Division of the Kingdom: Solomon's Folly
The kingdom, once united under Solomon, fractured due to his sins and the growing discontent among the tribes. This led to a lasting division.
Division of the Kingdom: Solomon's Folly
1 Kings (3 Kings)
11:30-39
30. And Ahijah caught the new garment that was on him, and rent it in twelve pieces:
31. And he said to Jeroboam, Take thee ten pieces: for thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel, Behold, I will rend the kingdom out of the hand of Solomon, and will give ten tribes to thee:
32. (But he shall have one tribe for my servant David's sake, and for Jerusalem's sake, the city which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel:)
33. Because that they have forsaken me, and have worshipped Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, Chemosh the god of the Moabites, and Milcom the god of the children of Ammon, and have not walked in my ways, to do that which is right in mine eyes, and to keep my statutes and my judgments, as did David his father.
34. Howbeit I will not take the whole kingdom out of his hand: but I will make him prince all the days of his life for David my servant's sake, whom I chose, because he kept my commandments and my statutes:
35. But I will take the kingdom out of his son's hand, and will give it unto thee, even ten tribes.
36. And unto his son will I give one tribe, that David my servant may have a light alway before me in Jerusalem, the city which I have chosen me to put my name there.
37. And I will take thee, and thou shalt reign according to all that thy soul desireth, and shalt be king over Israel.
38. And it shall be, if thou wilt hearken unto all that I command thee, and wilt walk in my ways, and do that is right in my sight, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as David my servant did; that I will be with thee, and build thee a sure house, as I built for David, and will give Israel unto thee.
39. And I will for this afflict the seed of David, but not for ever.
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NOTE: The images reflect the following descriptions related to the theme : Division of the Kingdom: Solomon's Folly
- A macro closeup of a shattered clay tablet inscribed with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, cracked down the middle, signifying the division of the kingdom. Dust motes dance in a single ray of light illuminating the cracks. The colors are muted earth tones, with hints of faded gold leaf where the inscription once shone.
- A macro closeup of a withered olive branch, split in two, symbolizing the broken unity of the Israelite kingdom. Ants crawl among the dry earth at the base of the split branch, representing the decay and fragmentation. The scene is sharply focused, highlighting the texture of the wood and the tiny creatures.
- Bright morning light illuminates a sun-drenched valley in ancient Israel. Two separate groups of olive trees, representing the divided kingdoms, stand distinctly apart, yet the same morning sun bathes them both. A gentle breeze rustles the leaves.
- Golden morning light spills across a lush field of wheat, divided by a stark, rocky ridge. One side of the field appears lush and vibrant, representing prosperity, while the other side is sparser, indicating hardship. Birds fly overhead, representing the divided loyalties.
- As the sun sets, casting long shadows across a desolate landscape, two separate bonfires burn on opposite hillsides. Smoke curls upwards, symbolizing the different destinies of the divided kingdoms. The sky is a fiery blend of oranges and purples.
- The last rays of a setting sun paint the sky with hues of orange and purple as a lone shepherd watches his flock from a high vantage point, overlooking a valley visually divided into two distinct halves by a deep ravine, symbolizing the kingdoms' separation. The valley is shrouded in shadows.
- A bustling marketplace in ancient Israel at dawn. Two distinct groups of people, representing the northern and southern kingdoms, are seen bargaining, but kept physically apart. The warm tones of the morning sun highlight the scene's activity. Donkeys and camels populate the scene.
- A nighttime scene depicting two separate camps under a starry sky. One camp is brightly lit with flickering torches and is bustling with activity, while the other is dark and quiet, indicating different levels of prosperity and stability in the divided kingdoms.
- A detailed depiction of a torn royal decree, half of it showing Solomon's seal and the other half blank, symbolizing the shattered authority of the unified kingdom. The paper is aged and brittle. The tear line is jagged and uneven.
- An intricate depiction of a crown split in two, one side tarnished and broken, the other relatively intact, representing the division of power and the unequal destinies of the two kingdoms. The materials used are gold, jewels, and darkened metal.
- Silhouetted figures against a stormy night sky, with lightning illuminating their faces. They are divided, separated by a deep chasm, representing the deep schism between the divided kingdoms. The sky is dramatic and ominous.
- A night scene showcasing two separate royal palaces, one majestic and brilliantly lit, and the other dimly lit and appearing somewhat dilapidated, depicting the vast differences in wealth and power between the two kingdoms after the division. Stars are prominent in the dark night sky.
General themes for this chapter of the Bible: Solomon's Apostasy; Adversaries of Solomon; Jeroboam's Rise
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Other Galleries for this theme / Bible book
Solomon's Downfall: From Wisdom to Idolatry


Adonijah's Usurpation: A King's Ambitions
Ahab's Wars and Death: A King's Downfall
Construction of Solomon's Temple
David's Farewell Instructions to Solomon
Dedication of the Temple - Solomon's Splendor
Division of the Kingdom: Solomon's Folly
Elijah's Flight and Encounter with God
Elijah's Drought: A Land Parched
Elijah's Contest on Mount Carmel: A Showdown with Baal
God's Covenant with Solomon
Kings of Judah and Israel: Solomon's Wisdom
Preparations for Solomon's Temple: Gathering the Materials
Prophecies against Jeroboam and Rehoboam
The Rise of King Ahab: A Kingdom Divided
Solomon's Downfall: From Wisdom to Idolatry
Solomon's Officials and Prosperity
Solomon's Palace and Temple Furnishings: A Splendor of Gold and Ivory
Solomon's Wisdom: A King's Judgment
The Queen of Sheba's Visit to King Solomon
Jeroboam and the Man of God: A Confrontation of Faith and Power
Related Pages: thematic Bible Images (French Version)

