Although the kingdom of Israel was “united” under David and Solomon, the tensions between north and south were never resolved. The jealousy and animosity behind this civil war didn’t begin with Rehoboam and Jeroboam but had its roots in the days of the judges, when the people were more interested in tribal loyalty than in national unity. Note how easily tension arose between Ephraim, the most prominent tribe in the north, and Judah, the prominent tribe of the south.
• Ephraim claimed the promises in Genesis 48:17-22 and 49:22-26 for its leadership role.
• Joshua (Oshea), who conquered the Promised Land, was an Ephraimite (Numbers 13:8).
• Samuel, Israel’s greatest judge, was from Ephraim (1 Samuel 1:1ff).
• Ephraim allied with Ishbosheth in revolt against David, who was from the tribe of Judah (2 Samuel 2:8-11).
• David, a shepherd from the tribe of Judah, became king over all Israel, including Ephraim, which no longer had a claim to leadership.
• Although David helped to smooth over the bad feelings, the heavy yoke under Solomon and Rehoboam led the northern tribes to the breaking point.
Such tension developed because Ephraim was the key tribe in the north. They resented Judah’s role in leadership under David and resented that the nation’s capital and center of worship were located in Jerusalem.