King Saul vs Rehoboam

The prophet Samuel anointed Saul as the first king of the United Monarchy of Israel at Mizpah. This established the monarchy as a political institution, uniting the twelve tribes under a single ruler in response to Philistine threats.

Saul's son Jonathan initiated a surprise attack on a Philistine garrison at Michmash, leading to a full Israelite victory. Saul then rallied the army and routed the Philistines, temporarily securing Israel's central highlands from Philistine control.

Samuel declared that God had rejected Saul as king after Saul failed to completely destroy the Amalekites and their livestock as commanded. This marked the beginning of Saul's decline and the rise of David as his successor.

Saul and his sons, including Jonathan, were killed in battle against the Philistines at Mount Gilboa. The Philistines displayed Saul's armor in the temple of Ashtaroth and hung his body on the wall of Beth-shan, ending his reign.

At Shechem, Rehoboam rejected the elders' advice to reduce taxes and instead threatened to increase them, saying 'My little finger is thicker than my father's loins.' This caused the ten northern tribes to rebel and form the Kingdom of Israel.

Rehoboam fortified numerous cities in Judah, including Bethlehem, Hebron, and Lachish, to defend against the northern kingdom. He also strengthened the army and stored weapons, preparing for the ongoing conflict with Jeroboam.

Pharaoh Shishak of Egypt invaded Judah in the fifth year of Rehoboam's reign. He captured Jerusalem and plundered the Temple and the royal palace, taking the gold shields Solomon had made. This weakened Judah's economy and prestige.