1 Kings 12:8

But Rehoboam rejected the advice of the elders; instead, he consulted the young men who had grown up with him and served him.

Study Bible

But Rehoboam rejected
The name "Rehoboam" in Hebrew means "he who enlarges the people." Ironically, his actions led to the division of the kingdom rather than its enlargement. The word "rejected" indicates a deliberate choice to dismiss or disregard. In the Hebrew context, this rejection is not just a casual dismissal but a conscious decision to turn away from wisdom. Rehoboam's rejection of the elders' advice marks a pivotal moment in Israel's history, highlighting the importance of seeking and valuing godly counsel.

the advice of the elders
The "elders" were seasoned advisors, likely those who had served under Solomon, Rehoboam's father. Their advice was rooted in experience and a deep understanding of the kingdom's needs. In ancient Israel, elders were respected for their wisdom and life experience, often seen as the custodians of tradition and stability. The Hebrew word for "advice" here implies counsel that is meant to guide and protect. Rehoboam's failure to heed their advice underscores a lack of respect for tradition and wisdom, a theme that resonates throughout the biblical narrative.

who had counseled him
The act of counseling in the biblical sense involves more than just giving advice; it is an act of imparting wisdom and guidance with the intent of leading someone towards a righteous path. The elders' counsel was likely aimed at ensuring the unity and prosperity of the kingdom. This phrase emphasizes the relational aspect of guidance, where the elders had a vested interest in Rehoboam's success and the well-being of the nation.

and consulted with the young men
The "young men" were contemporaries of Rehoboam, likely lacking the experience and wisdom of the elders. The Hebrew term for "consulted" suggests seeking advice or deliberation, but in this context, it implies a preference for opinions that align with one's own desires. This choice reflects a common biblical theme of youthful folly and the dangers of surrounding oneself with those who merely echo one's own thoughts rather than challenge them with truth.

who had grown up with him
This phrase indicates a shared background and possibly a shared worldview. These young men had not experienced the trials and responsibilities of leadership, making them ill-equipped to provide sound advice. The Hebrew context suggests a familiarity that breeds complacency, highlighting the danger of relying on those who lack the breadth of experience necessary for wise decision-making.

and served him
The young men "served" Rehoboam, indicating a relationship of subordination. This service could imply a bias in their counsel, as they might have been more inclined to tell Rehoboam what he wanted to hear rather than what he needed to hear. The Hebrew understanding of service involves loyalty and duty, but in this case, it may have led to a lack of objectivity. This phrase serves as a cautionary note on the importance of seeking counsel from those who prioritize truth over personal gain.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Rehoboam
The son of Solomon and king of Judah, whose decision-making is central to this passage.

2. Elders
Experienced advisors who served under Solomon and offered wise counsel to Rehoboam.

3. Young Men
Rehoboam's contemporaries who grew up with him and provided advice contrary to that of the elders.

4. Israel
The united kingdom under Solomon, which faced division due to Rehoboam's decisions.

5. Shechem
The place where Rehoboam went to be crowned king and where the events of this chapter unfold.

Teaching Points

The Value of Wise Counsel
Rehoboam's rejection of the elders' advice serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of seeking and valuing experienced and godly counsel.

The Danger of Peer Pressure
The influence of Rehoboam's peers highlights the potential pitfalls of succumbing to peer pressure, especially when it contradicts wise and godly advice.

Consequences of Poor Leadership Decisions
Rehoboam's decision led to the division of the kingdom, illustrating how poor leadership can have far-reaching and devastating consequences.

Seeking God's Wisdom
Believers are encouraged to seek God's wisdom in decision-making, as human wisdom alone can be flawed and misleading.

The Role of Humility in Leadership
Rehoboam's account underscores the need for humility in leadership, recognizing that leaders do not have all the answers and should be open to counsel.

Bible Study Questions

1. What can we learn from Rehoboam's decision to reject the elders' advice, and how can this apply to our own decision-making processes?

2. How does the influence of Rehoboam's peers compare to the influence of peers in our lives today, and what steps can we take to ensure we are influenced by godly counsel?

3. In what ways can we seek and apply God's wisdom in our daily lives, as encouraged in James 1:5?

4. How does Rehoboam's account illustrate the potential consequences of poor leadership, and what qualities should we look for in leaders today?

5. Reflect on a time when you faced a decision and had to choose between different sources of advice. What did you learn from that experience, and how can it inform your future choices?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Proverbs 11:14
Highlights the importance of wise counsel, contrasting with Rehoboam's rejection of the elders' advice.

Proverbs 15:22
Emphasizes the success that comes from seeking and heeding wise counsel, which Rehoboam failed to do.

James 1:5
Encourages believers to seek wisdom from God, a principle Rehoboam neglected by relying on his peers.