The phrase “To your tents, O Israel! Look now to your own house, David.” was made during the division of Israel into two kingdoms (1 Kings 12:16, RSV).

After King Solomon’s death, his son Rehoboam became king. The northern tribes of Israel approached him, requesting that he reduce the heavy burdens imposed by Solomon. Instead of easing their suffering, Rehoboam rejected their petition and chose to increase their burden even more. This led to a rebellion, causing the northern tribes to break away and form the Northern Kingdom (Israel) under Jeroboam, while Rehoboam ruled over the Southern Kingdom (Judah).