12 Rehoboam went to Shechem, for all Israel had come to Shechem to make him king.
2 And when Jeroboam the son of Nebat heard of it (for he was still in Egypt, where he had fled from King Solomon), then Jeroboam returned from Egypt.
3 Then they sent and called him, and Jeroboam and all the assembly of Israel came and said to Rehoboam,
4 “Your father made our yoke heavy. Now therefore lighten the hard service of your father and his heavy yoke on us, and we will serve you.”
5 He said to them, “Go away for three days, then come again to me.” So the people went away.
6 Then King Rehoboam took counsel with the old men, who had stood before Solomon his father while he was yet alive, saying, “How do you advise me to answer this people?”
7 And they said to him, “If you will be a servant to this people today and serve them, and speak good words to them when you answer them, then they will be your servants forever.”
8 But he abandoned the counsel that the old men gave him and took counsel with the young men who had grown up with him and stood before him.
9 And he said to them, “What do you advise that we answer this people who have said to me, ‘Lighten the yoke that your father put on us’?”
10 And the young men who had grown up with him said to him, “Thus shall you speak to this people who said to you, ‘Your father made our yoke heavy, but you lighten it for us,’ thus shall you say to them, ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s thighs.
11 And now, whereas my father laid on you a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke. My father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions.
12 So Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam the third day, as the king said, “Come to me again the third day.”
13 And the king answered the people harshly, and forsaking the counsel that the old men had given him,
14 and spoke to them according to the counsel of the young men, saying, “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.”
15 So the king did not listen to the people, for it was a turn of affairs brought about by the Lord that he might fulfill his word, which the Lord spoke by Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam the son of Nebat.
16 So when all Israel saw that the king did not listen to them, the people answered the king, “What portion do we have in David? We have no inheritance in the son of Jesse. To your tents, O Israel! Look now to your own house, David.” So Israel went to their tents.
17 But Rehoboam reigned over the people of Israel who lived in the cities of Judah.
18 Then King Rehoboam sent Adoram, who was taskmaster over the forced labor, and all Israel stoned him to death with stones. So King Rehoboam hurried to mount his chariot to flee to Jerusalem.
19 So Israel has been in rebellion against the house of David to this day.
20 When all Israel heard that Jeroboam had returned, they sent and called him to the assembly and made him king over all Israel. There was none that followed the house of David but the tribe of Judah only.
21 When Rehoboam came to Jerusalem, he assembled all the house of Judah and the tribe of Benjamin, 180,000 chosen warriors, to fight against the house of Israel, to restore the kingdom to Rehoboam the son of Solomon.
22 But the word of God came to Shemaiah the man of God:
23 Speak to Rehoboam the son of Solomon, king of Judah, and to all the house of Judah and Benjamin, and to the rest of the people, saying,
24 ‘Thus says the Lord, You shall not go up or fight against your relatives the people of Israel. Every man return to his home, for this thing is from me.’” So they listened to the word of the Lord and went home again, according to the word of the Lord.
25 Then Jeroboam built Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim and lived there. And he went out from there and built Penuel.
26 And Jeroboam said in his heart, “Now the kingdom will turn back to the house of David.
27 If this people go up to offer sacrifices in the temple of the Lord at Jerusalem, then the heart of this people will turn again to their lord, to Rehoboam king of Judah, and they will kill me and return to Rehoboam king of Judah.”
28 So the king took counsel and made two calves of gold. And he said to the people, “You have gone up to Jerusalem long enough. Behold your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.”
29 And he set one in Bethel, and the other he put in Dan.
30 Then this thing became a sin, for the people went as far as Dan to be before one.
31 He also made temples on high places and appointed priests from among all the people, who were not of the Levites.
32 And Jeroboam appointed a feast on the fifteenth day of the eighth month like the feast that was in Judah, and he offered sacrifices on the altar. So he did in Bethel, sacrificing to the calves that he made. And he placed in Bethel the priests of the high places that he had made.
33 He went up to the altar that he had made in Bethel on the fifteenth day in the eighth month, in the month that he had devised from his own heart. And he instituted a feast for the people of Israel and went up to the altar to make offerings.
The True Meaning of 1 Kings 12
The Book of 1 Kings was written by an anonymous author, likely a prophet or scribe, who chronicled the history of the united kingdom of Israel after the reign of King David. This chapter marks a pivotal moment in the division of the kingdom, as the people of Israel reject the harsh rule of King Rehoboam and instead follow the leadership of Jeroboam. Solomon’s son Rehoboam’s arrogance and lack of wisdom lead to the fracturing of the united kingdom, as we witness in this passage. The people’s cry for relief from heavy taxation and labor is met with Rehoboam’s stubborn refusal, fulfilling the prophecy made by the prophet Ahijah in 1 Kings 11:29-39. This decision sets in motion a series of events that will shape the future of Israel, leading to the establishment of the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. Rehoboam and Jeroboam shape the course of history as we delve into this chapter, echoing the words of the Lord in Deuteronomy 17:14-20, which warned the Israelites about the dangers of ungodly leadership. The division of the kingdom serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of pride, arrogance, and the failure to heed the wisdom of God.
