INTRODUCTION TO 1 KINGS 12 This chapter relates Rehoboam's going to Shechem to be made king, and Jeroboam's return from Egypt, Kg1 12:1, the people's request to Rehoboam to be eased of their taxes, as the condition of making him king, Kg1 12:3, his answer to them, after three days, having had the advice both of the old and young men, which latter he followed, and gave in a rough answer, Kg1 12:5, upon which ten tribes revolted from him, and two abode by him, Kg1 12:16, wherefore he meditated a war against the ten tribes, but was forbid by the Lord to engage in it, Kg1 12:21 and Jeroboam, in order to establish his kingdom, and preserve the people from a revolt to the house of David, because of the temple worship at Jerusalem, devised a scheme of idolatrous worship in his own territories, Kg1 12:25.