godly counsel
• Despite his failings, God upheld the Davidic covenant and retained Rehoboam on the throne for David’s sake (1 Kings 11:36)
• The continuation of the Messianic line through him illustrates God’s faithfulness despite leadership failures
• Points forward to Christ as the greater Son of David who would unite God’s people under one eternal kingdom

5. Legacy and Interpretive Reflections
• Often criticised for his arrogance and poor leadership judgment
• Nevertheless preserved the Davidic dynasty and temple worship in Judah
• His failures serve as cautionary examples of political pride and spiritual compromise
• Included in the genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1:7)

6. Summary Insight
• Rehoboam’s reign initiated national division but preserved the covenantal line, showing that even in decline, God’s redemptive plan through the house of David continued toward Christ.

7. Biblical References
• 1 Kings 11:43–14:31
• 2 Chronicles 10–12
• Matthew 1:7