1 Kings 12:1-5
An important turning point in the history of Israel after the death of King Solomon is witnessed in 1 Kings 12:1-5. The passage describes how Rehoboam, Solomon’s son, went to Shechem, where all Israel had gathered to make him king. However, this was not a simple ascension to the throne as the people presented a request to Rehoboam – they asked him to lighten the harsh labor and heavy yoke that his father had placed on them during his reign. Solomon’s reign is characterized by forced labor and high taxation to support his lavish building projects, especially the temple and his palaces, when we delve into the significance of this passage. The people, burdened by the heavy demands of the previous king, saw an opportunity to seek relief from Rehoboam, hoping for a change in policy that would ease their hardships.
Rehoboam’s response to this plea is crucial, as it sets the stage for the division of the kingdom. Seeking counsel from the elders who had served his father, they advised him to be a servant to the people and ease their burden, thus securing their loyalty. However, Rehoboam also sought advice from the young men who had grown up with him, who suggested he should show even more strength and authority than his father, further oppressing the people.
This decision by Rehoboam to follow the advice of his peers rather than the wisdom of the elders led to a critical mistake that would have far-reaching consequences. Rehoboam sparked a rebellion led by Jeroboam, a former official of Solomon who capitalized on the people’s discontent to lead the northern tribes in seceding from the kingdom by choosing to intensify the burdens on the people instead of lightening them.
The division of the kingdom into the northern kingdom of Israel, ruled by Jeroboam, and the southern kingdom of Judah, under Rehoboam’s rule, marked a significant moment in biblical history. It not only fulfilled the prophecy given to Solomon regarding the division of the kingdom due to his idolatry and disobedience but also set the stage for a series of events that would shape the destiny of both kingdoms in the centuries to come.
This passage serves as a profound lesson on the importance of wise and just leadership, as well as the consequences of pride, arrogance, and oppressive rule. It underscores the timeless message found throughout the Bible that a leader’s decisions impact not only their own fate but also the lives of those they govern. The contrast between the counsel of the elders, rooted in experience and wisdom, and the impulsive advice of Rehoboam’s peers, driven by pride and self-interest, highlights the critical importance of seeking counsel from sources of wisdom and humility. The division of the kingdom in the broader biblical narrative foreshadows the eventual downfall of both Israel and Judah due to their continued disobedience and idolatry. It serves as a warning about the dangers of internal strife, division, and the consequences of straying from God’s will. The seeds of discord sown in this passage would bear bitter fruit in the turbulent history of the divided kingdoms, ultimately leading to their destruction and exile as a result of their failure to heed the lessons of their forefathers.
1 Kings 12:6-11
A critical moment in the history of Israel is seen in 1 Kings 12:6-11. After the death of King Solomon, his son Rehoboam becomes the new king. The people of Israel, feeling burdened by the heavy yoke that Solomon had placed upon them, request Rehoboam to lighten their load. This request was brought to Rehoboam after he sought counsel from the older advisors who had served under Solomon, who advised him to be kind to the people and they would serve him faithfully.
However, Rehoboam decides to seek advice from his younger companions, who urge him to assert his authority over the people. They advise him to respond harshly, saying, “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.” This response clearly showed a lack of wisdom and compassion on the part of Rehoboam.
Rehoboam’s decision to ignore the counsel of the elders and listen to his peers leads to a rebellion by the ten northern tribes of Israel. Led by Jeroboam, who had been a servant of Solomon, the tribes reject Rehoboam’s rule, declaring, “What portion do we have in David? We have no inheritance in the son of Jesse. To your tents, O Israel! Look now to your own house, David.” This division marks the beginning of the split in the Kingdom of Israel, with the ten northern tribes forming the Kingdom of Israel, and the two southern tribes consisting of Judah and Benjamin staying loyal to the house of David, forming the Kingdom of Judah.
This passage serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of wise and just leadership. Rehoboam’s failure to listen to the counsel of the elders and his harsh response to the people led to a significant division within the nation of Israel. It highlights the consequences of pride, arrogance, and the importance of seeking counsel from advisors who possess wisdom and experience. Proverbs 11:14 reinforces this principle, stating, “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.”
