10th Century BC
The Israelites were transitioning from a united monarchy under Solomon to a divided kingdom. The cultural practices included worship at the temple in Jerusalem, but there was also a growing influence of idolatry.
The kingdom of Israel was experiencing internal strife following Solomon's reign. Rehoboam, Solomon's son, faced opposition leading to the division of the kingdom into Israel (Northern Kingdom) and Judah (Southern Kingdom).
The events occur in Shechem, a significant city in the central hill country of Canaan, and later in Jerusalem and Bethel.
The Israelites were accustomed to a centralized worship system in Jerusalem, but Jeroboam introduced alternative worship centers in Bethel and Dan to prevent his subjects from returning to Jerusalem.
Rehoboam
Jeroboam