2 Chronicles 10:8

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 advice of the elders;
Rehoboam's rejection of the elders' advice marks a pivotal moment in Israel's history. The elders were likely experienced advisors who had served under Solomon, providing wisdom rooted in years of governance and understanding of the people. This decision reflects a broader biblical theme of the consequences of ignoring wise counsel, as seen in Proverbs 11:14, which emphasizes the importance of guidance. Rehoboam's choice foreshadows the division of the kingdom, highlighting the importance of humility and listening to seasoned wisdom.

instead, he consulted the young men who had grown up with him and served him.
Rehoboam's decision to consult his peers, who lacked the experience and wisdom of the elders, demonstrates a reliance on familiarity and comfort rather than sound judgment. These young men, having grown up with Rehoboam, likely shared his perspectives and biases, leading to advice that was more about maintaining power than serving the people. This reflects a cultural tendency to favor peer approval over elder wisdom, a theme echoed in 1 Kings 12:8-11. The choice to listen to these young men rather than the elders ultimately led to the harsh policies that caused the northern tribes to rebel, fulfilling the prophecy of the kingdom's division. This moment serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and the importance of seeking godly counsel.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Rehoboam
The son of Solomon and the king of Judah, whose decision-making led to the division of the united kingdom of Israel.

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

3. Young Men
Peers of Rehoboam who lacked the wisdom and experience of the elders but were influential in his decision-making.

4. Israel
The united kingdom that was on the brink of division due to Rehoboam's decisions.

5. Shechem
The place where Rehoboam went to be crowned king, and where the people of Israel gathered to make their demands.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Wise Counsel
Rehoboam's rejection of the elders' advice serves as a cautionary tale about the value of seeking and heeding wise counsel. In our lives, we should prioritize advice from those with experience and godly wisdom.

The Influence of Peers
The young men who advised Rehoboam represent the powerful influence peers can have. We must be discerning about whose voices we allow to shape our decisions, ensuring they align with biblical principles.

Consequences of Pride and Arrogance
Rehoboam's decision was rooted in pride and a desire to assert his authority. This teaches us the dangers of pride and the importance of humility in leadership and decision-making.

The Role of Leadership in Unity
Rehoboam's failure to listen led to the division of the kingdom. Leaders today must recognize their role in fostering unity and be willing to listen to wise counsel to maintain harmony.

Seeking God's Wisdom
Rehoboam's account underscores the necessity of seeking God's wisdom in our decisions. We should regularly pray for discernment and guidance in all areas of life.

Bible Study Questions

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

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

3. In what ways does pride affect our ability to make wise decisions, and how can we cultivate humility in our leadership roles?

4. How does Rehoboam's account illustrate the importance of unity within a community or organization, and what practical steps can we take to promote unity?

5. Reflecting on James 1:5, how can we actively seek God's wisdom in our daily lives, and what are some practical ways to discern His guidance?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 12
This chapter provides a parallel account of Rehoboam's decision and the resulting division of the kingdom.

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

Proverbs 13:20
Warns about the influence of companions, relevant to Rehoboam's choice to listen to his peers.

James 1:5
Encourages believers to seek wisdom from God, a principle Rehoboam neglected.

Ecclesiastes 4:13
Speaks to the value of wisdom over youthful folly, reflecting the situation with Rehoboam and his advisors.