What action caused the kingdom to split under Rehoboam?

The kingdom split under Rehoboam primarily because he ignored the counsel of older, more experienced advisors and opted instead to follow the advice of his younger peers who encouraged a more harsh and authoritarian approach. This decision was pivotal because when Rehoboam chose to increase the burdens on the people rather than ease them, it led to widespread dissatisfaction and ultimately the division of the kingdom.

This context is significant as the older counselors advised him to serve the people and speak kindly to them, which would have fostered loyalty and unity within the kingdom. However, his refusal to heed this wise counsel resulted in the ten northern tribes rejecting his kingship and forming their own kingdom. The repercussions of this choice were monumental in the history of Israel, leading to the establishment of the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah, thereby altering the political and spiritual landscape of the nation.