MPV Commentary

Rehoboam's Wicked Reign.

He reigned in Jerusalem, the city chosen by God to bear his name among all the tribes of Israel. This designation serves as a stark reminder of the apostasy that had taken hold among the ten tribes and underscores the gravity of Rehoboam's introduction of idolatry and its accompanying vices into this sacred place.

Rehoboam's mother was Naamah, an Ammonitess. Her heathen background and influence as queen mother likely contributed to Rehoboam's tendency to stray from true worship. Initially, however, Rehoboam remained faithful to the Lord, encouraged by the prophet's warning (1Ki 12:23) and the influx of Israelites into his kingdom (1Ki 12:17; 2Ch 11:16). For three years, he supported the true religion, but eventually, he began to promote a general apostasy. Idolatry became widespread, with high places, idolatrous statues, groves, and impure rituals being practiced with reckless abandon. This description fits the nature of Canaanite worship.