Israel Divided

00:00:00 Speaker 1: Previously on The Chosen People. 00:00:03 Speaker 2: What God has given you? 00:00:06 Speaker 3: Did he tell you to build those Asherah poles? How about the altar to Milcom? Have you heard their screams, Solomon? 00:00:16 Speaker 4: What screams? 00:00:18 Speaker 3: The screams of the children they sacrifice on those altars you allowed them to build. 00:00:24 Speaker 2: Children, Solomon. 00:00:25 Speaker 5: Children. 00:00:27 Speaker 6: My king, the northern tribes grow restless. Jeroboam, who has successfully evaded our assassins, is now reported to be in exile in Egypt. But his name is everywhere. They are rallying around him. 00:00:42 Speaker 1: To the right of the temple mount in the distance, he could see firelight. Another festival to Molech was being held. Solomon could hear the drums, the women, and the crying of infants. Drunken rituals. idle worship, child sacrifice. 00:01:02 Speaker 4: Because you have done this, because you have turned your heart from me, because you have chased after the gods of your wives, and because you have not kept my covenant and my statutes as your father David did, I will tear the kingdom from your hands and give it to your servant, now your enemy. Jeroboam. 00:01:29 Speaker 7: What have I done? 00:01:36 Speaker 1: King Solomon the Wise went the way of all men. Whether they be kings or servants, tyrants or priests, the fate of all remains the same. Solomon left a gleaming empire behind, but for all its glamour, it teetered on the brink of chaos and war. The children of Israel were crushed under the weight of taxes and conscripted labor. As a result, they had little faith left in their rulers. They had given their gold and their sons to build the wealthy king's magnificent city, and now they wondered if it had all been for nothing. Unlike his father, Solomon left no grand deathbed speeches no impassioned final blessings. He died as the pagan kings did, surrounded by his wealth, his concubines, his courtiers, and his progenies squabbling over their place in the power vacuum he left behind. His burial procession was as glamorous as his reign, but even then the cries of mourners and sounding of the dirge were swallowed by the relentless clang of chisels and hammers. Israel was still building. Only one woman stood apart from the clamor, Abishag the Shulamite, his first and only love. She grieved not only for the man he was, but for the man he could have been. His gift had become his pride. His wisdom had made him blind. His hunger for more had led him down the path of destruction. Solomon's son Rehoboam inherited the kingdom, the wealth, the throne, but not the wisdom. When the time for a coronation came, it was decided that it would take place in Shechem in the north, not Jerusalem. Shechem was a city steeped in Israel's history. It was the site of Abraham's first altar, the resting place of Joseph, and the valley where the nation once reaffirmed its covenant with Yahweh, a symbolic location and a strategic one, because this was Ephraimite land, the heart of Israel's territories, and it was here that the north would make its demands, and because the south was clinging to its remaining sovereignty over the kingdom made up of twelve tribes, the decision was made for them to leave the grandeur and safety of the capital and venture north. But as Rehoboam and his entourage set out, Jeroboam returned from Egyptian exile. The prodigal son of Ephraim, champion of the northern tribes, had arrived to stake his claim. He stood before Rehoboam and all the tribal leaders of Israel, pleading the case of the north. 00:04:43 Speaker 7: Your Majesty, we have come before you not as rebels, but as your loyal subjects. We have built your father's cities, harvested his fields, paid his tribute. But his yoke was heavy upon us. 00:04:54 Speaker 1: Rehoboam shifted on his makeshift throne in the cramped hall. He stood flanked by his advisors, and his right was Benaiah. The other, standing nearby, was Adoniram, the stern and sour overseer of conscripted labor. Beside them stood his mother, Neomar, now reigning as Gebera, Queen Mother, and his favorite wife, Macha, whispering in his ear, maneuvering him to suit her own ambitions. Their son and heir, Abijam, sat close by his scheming mother's design. And then, of course, there were Rehoboam's spoiled young companions, arrogant entitled men who grew up with him in the palace ready to blindly lead him astray. Jeroboam despite having been exiled in Egypt these past few years could see their pretentious royal pride laid before him plainly. It was important that Jeroboam lived up to being the man of the people. He did not have high hopes for the outcome of this gathering but he was certain of one thing It would seal both his fate and Rehoboam's forever, and all of Israel would bear witness. 