Furthermore, the splitting of the Kingdom of Israel not only had immediate political implications but also set the stage for future events in biblical history. The division weakened the nation of Israel, making it more vulnerable to outside threats, ultimately leading to the conquest of both kingdoms by foreign powers. Additionally, it fulfilled the prophecy given to Solomon that his kingdom would be torn apart because of his sins (1 Kings 11:11-13). This division would later play a crucial role in the narratives of the prophets and the eventual exile of the Israelites.
Therefore, 1 Kings 12:6-11 serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of humility, wisdom, and seeking godly counsel in leadership. It underscores the enduring truth that the decisions of leaders can have far-reaching consequences, impacting not only the present but also the future of a nation.
1 Kings 12:12-15
A pivotal moment in the history of Israel after the death of King Solomon is seen in 1 Kings 12:12-15. The northern tribes, led by Jeroboam, approach Rehoboam, Solomon’s son and the newly crowned king, requesting relief from the heavy burdens imposed upon them by Solomon. Here, we will break down the verse into important sections for a detailed commentary. Rehoboam seeks counsel from the elders who had served his father Solomon during his reign in verse 12. These elders advise Rehoboam to speak kindly to the people and offer them a more compassionate response than his father’s harsh policies. This moment highlights the importance of seeking wise counsel when making decisions, as the elders’ advice reflects a sense of wisdom and concern for the well-being of the kingdom.
However, in verse 13, Rehoboam chooses to ignore the counsel of the elders and instead seeks the advice of his peers, the young men who had grown up with him. These peers advise Rehoboam to respond with even greater harshness and assert his power over the people. This decision ultimately leads to the division of the kingdom, as the tribes of Israel reject Rehoboam’s oppressive rule and follow Jeroboam as their leader.
This passage serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of pride, arrogance, and the misuse of power. Rehoboam’s refusal to heed wise counsel and his reliance on the counsel of his inexperienced peers result in the fracture of the united kingdom of Israel. It underscores the biblical theme that humility, wisdom, and compassion are essential qualities for effective leadership.
The division of the kingdom into the northern kingdom of Israel, led by Jeroboam, and the southern kingdom of Judah, under Rehoboam’s rule, marks a significant turning point in Israel’s history. This division sets the stage for a series of events that ultimately lead to the downfall of both kingdoms, with Israel falling to the Assyrians in 722 BC and Judah succumbing to the Babylonians in 586 BC. This passage in 1 Kings 12:12-15 emphasizes the importance of wise decision-making, humility in leadership, and the consequences of pride and folly. It serves as a timeless reminder of the dangers of choosing arrogance over wisdom and the need to seek counsel from those who possess experience and insight.
1 Kings 12:16-19
A significant turning point in the history of the kingdom of Israel is seen in 1 Kings 12:16-19. After the death of King Solomon, his son Rehoboam succeeds him to the throne. The people of Israel, who were burdened by heavy taxes and forced labor under Solomon’s reign, request King Rehoboam to lighten their load.
This section of the verse describes how King Rehoboam seeks advice from the elders who had served his father Solomon. These elders advise him to be gentle and understanding towards the people, assuring him that if he serves them well, they will be loyal to him forever. This advice reflects the wisdom and experience of the older generation, emphasizing the importance of humility and compassion in leadership.
However, Rehoboam also seeks counsel from his peers, the younger men who have grown up with him. These younger advisors urge him to be even harsher with the people, instilling fear and asserting his authority over them.
The choice Rehoboam makes in this critical moment ultimately leads to the division of the kingdom of Israel. Rehoboam alienates the northern tribes of Israel by rejecting the advice of the elders and following the counsel of his peers, leading to their rebellion against his rule.
This passage serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride, arrogance, and the influence of unwise counsel. It highlights the importance of seeking advice from those with wisdom and experience, rather than being swayed by the opinions of those who lack understanding. A people falls where there is no guidance, but there is safety in an abundance of counselors.” This verse underscores the significance of surrounding oneself with wise counsel to make sound decisions.
The consequences of Rehoboam’s decision to ignore the advice of the elders and heed the counsel of the younger men are profound and long-lasting. The division of the kingdom of Israel into the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah marks a pivotal moment in biblical history, leading to political instability, idolatry, and ultimately the downfall of both kingdoms. 1 Kings 12:16-19 provides valuable lessons on leadership, humility, the importance of seeking wise counsel, and the far-reaching impact of the choices we make. It serves as a reminder that pride and arrogance can lead to disastrous consequences, while humility and listening to the wisdom of others can bring about unity and blessings.
