The Lord did not allow Rehoboam to carry out the policy he had outlined. Among the tribes were many thousands who had become thoroughly aroused over the oppressive measures of Solomon's reign, and these now felt that they could not do otherwise than rebel against the house of David. "When all Israel saw that the king hearkened not unto them, the people answered the king, saying, What 91 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. So Israel departed unto their tents." Verse 16.

Herren lod ikke Rehabeam gennemføre de planer, han havde skitseret. Adskillige blandt stammerne var meget opbragte over Salomos tvangsregimente, og disse så ingen anden udvej end at gøre oprør imod Davids hus. "Da hele Israel mærkede, at kongen ikke hørte på dem, gav folket kongen det svar: "Hvad del har vi i David? Vi har ingen lod i Isajs søn! Til dine telte, Israel! Sørg nu, David, for dit eget hus!" Derpå vendte Israel tilbage til sine telte." 1Kong 12,16.