00:06:14 Speaker 7: And so I come to you, your majesty, and I ask that you lighten the burden your father placed on us. Do this and we will serve you as our king. 00:06:24 Speaker 1: There was a long pause. Rehoboam leaned back, eyes flicking to his counsel. He was painfully unaware of how important this request was. Macha narrowed her eyes and shook her head almost imperceptibly at her husband's questioning look. Their son Abijam loudly scoffed at Jeroboam's request. Their reaction solidified Rehoboam's answer. 00:06:52 Speaker 5: You ask me to weaken my father's rule? 00:06:56 Speaker 7: We ask for justice and the right to return to our homes. 00:07:01 Speaker 1: Murmurs from the crowd stirred at that. Rehoboam hesitated, unsure of what to do. His wife leaned over and whispered in his ear. 00:07:13 Speaker 5: Three days. 00:07:14 Speaker 8: Keep them waiting. 00:07:16 Speaker 3: Make them beg for your favor. 00:07:19 Speaker 1: Rehoboam nodded and stood. 00:07:22 Speaker 5: Leave me! 00:07:24 Speaker 9: Return in three days and you'll have my answer. 00:07:28 Speaker 1: Grumbles of frustration rippled through the hall. but the northern leaders bowed stiffly and withdrew. Jeroboam's smile curled. Rehoboam's obvious indecision would only solidify Jeroboam's claim to the throne. The kingdom was slipping through his fingers, and he didn't even know it. Jeroboam turned, following his fellow tribesmen out of the hall. In three days, Israel would not decide its future. 00:07:59 Speaker 4: Its future. 00:08:00 Speaker 1: had already been decided. Rehoboam's fingers anxiously tapped the table in front of him as his advisors laid out their cases before him. 00:08:13 Speaker 7: Again. 00:08:14 Speaker 1: They were divided into two camps. The elders who served Solomon and the younger nobles who grew up alongside Rehoboam. Benaiah, the old general, pleaded the case of the elders. 00:08:28 Speaker 7: Your Majesty. 00:08:30 Speaker 6: If today you serve the people, they will serve you forever. But if you speak harshly, they will turn against you. 00:08:39 Speaker 1: Rehoboam's son Abijam scoffed and interjected on behalf of the younger group. 00:08:46 Speaker 8: You don't truly think that people would turn against the House of David, do you? My great-grandfather united us, and my grandfather made us all rich. The people won't forget that. 00:08:58 Speaker 1: The old general winced at the young prince's willful arrogance, but kept trying for reason anyway. 00:09:06 Speaker 6: Yes, Prince Abhijan, I'm sure the people remember their heritage. But people also tend to bow to what is right in front of them under duress. King Solomon's rule was great, but costly. My King Rehoboam, if I may, I think you should heed your father's elders and hear our counsel. Perhaps your greatness will be found in wisdom as well, not oppression. 00:09:34 Speaker 1: Rehoboam's mother, Nehemiah, rose to her son's defense and snapped at Benaiah from across the table from her seat at her son's right hand. 00:09:44 Speaker 2: My son has already found his greatness, Benaniah. I prayed to the god of my people that Rehoboam would be king after his father and twice as powerful with the kingdom he inherited, and Milcom has delivered. I don't understand why these northerners haven't just crowned Rehoboam and made it official by now. We marched all the way up here. Why the delay? 00:10:08 Speaker 6: Pardon any offense, Gabira, but I just wanted to ensure there is a peaceful transfer of power for your sons. 00:10:15 Speaker 1: Nehemar waved off the general dismissively and leaned in toward her son. 00:10:21 Speaker 2: You are not just your father's son, Rehoboam. You are my son. I prayed to Milcom that you would rule and he has answered. Do not insult the gods by squandering what they have given. 00:10:37 Speaker 1: From Rehoboam's other side, Macha entered the fray. With her signature flattery, that had earned her the spot of favored wife and future queen mother. 00:10:49 Speaker 3: My husband has the wisdom of his father, and he has the power bestowed upon him by Asherah, the god of my people. My love, who has been loyal to you? 00:11:03 Speaker 2: The people? 00:11:04 Speaker 3: Or the one sitting at this table? Your father built this kingdom. We stand on his foundations. What good is love from men who forget their place? King Rehoboam will do what he thinks is right, and we will all support him without question. 