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In 1 Kings chapters 12 and 13, we see the sad consequence of Solomon's unfaithfulness and Rehoboam's foolish pride: God's people are tragically divided into two separate nations. The ten northern tribes formed the kingdom of Israel under King Jeroboam, while the two southern tribes (Judah and Benjamin) remained loyal to Rehoboam, forming the kingdom of Judah. Instead of trusting God, Jeroboam, fearing that his people would return to Jerusalem to worship and then rejoin Rehoboam, made a terrible decision. He set up two golden calves in Bethel and Dan for the people to worship, breaking God's first two commandments and leading Israel into deep sin and idolatry from its very beginning as a separate nation. Chapter 13 then tells the story of a man of God sent to prophesy against Jeroboam's altar, highlighting God's immediate displeasure with this idolatry.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What was the reason for the split of the united kingdom of Israel into two nations?

  2. What were the names of the two new kingdoms, and who were their first kings?

  3. Why did Jeroboam set up the golden calves in Bethel and Dan? What commandments of God was he directly breaking?

  4. What does Jeroboam's action teach us about the dangers of fear and seeking to solve problems in our own way, instead of trusting God?

  5. What was the message of the man of God sent to Jeroboam in Chapter 13? How did Jeroboam react at first?

  6. How did Jeroboam's actions affect the priests and Levites who were faithful to God?

  7. What does this story teach us about the importance of pure worship and remaining faithful to God alone, even when it's unpopular or difficult?

  8. How can we identify "idols" in our own lives or in society that might pull us away from worshipping the one true God?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we lament the division of your people and the sin of idolatry. We see how easily fear and human reasoning can lead us away from your clear commands. Forgive us for the times we have put anything or anyone before you. Help us to worship you alone, to tear down any "idols" in our hearts, and to trust fully in your wisdom and provision. May our lives always bring glory to you, the one true God. Amen.

This discussion is based on The One Year Bible Storybook by Virginia Muir.

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