Background and Context:

Rehoboam, the son of Solomon and grandson of David, ascended to the throne of Israel following Solomon's death. His reign marks a pivotal moment in the history of Israel, as it led to the division of the united kingdom into the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. The account of Rehoboam seeking counsel is found in 1 Kings 12:1-19 and 2 Chronicles 10:1-19.

The Gathering at Shechem:

Rehoboam traveled to Shechem, where all Israel had gathered to make him king. This location was significant as it was a central and historical site for the tribes of Israel. The people of Israel, led by Jeroboam son of Nebat, who had returned from Egypt, approached Rehoboam with a request. They asked him to lighten the harsh labor and heavy yoke that his father Solomon had imposed on them (1 Kings 12:4).

Seeking Counsel:

Faced with this request, Rehoboam sought counsel on how to respond. He first consulted the elders who had served his father Solomon. These elders advised Rehoboam to be a servant to the people, to speak kindly to them, and to grant their request, suggesting that this would ensure their loyalty (1 Kings 12:7).

However, Rehoboam rejected the advice of the elders and instead consulted the young men who had grown up with him and were serving him. These young men advised Rehoboam to respond harshly, suggesting that he should increase the burden on the people, asserting his authority with a stronger hand than his father had (1 Kings 12:10-11).

Rehoboam's Decision:

Rehoboam chose to follow the counsel of the young men. When Jeroboam and all the people returned to hear the king's decision, Rehoboam answered them harshly, declaring, "My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add to your yoke. My father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions" (1 Kings 12:14).

The Consequences:

Rehoboam's decision led to a significant and immediate consequence: the division of the kingdom. The people of Israel, except for the tribe of Judah, rejected Rehoboam's rule and made Jeroboam king over Israel. This division fulfilled the prophecy given to Jeroboam by the prophet Ahijah, as a judgment against Solomon's idolatry (1 Kings 11:29-31).

Theological Implications:

Rehoboam's account serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of wise and godly counsel. His failure to heed the advice of experienced elders and his choice to listen to peers who lacked wisdom resulted in the fracturing of the kingdom. This narrative underscores the biblical principle found in Proverbs 15:22 : "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed."

Rehoboam's actions also highlight the sovereignty of God in the affairs of nations. Despite human decisions, God's purposes prevail, as seen in the fulfillment of His word through the prophet Ahijah. The division of the kingdom was not merely a political event but a divine orchestration in response to Israel's spiritual state.