00:11:24 Speaker 1: Maha punctuated her final words with a threatening stare in Benaiah's direction. Her carefully crafted security rode on her ability to keep everyone obeying her husband's words. Marka had worked to secure her position as the favoured wife of Rehoboam and her son as the heir. She was not about to upset it now. Rehoboam frowned but did not answer. He turned to the younger nobles he grew up with, with his son Abhijam leading the charge of their shared opinion. Father. 00:12:01 Speaker 8: You're not truly considering bending to these old men? 00:12:05 Speaker 1: The younger nobles laughed. Rehoboam's pride stung, but he looked between the two groups of advisors, his supportive mother and wife in between. They only wanted to see him in power. They didn't care how he did it. 00:12:23 Speaker 8: Grandfather ruled with iron, and you would rule with straw? Ha ha ha! 00:12:29 Speaker 1: Laughter erupted from the young nobles again, landing harshly on Rehoboam's ears. He forced a smirk to mirror his son's, but something twisted in his gut. His fingers tightened around the edge of the table. His father's legacy, his burden, pressed heavily on his shoulders. 00:12:50 Speaker 8: Tell them your little finger's thicker than your father's waist. 00:12:54 Speaker 2: Tell them. 00:12:54 Speaker 8: My father scourged you with whips, but I'll scourge you with scorpions. 00:12:59 Speaker 2: Show them your power. 00:13:00 Speaker 8: If you show them anything less, they won't fear you. 00:13:03 Speaker 1: Rehoboam nodded with a gleam in his eye at his son's words, tempted, but he was determined to consider all his options, like father would have done. 00:13:16 Speaker 9: Leave me! 00:13:17 Speaker 1: The advisors rose, bowed and departed the room. The older ones seemed eager to excuse themselves, while the younger seemed put out that they didn't receive affirmation right away for their extreme stance. His mother swept from the room with an encouraging squeeze on his arm, while his wife lingered with a questioning look in her eye. 00:13:42 Speaker 9: You can go, my love. This is a decision I must make alone. 00:13:47 Speaker 3: As you say, my love. 00:13:50 Speaker 1: When he was alone in the dusty hall, Rehoboam sighed, running his hands over his round face. He had long relied on his father's guidance, his famed wisdom, but now that it was all on him, he hesitated. This decision would define his reign. 00:14:11 Speaker 5: Should I be feared and powerful like my son and my friends advise, carrying out my father's legacy? Should I give in to the people's demands and become beloved by them? But then would I be spitting in the face of what my father built? 00:14:31 Speaker 1: Rehoboam stood and paced around the ancient table in the dimly lit hall. Solomon had toiled to give his son stability and prosperity. but the endeavors had also pulled him away. Rehoboam knew he should be grateful for the easy, privileged life he had been afforded, but he often resented his father for the long hours devoted to building his empire and writing and debating with men with whom Rehoboam had nothing in common. And so he had become his mother's creature, worshipping her gods, basking in the light of her praise and aspirations, and dreaming about the day that he would become the man in charge at last. 00:15:15 Speaker 9: What kind of king should I be? A king of wisdom or a king of power? 00:15:22 Speaker 5: My father built this kingdom, but they resent him for it. And now they want me to be weaker than him? 00:15:31 Speaker 1: He stopped his pacing and gripped the edge of the table. He longed to build a legacy like his father's, in spite of his father's, perhaps. 00:15:42 Speaker 7: No, I will not. 00:15:44 Speaker 9: I was born to rule. A king is feared, not questioned. 00:15:49 Speaker 5: If my father was a king of wisdom, then I will be a king of power. 00:15:54 Speaker 9: If he built with a hammer, then I will rule with an iron fist. This kingdom is mine, mine, and they will know it. 00:16:06 Speaker 1: On the third morning, The tribes of Israel once more gathered before Rehoboam with Jeroboam at their helm. Jeroboam's calculating eyes took in everything. Rehoboam rose and puffed out his chest, ready to give his answer. Jeroboam fought the urge to roll his eyes at the display of self-importance, but he knew the eyes of the north were upon him too. They would follow his reaction to Rehoboam's proclamation. 