Topical Encyclopedia Rehoboam, the son of Solomon and grandson of David, became king of Israel after Solomon's death. His reign is notably marked by the pivotal decision he made regarding the counsel he received, which ultimately led to the division of the united kingdom of Israel. This event is recorded in 1 Kings 12 and 2 Chronicles 10.Upon ascending to the throne, Rehoboam faced a critical moment when the people of Israel, led by Jeroboam, approached him at Shechem. They requested relief from the heavy burdens and harsh labor imposed by Solomon. In response, Rehoboam sought counsel on how to address the people's demands. Counsel of the Elders: Rehoboam first consulted the elders who had served his father Solomon. These seasoned advisors recommended a course of action characterized by kindness and servitude. They advised, "If today you will be a servant to these people and serve them, and if you will give them a favorable answer, they will be your servants forever" (1 Kings 12:7). The elders' counsel emphasized humility and the importance of winning the people's loyalty through compassion and understanding. Counsel of the Young Men: Rehoboam, however, also sought the advice of the young men who had grown up with him and served him. Their counsel starkly contrasted with that of the elders. They advised Rehoboam to assert his authority and increase the burdens on the people, saying, "My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist! Whereas my father burdened you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke. My father scourged you with whips, but I will scourge you with scorpions" (1 Kings 12:10-11). This advice reflected a more aggressive and authoritarian approach, prioritizing power and control over empathy and service. Rehoboam's Decision: Rehoboam ultimately rejected the counsel of the elders and embraced the advice of the young men. This decision proved to be disastrous. When he delivered his harsh response to the people, it led to widespread discontent and rebellion. The ten northern tribes of Israel rejected Rehoboam's rule, resulting in the division of the kingdom. Jeroboam was made king over Israel, while Rehoboam retained control over the tribes of Judah and Benjamin. Theological Implications: Rehoboam's choice of counsel highlights the importance of wisdom and discernment in leadership. His failure to heed the elders' advice serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and the rejection of wise counsel. The division of the kingdom is seen as a fulfillment of God's judgment against Solomon's idolatry, as prophesied by Ahijah the Shilonite (1 Kings 11:29-31). Rehoboam's account underscores the biblical principle that leaders are called to serve their people with humility and justice. The contrasting counsels he received illustrate the broader biblical theme of the struggle between godly wisdom and worldly ambition. Nave's Topical Index 1 Kings 12:8-16But he forsook the counsel of the old men, which they had given him, and consulted with the young men that were grown up with him, and which stood before him: Nave's Topical Index Library The History of Rehoboam The Rending of the Kingdom How to Split a Kingdom How, Upon the Death of Solomon the People Forsook his Son Rehoboam ... We Learn from the Fact of the Separation of the Ten Tribes from ... Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers. Political Religion His Name --The Counsellor How God Works in the Hearts of Men. "This Thing is from Me" Resources Dealing with negative people-what does the Bible say? | GotQuestions.orgWhat should I do with my life after graduation? | GotQuestions.org How do I choose a good Christian counselor/therapist? | GotQuestions.org Counsel: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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