When Rehoboam saw the ten tribes withdrawing their allegiance from him, he was aroused to action. Through one of the influential men of his kingdom, "Adoram, who was over the tribute," he made an effort to conciliate them. But the ambassador of peace received treatment which bore witness to the feeling against Rehoboam. "All Israel stoned him with stones, that he died." Startled by this evidence of the strength of revolt, "King Rehoboam made speed to get him up to his chariot, to flee to Jerusalem." Verse 18.

Da Rehabeam så, at de ti stammer ikke længer ville tjene ham, vågnede han op til dåd. Han sendte en af rigets indflydelsesrige mænd Adoniram, der havde opsyn med hoveriarbjdet ud til dem for at forsone dem, men den behandling, kongens mægler blev udsat for, viser folkets følelser over for Rehabeam. "Hele Israel stenede ham til døde." Nu gik det op for kongen, hvor stærkt oprøret i virkeligheden var. "Da steg kong Rehabeam i største hast op på sin stridsvogn og flygtede til Jerusalem." 1Kong 12,18.