Who was the first king of the Northern Kingdom?

• A. Jeroboam
• B. Rehoboam
• C. Saul
• D. David

Answer: (A)

When Solomon’s rule ended, the nation split into two kingdoms: the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah. The first king to reign over the Northern Kingdom was Jeroboam I. He had been a leader among the northern tribes who resisted Solomon’s heavy labor demands, and after Solomon’s death the ten northern tribes chose Jeroboam to rule them. A prophet had foretold that Jeroboam would become ruler over these tribes, and his ascent marked the beginning of the separate northern realm.

Jeroboam tried to solidify his power by establishing new worship centers and placing golden calves at Bethel and Dan, distinct from Jerusalem, so that people wouldn’t travel south for worship. This move helped establish a distinct northern identity under his kingship.

Rehoboam remained king of Judah in the south after the split, while Saul and David had ruled earlier over the united kingdom before the division. Jeroboam’s leadership is why he’s known as the first king of the Northern Kingdom.