The Israelites were called and chosen to be a holy nation and to model the glorious life available to all who live under the government of God. When Israel rejected the theocratic reign of God, He allowed them to become a monarchy wherein the King of Israel would understand his role as the Lord’s vice-regent. When King Solomon turned away from Him, God judged him by tearing the kingdom from the house of David; the kingdom split and two kings arose. Rehoboam, Solomon’s son, took reign over the southern kingdom (Judah) and Jeroboam, one of Solomon’s officials was the king chosen to rule over the northern kingdom (Israel). Both kings fell into the sin trap of pride and idolatry.