00:16:38 Speaker 9: You say my father was harsh? Then hear me now. My little finger is thicker than my father's waist. 00:16:48 Speaker 1: Outrage rippled through the crowd. Jeroboam expected this, but he was surprised that he was clenching his jaw and bawling his fists nonetheless. 00:16:59 Speaker 9: My father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions! 00:17:07 Speaker 1: There was a long, deadly silence. Jeroboam stared, stunned by the sheer ignorance before him. Scorpions. The word alone sent a shudder down his spine. He had seen the scorpions before in Egypt. They were more than whips. They were tools of torture and bloodshed. Long wooden handles, thick leather lashes, and shards of jagged metal woven in between. He had watched men's backs split open like parchment, flesh curling away to expose raw muscle, sometimes even bone. And now, Rehoboam had invoked that image here. He threatened the very men whose backs had built Solomon's empire, the very men Rehoboam hoped to rule. 00:18:05 Speaker 5: Did I say something to amuse you? 00:18:09 Speaker 7: Forgive me, it's just funny. I believe I heard something similar from Pharaoh in Egypt. 00:18:17 Speaker 5: What are you getting at? 00:18:20 Speaker 7: We were slaves once, Rehoboam. Never again. 00:18:26 Speaker 4: The hall was tense. 00:18:28 Speaker 1: Every man at Jeroboam's back fixed Rehoboam and his ilk with lethal stares. Then, from the crowd of northerners, the words of an old battle cry rang out over the strained silence. 00:18:43 Speaker 9: What portion do we have in David? We have no inheritance in the son of Jesse. 00:18:50 Speaker 5: Israel, return to your tents. 00:18:54 Speaker 9: The sons of David can look after their own house. 00:18:58 Speaker 1: Jeroboam saw a glimmer of panic cross before Rehoboam's eyes. There was stillness for another fraught heartbeat, and then chaos. Jeroboam peeled back into the crowd, but was handed a club. The northerners at the far end of the hall exploded with fury and sprang forward past the tribal leaders and toward the royal family and advisors, but they were swiftly driven back by Rehoboam's guard. 00:19:27 Speaker 7: To arms! 00:19:28 Speaker 9: Defend your king! 00:19:30 Speaker 1: The old general then swiftly hauled Rehoboam off the makeshift throne and fled toward the back of the hall, the royal women hot on his heels. He and a few of the royal guards formed a protective wall around Rehoboam, Abidjan and the women. With Benaiah defending Rehoboam, Adoniram, the overseer of conscripted labour, stepped up to aid the guards in holding the furious crowd back to give the others a chance to escape. For a moment it seemed like the mob would quiet and then a stone flew, then another and another. The crowd surged forward, their stones finding their mark over and over on Adoniram's defenceless body. The overseer of forced labour stumbled to the ground dead, blood pooling on the stone floor. Benaiah tightened his grip, yanking Rehoboam back. Chariots waited behind them. 00:20:30 Speaker 9: Your Highness, go, now! 00:20:34 Speaker 1: Rehoboam stumbled but was shoved toward the chariot. His mother was similarly thrust in after him. His wife and son were in a second chariot behind. The din of the riot behind them was deafening. Shouts, screams, more sickening cracks of stone on flesh. The chariot jolted forward and Rehoboam gripped the side, panting. The wheels kicked up dust. The sound of hooves drowned out the chaos as they fled. He turned back once when they crested a hill. To his horror, Tongues of fire were licking the sides of the ancient Shechem Hall. His people, his kingdom, were reduced to a riot of fury and flame. He jerked forward, ignoring the tears of his mother beside him. 00:21:24 Speaker 9: It's just faction. This is a setback. It can be reforged, reclaimed. I am still the king. 00:21:35 Speaker 1: The kingdom his father built was tearing itself apart, or rather, it was being torn from him. This Pray.com production is only made possible by our dedicated team of creative talents. Steve Katina, Max Bard, Zach Schellewager and Ben Gammon are the executive producers of The Chosen People, narrated by Paul Colter-Fianu. Characters are voiced by Jonathan Cotton, Aaron Salvato, Sarah Seltz, Mike Reagan, Stephen Ringwald, Sylvia Zaradok, Thomas Copeland Jr., Rosanna Pilcher, and Mitch Lashinsky. Music by Andrew Morgan Smith. Written by Aaron Salvato, Brie Rosely, and Chris Baig. You can hear more Prey.com productions on the Prey.com app, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. If you enjoyed The Chosen People, please rate and leave a review.