2 Chronicles 10:8

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 name "Rehoboam" in Hebrew means "he enlarges the people." Ironically, his actions led to the division of the kingdom rather than its enlargement. The word "rejected" signifies a deliberate choice to dismiss or disregard. In the context of leadership, this rejection marks a pivotal moment where Rehoboam chooses pride and youthful arrogance over wisdom and experience. This decision reflects a broader biblical theme where leaders are called to humility and to seek wise counsel, as seen in Proverbs 11:14, "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety."

the advice of the elders
The "elders" in ancient Israel were not merely older individuals but were respected leaders and advisors with a wealth of experience and understanding of the covenantal traditions. Their advice was rooted in a deep understanding of the socio-political and spiritual needs of the nation. The Hebrew term for "elders" (זְקֵנִים, zekenim) often implies wisdom and authority. Rehoboam's rejection of their counsel signifies a departure from the established wisdom that had guided Israel through previous generations.

who had counseled him
The act of counseling involves providing guidance based on experience and insight. The elders' counsel was likely aimed at maintaining unity and peace within the kingdom. This phrase underscores the importance of seeking and valuing the input of those who have walked the path before us, a principle echoed throughout Scripture, such as in Proverbs 15:22, "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed."

and consulted with the young men
The "young men" here refers to Rehoboam's contemporaries, those who lacked the depth of experience and understanding possessed by the elders. The Hebrew word for "young men" (יְלָדִים, yeladim) can also imply immaturity. This consultation marks a shift from wisdom to folly, as Rehoboam surrounds himself with those who would affirm his desires rather than challenge him with truth. This choice highlights the biblical warning against surrounding oneself with those who merely echo one's own thoughts, as seen in 2 Timothy 4:3, where people gather teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.

who had grown up with him
This phrase indicates a shared history and familiarity, which can sometimes lead to a lack of objectivity. The young men shared Rehoboam's background and likely his biases, making them less likely to offer the challenging perspectives necessary for wise decision-making. This highlights the danger of insular thinking and the need for diverse perspectives in leadership.

and served him
The young men "served" Rehoboam, suggesting a relationship of loyalty but also potential sycophancy. Their service may have been more about maintaining favor with the king than providing honest counsel. This dynamic can lead to poor decision-making, as leaders may become insulated from reality. The biblical narrative often warns against leaders who surround themselves with those who serve their interests rather than the truth, as seen in the account of King Ahab and the prophet Micaiah in 1 Kings 22.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Rehoboam
The son of Solomon and the king of Judah, whose decision-making led to the division of the united kingdom of Israel.

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

3. Young Men
Peers of Rehoboam who lacked the wisdom and experience of the elders but were influential in his decision-making.

4. Israel
The united kingdom that was on the brink of division due to Rehoboam's decisions.

5. Shechem
The place where Rehoboam went to be crowned king, and where the people of Israel gathered to make their demands.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Wise Counsel
Rehoboam's rejection of the elders' advice serves as a cautionary tale about the value of seeking and heeding wise counsel. In our lives, we should prioritize advice from those with experience and godly wisdom.

The Influence of Peers
The young men who advised Rehoboam represent the powerful influence peers can have. We must be discerning about whose voices we allow to shape our decisions, ensuring they align with biblical principles.

Consequences of Pride and Arrogance
Rehoboam's decision was rooted in pride and a desire to assert his authority. This teaches us the dangers of pride and the importance of humility in leadership and decision-making.

The Role of Leadership in Unity
Rehoboam's failure to listen led to the division of the kingdom. Leaders today must recognize their role in fostering unity and be willing to listen to wise counsel to maintain harmony.

Seeking God's Wisdom
Rehoboam's account underscores the necessity of seeking God's wisdom in our decisions. We should regularly pray for discernment and guidance in all areas of life.

Bible Study Questions

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

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

3. In what ways does pride affect our ability to make wise decisions, and how can we cultivate humility in our leadership roles?

4. How does Rehoboam's account illustrate the importance of unity within a community or organization, and what practical steps can we take to promote unity?

5. Reflecting on James 1:5, how can we actively seek God's wisdom in our daily lives, and what are some practical ways to discern His guidance?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 12
This chapter provides a parallel account of Rehoboam's decision and the resulting division of the kingdom.

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

Proverbs 13:20
Warns about the influence of companions, relevant to Rehoboam's choice to listen to his peers.

James 1:5
Encourages believers to seek wisdom from God, a principle Rehoboam neglected.

Ecclesiastes 4:13
Speaks to the value of wisdom over youthful folly, reflecting the situation with Rehoboam and his advisors.