Rehoboam

Rehoboam, a biblical figure mentioned in the books of 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles, means "he enlarges the people" or "he that is enlarged," derived from the Hebrew root words *rabah* (רָבָה), meaning "to be great" or "to multiply." He was the son of King Solomon and Naamah the Ammonite, and he became the first king of the southern kingdom of Judah after the division of the united monarchy following Solomon's reign (1 Kings 12:1-24).Rehoboam's reign is marked by significant events, particularly his decision to heed the advice of his younger peers rather than the counsel of his father's elders, which led to the rebellion of the ten northern tribes and the establishment of the kingdom of Israel under Jeroboam (1 Kings 12:8-19). His rule is often characterized by a departure from the faithful worship of Yahweh, leading to idolatry and the eventual decline of Judah. Rehoboam's actions and their consequences serve as a cautionary tale about leadership and the importance of listening to wise counsel.