Rehoboam Promises to Whip the People with Scorpions

After Solomon's death, all Israel begs the new king Rehoboam to lighten their heavy burden of forced labor and taxation. The elders who served Solomon counsel mercy. Rehoboam dismisses them and consults the young men he grew up with, who urge him to double down: 'My father chastised you with whips — but I will chastise you with scorpions.' He speaks these very words to the people. The ten northern tribes immediately revolt, and the kingdom of Israel is split in two, never to be reunited.