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| Rehoboam: King of Israel |
A Troubled Inheritance
Rehoboam’s story begins with his inheritance of the throne from his father, Solomon. Solomon’s reign was marked by unprecedented wealth, wisdom, and the construction of the magnificent Temple in Jerusalem. However, Solomon’s rule also laid the groundwork for discontent. His later years were characterized by heavy taxation and forced labor, policies that alienated many of his subjects, particularly in the northern tribes.
When Rehoboam ascended to the throne, the kingdom was already on the brink of division. The people, weary of the burdens imposed by Solomon, sought relief. Rehoboam traveled to Shechem, where all Israel had gathered to make him king. Here, representatives of the northern tribes, led by Jeroboam, a former official of Solomon who had been in exile in Egypt, approached Rehoboam with a simple request: lighten the harsh labor and heavy yoke placed upon them, and they would serve him faithfully.
The Fateful Decision
Faced with this request, Rehoboam sought counsel. He first consulted the elders who had served his father Solomon. These seasoned advisors recommended that Rehoboam speak kindly to the people and agree to their request, suggesting that by doing so, he would win their loyalty for life.
However, Rehoboam also sought the advice of the younger men who had grown up with him, his peers. These advisors urged him to assert his authority and show no weakness. They suggested that Rehoboam should tell the people, “My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist. My father laid on you a heavy yoke; I will make it even heavier. My father scourged you with whips; I will scourge you with scorpions” (1 Kings 12:10-11, NIV).
Rehoboam decided to heed the advice of his younger advisors and ignore the counsel of the older, wiser men. This proved to be a grave mistake as his harsh response to the people's plea only fueled rebellion. The northern tribes, led by Jeroboam, refused to accept Rehoboam's rule and broke away from the kingdom, forming their own independent nation of Israel. Rehoboam was left with only two remaining tribes in the south, Judah and Benjamin, effectively ending the united monarchy.
The Consequences of Pride and Folly
Rehoboam’s decision to follow the advice of his peers rather than the elders reflects a common theme in biblical narratives: the dangers of pride and the folly of ignoring wise counsel. His failure to understand the needs and concerns of his people and his desire to assert his authority at all costs led to the irreversible split of the kingdom.
The division had profound implications for the history of Israel. The northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah would develop distinct identities, often in conflict with one another. The northern kingdom, ruled by a succession of kings from different dynasties, was eventually conquered by the Assyrians in 722 BCE. The southern kingdom of Judah, with its capital in Jerusalem and a more stable Davidic line, lasted longer but was eventually conquered by the Babylonians in 586 BCE, leading to the exile of the Jewish people.
Rehoboam’s Reign in Judah
After the division, Rehoboam’s reign continued for 17 years in Judah. His rule was marked by a series of challenges, including ongoing conflict with the northern kingdom and the invasion of Judah by Shishak, the king of Egypt. According to the biblical account, Shishak attacked Jerusalem and took away the treasures of the Temple and the royal palace. This invasion was seen as divine punishment for Judah’s unfaithfulness to God, as Rehoboam had allowed the people to set up high places, sacred stones, and Asherah poles, engaging in idolatry and practices detestable to the Lord.
Despite these challenges, Rehoboam did make some attempts to strengthen his kingdom. He fortified cities and strengthened the defenses of Judah. The Bible also notes that Rehoboam married 18 wives and had 60 concubines, fathering 28 sons and 60 daughters. Among his wives was Maacah, the daughter of Absalom, who bore him Abijah, his successor.
Lessons from Rehoboam’s Reign
Rehoboam’s story offers several important lessons for leaders and individuals alike. One of the key takeaways is the importance of humility and the willingness to listen to wise counsel. Rehoboam’s downfall was not inevitable; it was the result of his own decisions. Had he chosen to listen to the elders and show compassion to his people, the history of Israel might have been very different.
Another lesson is the danger of pride. Rehoboam’s desire to prove his strength and authority blinded him to the needs of his people and the realities of the situation. His story serves as a reminder that true leadership is not about asserting power over others, but about serving them with wisdom and understanding.
Conclusion
Rehoboam’s reign was a turning point in the history of Israel, one that set the stage for centuries of conflict and division. His story, though marked by failure, provides valuable insights into the nature of leadership and the consequences of our choices. As we reflect on Rehoboam’s life, we are reminded of the enduring importance of humility, wisdom, and the willingness to listen to those who have walked the path before us.
1. Who was Rehoboam?
Rehoboam was the son of King Solomon and the grandson of King David. He became king of Judah after Solomon’s death and is known for the division of the united kingdom of Israel into two separate kingdoms: Israel in the north and Judah in the south (1 Kings 11:43, KJV)
2. Why did the kingdom of Israel divide during Rehoboam’s reign?
The kingdom divided because Rehoboam chose to follow the harsh advice of his younger peers over the wise counsel of his elders. His decision to increase the burdens on the people led the northern tribes to secede and form the kingdom of Israel, leaving Rehoboam with the southern kingdom of Judah (1 Kings 12:10-11, KJV)
3. What advice did Rehoboam receive from his elders?
Rehoboam’s elders advised him to ease the burdens on the people and speak kindly to them. They suggested that by doing so, he would secure their loyalty and support for life (1 Kings 12:6-7, KJV).
4. What were the consequences of Rehoboam’s decision?
Rehoboam’s harsh response led to the secession of the northern tribes and the formation of the kingdom of Israel. His reign was marked by conflict with the northern kingdom and an invasion by Shishak, king of Egypt (2 Chronicles 12:2-9, KJV).
5. What lessons can be learned from Rehoboam’s story?
Rehoboam’s story highlights the importance of humility and listening to wise counsel. His failure to understand the needs of his people and his prideful decision to assert authority led to the division of the kingdom. It serves as a reminder of the impact that leadership decisions can have on the greater good.
