Solomon’s Sin Divided the Kingdom
1 Kings 11-12
“The Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” Proverbs 2:6
Dear Parents,
This week we will see how despite King Solomon’s great wisdom, he was still sinful and his sin divided the people of Israel. When Solomon’s son Rehoboam became king, the people asked for him to ease up on them, but Rehoboam listened to the bad advice of his peers and actually demanded more from the people. Because of this, the kingdom split into two: the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah.
King Solomon failed to lead God’s people perfectly. God’s people needed a better king, a perfect king! Through David’s family, God would send His own Son, Jesus Christ, to be a perfect King over God’s people forever. Jesus brings His people together and leads them back to God.
Help your kids understand that Jesus is our perfect King and when we love Him and follow Him and do what He says, we will glorify God and be part of God’s plan to bring people back to Himself through Jesus.
KEY PASSAGE: Proverbs 2:6
BIG PICTURE QUESTION:
- Where does wisdom come from? Wisdom comes from God.
BIBLE STORY: SOLOMON’S SIN DIVIDED THE KINGDOM
- Solomon’s wives led him to worship false gods.
- God split the kingdom because of Solomon’s sin.
- Rehoboam, Solomon’s son, led the kingdom of Judah.
- Jeroboam, Solomon’s servant, led the kingdom of Israel.
FAMILY DISCUSSION STARTERS:
- How did each king mess up?
- Tell about a time someone led you to do something wrong.
- Tell about a time you had to su er because someone else made a wrong choice.
FAMILY ACTIVITY:
- Play a game as a family. Talk about how even though you are playing against each other, you are still one family.
- Invite several families from your neighborhood to a family game night.
NEXT WEEK “Solomon Thought about Life” (Ecclesiastes 1:1-11)
