מלכים א, פרק י״ב, פסוק י״ט

The division of the united monarchy reaches a point of no return, cementing a permanent fracture between the northern tribes and the royal dynasty in Judah. What begins as a deep grievance transforms into an absolute revolt, as the people completely sever their ties with the ruling family in a full-scale mutiny [מצודת ציון, מלבי״ם]. This violent uprising, culminating in the fatal stoning of the royal official Adoram, serves as a direct declaration of war by the Israelites against the House of David [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

Faced with the king's clear intent to crush their rebellion by force, the northern tribes are compelled to establish a rival government. They require their own king to lead and defend them against the impending military threat [מלבי״ם]. Beyond the immediate need for defense, there is a deeper political reality at play. Having lived under a structured royal government for decades, the people realize they cannot revert to the lawlessness and anarchy that characterized the earlier era of the Judges. To maintain national order and survive the coming conflict, the creation of a brand-new, independent monarchy is an absolute necessity [ביאור שטיינזלץ].