Topical Bible: Fellowship: The Evil of Fellowship With the Wicked Exemplified by Rehoboam

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Introduction

Fellowship, in the biblical sense, refers to the companionship and association with others, particularly in a spiritual or moral context. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings on the importance of choosing one's companions wisely, as the influence of the wicked can lead to spiritual and moral decline. One of the most poignant examples of the evil of fellowship with the wicked is found in the life of Rehoboam, the son of Solomon and king of Judah.

Rehoboam's Background

Rehoboam was the son of King Solomon and succeeded him as king of Israel. His reign is marked by a significant event that led to the division of the united kingdom of Israel into two separate entities: the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. This division was a direct result of Rehoboam's failure to heed wise counsel and his choice to align himself with wicked advisors.

The Counsel of the Elders vs. the Counsel of the Young Men

Upon ascending to the throne, Rehoboam faced a critical decision when the people of Israel, led by Jeroboam, approached him with a request to lighten the heavy yoke imposed by Solomon. Rehoboam sought counsel on how to respond. The elders, who had served his father Solomon, advised him to be a servant to the people and speak kindly to them, promising that they would serve him faithfully in return (1 Kings 12:7).

However, Rehoboam also sought the counsel of the young men who had grown up with him. These advisors, lacking the wisdom and experience of the elders, encouraged Rehoboam to assert his authority harshly, 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).

The Consequences of Wicked Fellowship

Rehoboam chose to follow the advice of the young men, rejecting the wise counsel of the elders. This decision led to disastrous consequences. The harsh response incited rebellion among the tribes of Israel, resulting in the division of the kingdom. The ten northern tribes rejected Rehoboam's rule and made Jeroboam their king, leaving Rehoboam to rule only over the tribes of Judah and Benjamin (1 Kings 12:16-20).

Rehoboam's choice to fellowship with and heed the counsel of the wicked young men exemplifies the dangers of aligning oneself with those who lack godly wisdom. His decision not only fractured the kingdom but also set a precedent for future kings who would similarly suffer the consequences of ungodly alliances.

Biblical Warnings Against Fellowship with the Wicked

The Bible consistently warns against the dangers of fellowship with the wicked. Proverbs 13:20 states, "He who walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed." Similarly, Psalm 1:1 warns, "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or set foot on the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers."

Rehoboam's account serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating the truth of these warnings. His failure to discern the character of his advisors and his choice to associate with those who lacked godly wisdom led to the downfall of his reign and the division of the kingdom.

Conclusion

Rehoboam's example underscores the importance of seeking godly counsel and avoiding fellowship with the wicked. His account is a reminder of the profound impact that our associations can have on our spiritual and moral lives, as well as on the broader community.

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1 Kings 12:8,9
But 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:
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