The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. 2001-07.
Rehoboam
(r´´b´m) (KEY) , in the Bible, last king of the United Monarchy, first king of Judah, son of Solomon. Under him the northern tribes broke away from the rule of Jerusalem and set up a separate kingdom (called Israel) with Jeroboam I as their king. Rehoboams foolish insolence to the protesting tribespeople is celebrated. In Rehoboams reign Palestine was invaded by Sheshonk I of Egypt. It is also spelled Roboam.