This passage describes the splitting of the kingdom. Rehoboam, son of Solomon, ignores the advice of the elders and listens instead to his inexperienced and boastful friends. Rather than reaching an agreement with Jeroboam and the people, he arrogantly forces his will on them. As a result, the division of the kingdom is finalized. To avoid civil war, the prophet Shemaiah explains that this is happening by divine will.