Chronological Reading Plan for June 22, 1 Kings 12-14

Today's readings are 1 Kings 12-14. Tomorrow's are 2 Chron 10-12.

1 Kings 12 records the rise of Rehoboam, Solomon's son. His stubborn nature and willingness to ignore the counsel of the aged while embracing the advice of his younger friends nearly loses him the kingdom. Ultimately, he is left with a much smaller kingdom comprised of Judah and Benjamin. He reigns in Jerusalem, where the Temple is.

Jeroboam reigns over the 10 Northern tribes, setting up idols in Shechem at Dan and Bethel, in 1 Kings 12, hoping to prevent his subjects from going to Jerusalem. 

In 1 Kings 13, a prophet warns Jeroboam against his actions. The prophet, however, heeds bad advice and lies and comes to a bad end. 

In short, because of Solomon's drift away from God, Israel, once a glorious and powerful nation, is in disarray and beginning to crumble.