1 Kings 12:8

But Rehoboam rejected the advice of the elders; instead, he consulted the young men who had grown up with him and served him.

Study Bible

But Rehoboam rejected the advice of the elders;
Rehoboam's rejection of the elders' advice marks a pivotal moment in Israel's history. The elders were likely experienced advisors who had served under Solomon, Rehoboam's father. Their counsel was rooted in wisdom and experience, reflecting the biblical principle found in Proverbs 11:14, "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety." This decision to reject their advice demonstrates a lack of humility and discernment, qualities that are essential for godly leadership. Historically, this rejection led to the division of the united kingdom of Israel, fulfilling the prophecy given to Jeroboam by the prophet Ahijah in 1 Kings 11:29-31.

instead, he consulted the young men
Rehoboam's choice to consult the young men highlights a generational divide and a preference for peers over seasoned wisdom. These young men, likely his contemporaries, lacked the experience and insight necessary for such a critical decision. This reflects a broader biblical theme where youthful arrogance and inexperience can lead to folly, as seen in Proverbs 16:18, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." The cultural context of the time placed great value on the wisdom of elders, making Rehoboam's decision even more striking and countercultural.

who had grown up with him
The phrase indicates that these young men shared Rehoboam's upbringing and social environment, suggesting they were influenced by the same royal court culture. This shared background may have led to a narrow perspective, lacking the broader understanding necessary for effective governance. The influence of one's upbringing and peers is a recurring biblical theme, as seen in 1 Corinthians 15:33, "Do not be deceived: 'Bad company ruins good morals.'" This choice reflects a failure to seek diverse counsel, which is often necessary for balanced decision-making.

and served him.
The young men who served Rehoboam were likely part of his inner circle, possibly holding positions of influence due to their proximity to the king. Their service to him might have been more about personal loyalty than objective counsel. This situation underscores the danger of surrounding oneself with advisors who prioritize personal allegiance over truth and wisdom. In contrast, Jesus Christ, as the ultimate King, surrounded Himself with disciples who were often challenged and corrected, demonstrating the value of truth over mere loyalty. This serves as a type of Christ's perfect leadership, which is characterized by wisdom, humility, and a willingness to listen to diverse voices.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Rehoboam
The son of Solomon and king of Judah, whose decision-making is central to this passage.

2. Elders
Experienced advisors who served under Solomon and offered wise counsel to Rehoboam.

3. Young Men
Rehoboam's contemporaries who grew up with him and provided advice contrary to that of the elders.

4. Israel
The united kingdom under Solomon, which faced division due to Rehoboam's decisions.

5. Shechem
The place where Rehoboam went to be crowned king and where the events of this chapter unfold.

Teaching Points

The Value of Wise Counsel
Rehoboam's rejection of the elders' advice serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of seeking and valuing experienced and godly counsel.

The Danger of Peer Pressure
The influence of Rehoboam's peers highlights the potential pitfalls of succumbing to peer pressure, especially when it contradicts wise and godly advice.

Consequences of Poor Leadership Decisions
Rehoboam's decision led to the division of the kingdom, illustrating how poor leadership can have far-reaching and devastating consequences.

Seeking God's Wisdom
Believers are encouraged to seek God's wisdom in decision-making, as human wisdom alone can be flawed and misleading.

The Role of Humility in Leadership
Rehoboam's account underscores the need for humility in leadership, recognizing that leaders do not have all the answers and should be open to counsel.

Bible Study Questions

1. What can we learn from Rehoboam's decision to reject the elders' advice, and how can this apply to our own decision-making processes?

2. How does the influence of Rehoboam's peers compare to the influence of peers in our lives today, and what steps can we take to ensure we are influenced by godly counsel?

3. In what ways can we seek and apply God's wisdom in our daily lives, as encouraged in James 1:5?

4. How does Rehoboam's account illustrate the potential consequences of poor leadership, and what qualities should we look for in leaders today?

5. Reflect on a time when you faced a decision and had to choose between different sources of advice. What did you learn from that experience, and how can it inform your future choices?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Proverbs 11:14
Highlights the importance of wise counsel, contrasting with Rehoboam's rejection of the elders' advice.

Proverbs 15:22
Emphasizes the success that comes from seeking and heeding wise counsel, which Rehoboam failed to do.

James 1:5
Encourages believers to seek wisdom from God, a principle Rehoboam neglected by relying on his peers.