II Chronicles 11-12

"But they will become his slaves so that they will learn the difference between My service and the service of the kingdoms of the countries" (v8). It didn't take Rehoboam long to be unfaithful to the Lord. God allowed Egypt to invade Judah, and they stole all the treasures of the Temple. King Rehoboam and the people "humbled themselves" before God and avoided complete disaster. God wanted them to learn that serving Him was far better than serving an earthly master.

Independence is an illusion. Rehoboam was not his own master; he either served God or served evil.