This chapter is copied almost verbatim from 1 Kings 12:1–19 2 Chron. 10:1–19, where it was opened at large. Solomon’s defection from God was not repeated, but the defection of the ten tribes from his family is, in this chapter, where we find, I.

We may observe here, 1. The wisest and best cannot give every body content. Solomon enriched and advanced his kingdom, did all (one would think) that could be done to make then happy and easy; and yet either he was indiscreet in burdening them with the imposition of taxes and services, or at least…

We may learn here, 1. That when public affairs are in a ferment violent proceedings do but make bad worse. Rough answers (such as Rehoboam here gave) do but stir up anger and bring oil to the flames. The pilot has need to steer steadily in a storm.