When did the kingdom of Israel divide?
After Solomon, ten tribes follow Jeroboam (Israel) and two follow Rehoboam (Judah).
Kingdom Divided took place c. 930 BC at Shechem; then Israel (north) and Judah (south), during the Divided Kingdom period of Bible history. The account is recorded in 1 Kings 12:16 (KJV). After Solomon, ten tribes follow Jeroboam (Israel) and two follow Rehoboam (Judah).
"What portion have we in David? neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: to your tents, O Israel: now see to thine own house, David." — 1 Kings 12:16 (KJV)
When Rehoboam refused to lighten the burden Solomon had laid on the people, ten tribes broke away under Jeroboam to form the northern kingdom of Israel. Only Judah and Benjamin remained loyal to David's line in the south.
c. 930 BC
Shechem; then Israel (north) and Judah (south)
Key KJV Scriptures
"What portion have we in David? neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: to your tents, O Israel: now see to thine own house, David."
Why It Matters
The split fulfils God's word against Solomon's idolatry and frames the rest of the Old Testament — two kingdoms, two falls, and the prophets calling both to repentance.
Key People
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tribes were in the northern kingdom?
Ten tribes followed Jeroboam; Judah and Benjamin formed the southern kingdom.
When did kingdom divided happen?
Kingdom Divided is dated c. 930 BC, placing it in the Divided Kingdom era of biblical history. See 1 Kings 12:16 (KJV).
Where did kingdom divided take place?
Scripture places kingdom divided at Shechem; then Israel (north) and Judah (south).
Who was involved in kingdom divided?
The key figures are Rehoboam, Jeroboam.
Where is kingdom divided in the Bible?
You can read about it in 1 Kings 12:16 (King James Version).
Why does kingdom divided matter?
The split fulfils God's word against Solomon's idolatry and frames the rest of the Old Testament — two kingdoms, two falls, and the prophets calling both to repentance.
Related Events
Solomon's Temple
c. 966 BC
Solomon builds the first Temple in Jerusalem, and the glory of the LORD fills the house.
Fall of the Northern Kingdom
722 BC
Assyria captures Samaria and exiles the northern kingdom of Israel.
Fall of Jerusalem
586 BC
Nebuchadnezzar burns the city and the Temple; Judah is carried captive to Babylon.
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