1 Kings 12:20-24
A crucial event unfolds in 1 Kings 12:20-24, marking a significant turning point in the history of Israel. After the death of King Solomon, his son Rehoboam ascends to the throne. The people of Israel, who had suffered oppression under Solomon’s heavy yoke of forced labor, request relief and a lighter burden from Rehoboam. Rehoboam seeks counsel from the elders who had advised his father during his reign in response. The elders advise Rehoboam to be a servant to the people and ease their burdens, thereby winning their loyalty and goodwill.
However, Rehoboam ignores the wise counsel of the elders and seeks the advice of his young peers instead. They advise him to assert his authority even more than his father, leading to the infamous response where Rehoboam declares he will be harsher than Solomon, using the phrase “My little finger shall be thicker than my father’s loins” in a display of arrogance and pride. This ill-advised decision alienates the northern tribes of Israel, leading to their rebellion against Rehoboam’s rule.
This event serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of pride, arrogance, and poor leadership. Rehoboam’s choice to reject wise counsel in favor of his own ego-driven decision results in the division of the kingdom of Israel. This division leads to the northern kingdom of Israel, also known as the Kingdom of Israel, breaking away from the southern kingdom, known as the Kingdom of Judah. The division of the kingdom fulfills a prophecy given to Solomon earlier in 1 Kings 11:11-13 as a consequence of his turning away from God to worship other gods.
The division of the kingdom sets the stage for a turbulent period in Israel’s history as both kingdoms face political instability, idolatry, and eventual destruction due to their disobedience to God. Through the story of Rehoboam, the Bible teaches the importance of humility, wise counsel, and obedience to God’s will. The repercussions of Rehoboam’s actions serve as a sobering reminder of the impact of leadership decisions on the well-being of a nation and the fulfillment of God’s plans and prophecies.
1 Kings 12:25-33
King Jeroboam faces a significant turning point in his rule over the northern kingdom of Israel in 1 Kings 12:25-33. Let’s break down this verse into important sections:
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Jeroboam makes a fateful decision to install two golden calves in Bethel and Dan, telling the people, “Here are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.”” This action echoes the golden calf incident in Exodus 32 when the Israelites turned away from God and worshipped a golden calf. Jeroboam’s decision was not only a violation of the first commandment but also a rejection of the true worship of Yahweh. Jeroboam led the people of Israel into idolatry by setting up these idols. This move was not only sinful but also a political tactic to prevent his subjects from returning to Jerusalem, the capital of the southern kingdom, where the Temple of the Lord was located. Jeroboam feared that if the people continued to travel to Jerusalem for religious festivals and sacrifices, their allegiance might shift back to Rehoboam, the king of Judah.
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Establishing unauthorized priesthood: Jeroboam appointed priests from all walks of life, not just from the tribe of Levi as prescribed by God. This is a direct violation of God’s commandments in the Law, where only the Levites were to serve as priests. Jeroboam further distanced the people from the true worship of God and centralized power under his rule by creating his own priesthood. This act of creating a rogue priesthood undermined the authority of the Levites and the religious traditions established for the Israelites from the time of Moses. It is a stark reminder of the dangers of human ambition and the corruption that can arise when leaders deviate from God’s commands.
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Institution of alternate religious festivals: Additionally, Jeroboam established his own religious festivals on the fifteenth day of the eighth month, a month of his own choosing rather than following the calendar of festivals set by God. Jeroboam further consolidated his power over the religious practices of the people by changing the timing and nature of these festivals. This move distorted the worship practices that were meant to draw the Israelites closer to God and instead turned them into ceremonies that reinforced Jeroboam’s authority.
The actions of Jeroboam in 1 Kings 12:25-33 serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of compromising with idolatry, manipulating religion for political gain, and disregarding the clear commands of God. Jeroboam’s legacy as a king who led Israel into sin continued through the generations, with subsequent rulers following in his footsteps and perpetuating idolatry and disobedience. This passage underscores the importance of obedience to God’s commands, the dangers of syncretism, and the need for faithful adherence to true worship. The consequences of Jeroboam’s actions reverberate throughout the history of Israel, leading eventually to the downfall of the northern kingdom at the hands of the Assyrians, as foretold by the prophets. The example of Jeroboam serves as a stark reminder of the enduring consequences of straying from God’s will and the importance of upholding true worship and faithfulness to God.
After 1 Kings 12
The people had spoken, and Rehoboam’s arrogance had cost him the kingdom. Jeroboam, the new king of Israel, now faced the daunting task of uniting a divided nation. Yet, the seeds of discord had been sown, and the path ahead was fraught with challenges. The Lord’s plan for His people would soon unfold in ways that would test their faith and their loyalty. The next chapter would reveal the consequences of Jeroboam’s choices and the impact they would have on the future of Israel.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.