* At the beginning of his reign, Rehoboam was severe with his people, so ten of the tribes of Israel rebelled against him and formed the "kingdom of Israel" in the north.
__*[18:05](rc://en/tn/help/obs/18/05)__ After Solomon died, his son, __Rehoboam__, became king. __Rehoboam__ was a foolish man.
__*[18:06](rc://en/tn/help/obs/18/06)__ __Rehoboam__ answered foolishly and told them, "You thought my father Solomon made you work hard, but I will make you work harder than he did, and I will punish you more harshly than he did."
__*[18:07](rc://en/tn/help/obs/18/07)__ Ten of the tribes of the nation of Israel rebelled against __Rehoboam__. Only two tribes remained faithful to him.