### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Rᵉchabʻâm**, represented by `{{H7346}}`, means **a people has enlarged**. This name, commonly known as Rehoboam, belongs to an Israelite king and son of Solomon. It appears **50 times** across **41 unique verses** in the Bible, primarily documenting his reign and the division of the kingdom.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H7346}}` is introduced as the **son** `{{H1121}}` of Solomon who **reigned** `{{H4427}}` in his stead [[1 Kings 11:43]]. At the start of his reign, all **Israel** `{{H3478}}` came to make him **king** `{{H4427}}` [[1 Kings 12:1]]. He rejected the advice of the **old men** `{{H2205}}` who had served his **father** `{{H1}}` and instead gave a **roughly** `{{H7186}}` answer to the people [[2 Chronicles 10:13]]. A significant event during his time was the invasion by **Shishak** `{{H7895}}` **king** `{{H4428}}` of **Egypt** `{{H4714}}` in the fifth year of his reign, which occurred because **Rehoboam** `{{H7346}}` and all Israel had **forsaken** `{{H5800}}` the **law** `{{H8451}}` of the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` [[2 Chronicles 12:1-2]]. His reign was also marked by continual **war** `{{H4421}}` with Jeroboam [[1 Kings 14:30]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words illuminate the narrative surrounding Rehoboam's life and rule:
* `{{H8010}}` **Shᵉlômôh** (peaceful; Shelomah, David's successor; Solomon): As Rehoboam's **father** `{{H1}}`, Solomon's legacy of a unified kingdom provides the initial context for Rehoboam's reign [[1 Kings 11:43]].
* `{{H3379}}` **Yârobʻâm** ((the) people will contend; Jarobam, the name of two Israelite kings; Jeroboam): The king who ruled the northern tribes, he was in continual **war** `{{H4421}}` with Rehoboam throughout their days [[1 Kings 14:30]].
* `{{H4427}}` **mâlak** (to reign; inceptively, to ascend the throne): This word describes Rehoboam's primary role as he began to **reign** `{{H4427}}` in Judah after his father's death [[1 Kings 14:21]].
* `{{H5800}}` **ʻâzab** (to loosen, i.e. relinquish, permit, etc.): This term is central to Rehoboam's downfall, as he **forsook** `{{H5800}}` the law of the LORD once his kingdom was established [[2 Chronicles 12:1]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative of `{{H7346}}` carries significant theological weight, illustrating key principles:
* **The Cost of Foolish Counsel:** Rehoboam's decision to **forsake** `{{H5800}}` the **counsel** `{{H6098}}` of the **old men** `{{H2205}}` in favor of a harsher approach demonstrates the severe consequences of prideful and unwise leadership [[2 Chronicles 10:13]].
* **Disobedience and Divine Judgment:** A clear link is established between faithfulness and national security. When **Rehoboam** `{{H7346}}` **forsook** `{{H5800}}` the **law** `{{H8451}}` of the **LORD** `{{H3068}}`, judgment followed swiftly through the invasion of Shishak, king of Egypt [[2 Chronicles 12:1-2]]. The prophet **Shemaiah** `{{H8098}}` explicitly stated, "Ye have forsaken me, and therefore have I also left you in the hand of Shishak" [[2 Chronicles 12:5]].
* **Legacy of the Fathers:** Rehoboam is consistently identified as the **son** `{{H1121}}` of **Solomon** `{{H8010}}`, inheriting a great kingdom but failing to maintain it, highlighting the theme of generational responsibility [[1 Kings 12:21]]. At one point, he was considered **young** `{{H5288}}` and **tenderhearted** `{{H7390}}`, unable to withstand opposition [[2 Chronicles 13:7]].
### Summary
In summary, the story of `{{H7346}}` is more than the chronicle of a king; it is a case study in leadership, obedience, and divine consequence. **Rehoboam** `{{H7346}}`, the **son** `{{H1121}}` of Solomon, began his reign over a united Israel but his own actions led to its division. His life illustrates the principle that personal and national strength is found not in political power but in adherence to the **law** `{{H8451}}` of the **LORD** `{{H3068}}`.
TRV