Accession of Rehoboam--Jeroboam's return--The King at Shechem--The Secession of the Ten Tribes--Election of Jeroboam--New Alliances--Rezon and Shishak--Fortification of Shechem--Jeroboam's idolatry--Ahijah's rebuke--Religion in Judah--Abijam--Asa--Nadab--Baasha--Wars between Asa and Baasha--Defeat of Zerah--Benhadad--Elah--Zimri--Omri--Civil war--Samaria built--Omri's policy--Alliances with Ethbaal and Tyre--Ahab: his character--Jezebel--The Priests of Baal--Elijah--Naboth's vineyard--Elijah at Carmel--War with Benhadad--Death of Ahab and Jehoshaphat--Ahaziah's Accession--Jehoram--Elijah and Elisha--Jehu--Death of Jezebel. 977-887 B. C. E. For the first time since the monarchical government had been established in Israel, the next heir to the throne could succeed without disturbance or contest. Rehoboam, more fortunate than his father and grandfather, found himself, when he ascended the throne, ruler over a mighty and important country. Many nations bowed in allegiance to him, and he could indulge in golden dreams of power and happiness. His undisputed accession was perhaps owing to the fact that he had no brother, or that Solomon's strict laws regarding private property had also extended to the rights of succession. Whatever may have been the reason, Rehoboam ascended the throne of his father without opposition. In fact, disputes between brothers concerning the succession, such as had occurred at the death of David, did not occur again in Jerusalem. Nor would Rehoboam have been equal to such contests. He by no means resembled his father; indeed, his abilities were not even mediocre. Like all princes born in the purple, who are not gifted with striking personal qualities, he was thoughtless, haughty, and at the same time so wanting in self-reliance that he could not decide for himself. He had neither martial abilities nor an appreciation of greatness of any kind. The throne was to secure for him power, peace, and the enjoyment of life's pleasures. If this was his dream, it was of but short duration. He was unexpectedly confronted with an enemy who robbed him of power and peace, and who caused a breach in the state of Israel which could never again be healed.