6 ing to the laws of God, this prosperity would have been continued and increased. But Solomon fol lowed the example of other eastern kings, and married many wives from the heathen countries around. To please these women, who were idola ters, Solomon built temples for their idols, and permitted them to offer sacrifices; thus tempting his people to idolatry. God told him that he would punish him for this great sin, by taking part of his kingdom away from his son. This threat was fulfilled immediately after the death of Solomon. Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, provoked the people so much by his foolish and tyrannical conduct, that all the Israelites; except the tribes of Júdah and Benjalnin, separated themselves from him, and chose Jeroboam, who had been a servant to Solomon, for their king ; this was the origin of the kingdom of Israel. The two kingdoms of Judah and Israel were never again united. 'According to the promise of God, the kingdom of Judah was governed by the descendants of Da
