The First Three Kings of Israel and the Divided Kingdom | இஸ்ரவேலின் முதல் மூன்று ராஜாக்கள்

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The First Three Kings of Israel

Saul, David, Solomon and the story of how one united kingdom became two.

Saul, David and Solomon, the first three kings of united Israel

Before Israel Had a King

God guided Israel through leaders such as Moses, Joshua and the judges. During Samuel’s lifetime, the elders asked for a king like the surrounding nations. Samuel warned them about the cost of human kingship, but they continued to ask. God then instructed Samuel to appoint a king.

Read: 1 Samuel 8:4–22; 10:17–25

The United Kingdom

SaulDavidSolomonDivision
1

Saul — The First King

TribeBenjamin
ReignAbout 40 years

Saul began humbly and won important battles. Later, impatience and repeated disobedience marked his reign. God declared that Saul’s royal line would not continue.

1 Samuel 9–15; Acts 13:21
Reign note: The ancient wording of 1 Samuel 13:1 has a textual difficulty, so translations differ. Acts 13:21 gives forty years; this page therefore says “about 40 years.”
2

David — The Kingdom Grows Strong

TribeJudah
Reign40 years

David first ruled Judah from Hebron and later ruled all Israel from Jerusalem. God promised a lasting place for David’s royal family in his plan.

2 Samuel 2:1–4; 5:1–5; 7:12–16
3

Solomon — Wisdom and the Temple

FatherDavid
Reign40 years

Solomon asked God for wisdom and built the temple in Jerusalem. In his later years, foreign worship turned his heart away from complete devotion to God.

1 Kings 3; 6; 10–11

How Did One Kingdom Become Two?

After Solomon’s death, the people asked his son Rehoboam to reduce their heavy burden. Rehoboam rejected the experienced elders’ advice and followed the harsh advice of the young men around him. His answer caused the northern tribes to rebel and appoint Jeroboam as their king.

Read: 1 Kings 11:9–13; 12:1–24
Jeroboam and Rehoboam leading the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah

Northern Kingdom — Israel

  • First king: Jeroboam I
  • Commonly described as ten tribes
  • The capital changed during its history
  • Several royal families ruled

Southern Kingdom — Judah

  • First king: Rehoboam
  • Mainly Judah and Benjamin
  • Capital: Jerusalem
  • David’s royal family continued

Lessons to Remember

  • A good beginning is not enough.
    Saul began humbly but did not continue in obedience.
  • God values obedience.
    Religious actions cannot replace a heart that listens to God.
  • Wisdom needs faithfulness.
    Solomon’s wisdom did not prevent him from turning away.
  • Leadership affects others.
    Rehoboam’s pride contributed to the kingdom’s division.

Continue the Journey

Next: Kings of Israel and Judah — Parallel Bible Timeline

See which kings ruled in the north and south during the same period.

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