When the northern tribes asked
Rehoboam to lighten
Solomon's heavy labor and taxation, he rejected the elders' counsel and followed the harsh advice of younger advisers. Ten tribes rebelled and made Jeroboam king, leaving Rehoboam with Judah and Benjamin. Rehoboam prepared for war but obeyed the prophetic word of
Shemaiah not to fight his fellow Israelites. During his reign Judah also fell into serious religious unfaithfulness. Shishak king of Egypt invaded Jerusalem and carried away treasures from the Temple and palace. Chronicles records that Rehoboam humbled himself when confronted with judgment, and the destruction was moderated.