“Solomon rested

With his ancestors.

He left behind him

One of his sons.

Rehoboam was

Broad in folly.

He was

Lacking in understanding.

His policy drove

The people to revolt.”

Now Sirach turns to the Book of Kings that was also later divided into 2 sections. In the first book, in chapters 11-12, he clearly blamed the son of Solomon, Rehoboam, for the breakup of the kingdom of Israel. Sirach did not think much of Rehoboam, since he says that he was foolish and lacked understanding. He claims that it was Rehoboam’s policies that led to the northern revolt.