### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek lemma Ῥοβοάμ (Rhoboám), transliterated as Rhoboam, is a direct rendering of the Hebrew name רְחַבְעָם (Rechab'am), Strong's number `{{H7346}}`. Its meaning is derived entirely from its Hebrew origin, which is commonly understood as "he enlarges the people" or "the people are enlarged." In the Septuagint (LXX) and the New Testament, Ῥοβοάμ functions solely as a proper noun, referring to the specific historical figure, the son of King Solomon. Therefore, its semantic range in Greek is limited to this proper identification, carrying no independent lexical meaning beyond referencing the individual whose name signifies a potential for growth or expansion, a poignant irony given his role in the division of the kingdom.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Ῥοβοάμ (Rhoboám) appears in the New Testament exclusively in the genealogy of Jesus Christ recorded in [[Matthew 1:7]]. Here, he is listed as the son of Solomon and the father of Abijah, affirming his place in the Davidic lineage through which the Messiah would come.
In the Old Testament, the figure of Rehoboam (רְחַבְעָם) is central to the narratives in 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles, where his actions lead to the schism of the united monarchy of Israel. After the death of his father Solomon, Rehoboam ascended the throne. When the people, led by Jeroboam, requested a lighter burden of forced labor and taxation, Rehoboam rejected the counsel of the older, wiser advisors who urged leniency. Instead, he heeded the advice of his young contemporaries, declaring, "My father scourged you with whips, but I will scourge you with scorpions" [[1 Kings 12:11]]. This arrogant and oppressive response directly precipitated the rebellion of ten tribes, who seceded to form the Northern Kingdom of Israel under Jeroboam. Rehoboam was left to rule only the Southern Kingdom of Judah, comprising the tribes of Judah and Benjamin. His reign over Judah (c. 931-913 BC) was marked by a period of idolatry and unfaithfulness, leading to the invasion by Shishak, king of Egypt, who plundered the temple and the royal palace [[1 Kings 14:25-26]], [[2 Chronicles 12:2-9]]. Despite his failures, Rehoboam's lineage remained the royal line of Judah, preserving the covenant promise of a perpetual dynasty to David.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the Hebrew original, רְחַבְעָם (Rechab'am), `{{H7346}}`, from which Ῥοβοάμ (Rhoboám) is transliterated. Conceptually, Rehoboam's story is inextricably linked to:
* **Monarchy and Kingship:** He represents the transition from the united kingdom under David and Solomon to the divided kingdom.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** While his actions were a result of his own choices, the division was ultimately part of God's judgment against Solomon's idolatry, as prophesied by Ahijah to Jeroboam [[1 Kings 11:29-39]].
* **Wisdom and Folly:** Rehoboam's rejection of wise, seasoned counsel in favor of rash, youthful advice highlights the destructive consequences of pride and lack of discernment.
* **Covenant:** His inclusion in the Matthean genealogy underscores God's faithfulness to His covenant with David, even through the flawed and disobedient lineage of kings.
* **Jeroboam:** His contemporary and rival, who led the secession of the northern tribes.
### Theological Significance
The figure of Rehoboam carries profound theological significance. Firstly, his story powerfully illustrates the **consequences of human pride and folly**. His refusal to lighten the people's burden, born of arrogance and a desire to assert absolute power, directly led to the fracturing of God's chosen nation. This serves as a cautionary tale for all leadership, emphasizing the importance of humility, wisdom, and compassionate governance.
Secondly, Rehoboam's reign, though marked by unfaithfulness and national decline, also highlights the unwavering **divine sovereignty and faithfulness**. The division of the kingdom, while a consequence of human sin, was simultaneously the fulfillment of God's prophetic word against Solomon's apostasy. Even amidst the fragmentation and sin of His people, God remained faithful to His larger redemptive plan.
Finally, Rehoboam's inclusion in the genealogy of Jesus Christ [[Matthew 1:7]] is deeply significant. It demonstrates God's commitment to His covenant with David, ensuring that the promised Messiah would come through the royal line, even when that line was characterized by imperfection, sin, and periods of national distress. His presence in the lineage underscores that God's plan of salvation unfolds not through perfect human instruments, but through His grace and steadfast purpose, ultimately culminating in the perfect King, Jesus Christ.
### Summary
Ῥοβοάμ (Rhoboám) is the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew name Rechab'am (`{{H7346}}`), meaning "he enlarges the people." As a proper noun, it refers exclusively to the son of King Solomon and Naamah the Ammonitess. His historical significance lies in his pivotal role in the division of the united kingdom of Israel into the Northern Kingdom (Israel) and the Southern Kingdom (Judah), a direct result of his arrogant rejection of wise counsel and his oppressive policies. His reign in Judah was marked by idolatry and divine judgment through the Egyptian invasion. Theologically, Rehoboam's narrative serves as a stark warning against pride and folly in leadership, while simultaneously affirming God's unwavering sovereignty and faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises, particularly in preserving the Davidic line through which the Messiah, Jesus Christ, would ultimately come.
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