◄ 1 Kings 12:7 ►
They replied, "If you will be a servant to these people and serve them this day, and if you will respond by speaking kind words to them, they will be your servants forever." Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Kings 12:7? 2. How does 1 Kings 12:7 emphasize the importance of servant leadership in governance? 3. What can we learn about humility from the elders' advice in 1 Kings 12:7? 4. How does 1 Kings 12:7 connect with Jesus' teachings on serving others? 5. In what ways can leaders today apply the elders' counsel from 1 Kings 12:7? 6. How does the advice in 1 Kings 12:7 reflect God's desire for just leadership? 7. How does 1 Kings 12:7 reflect on leadership and servitude in a biblical context? 8. What historical context influenced the advice given in 1 Kings 12:7? 9. How does 1 Kings 12:7 relate to the concept of servant leadership in Christianity? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 12? 11. Who is Qoheleth in the Book of Ecclesiastes? 12. How did Samuel lead Israel and anoint its first kings? 13. Why does 1 Kings 12:14 present Rehoboam’s answer as solely harsh, despite other biblical accounts that sometimes provide a balancing perspective? 14. Does Nathan and Bathsheba's intervention (1 Kings 1:11-27) contradict earlier portrayals of divine appointment of kings in Israel? Discussion Questions 1. How does Rehoboam's response to the elders' advice reflect the importance of humility in leadership? 2. In what ways can we apply the principle of servant leadership in our own lives and communities? 3. How do the elders' words in 1 Kings 12:7 relate to Jesus' teachings on leadership in the New Testament? 4. What are some practical ways we can ensure we are seeking and listening to wise counsel in our decision-making? 5. Reflect on a time when kind words made a significant difference in your life. How can you use this experience to impact others positively? 1 Kings 12 Bible Study Questions 1. How does Rehoboam's leadership contrast with Solomon's? 2. What were the consequences of Rehoboam ignoring the elder's advice? 3. How do you respond when given advice that contradicts your initial inclination? 4. In what ways might Rehoboam's decision be relevant to leaders today? 5. Why did Jeroboam establish false worship? How does this show his insecurity? 6. How can you ensure your faith stays strong even when a leader you respect falls into sin? 7. How does God's message through the prophet demonstrate His sovereignty? 8. How does Jeroboam's fear impact his decisions? What fears might lead you to disobedience? 9. How might the division of Israel's kingdom affect their relationship with God? 10. How can we apply the lessons of 1 Kings 12 to today's context of division within nations or communities? 11. How can you discern when to stand firm or when to yield in a leadership role? 12. How might societal or peer pressure influence a leader's decisions, as seen in Rehoboam's case? 13. How should we respond when we see leaders or authority figures making decisions against God's will? 14. What lessons about leadership and humility can we learn from this chapter? 15. Why is it important to seek God’s guidance in decision-making processes, both in our personal lives and in leadership roles? 16. How can you guard against creating your own "golden calves" in life, things that draw your focus and worship away from God? 17. Why do you think Jeroboam went to such extremes to secure his power? 18. How does the division of the kingdom continue to influence the narrative of Israel in later books of the Bible? 19. What personal lessons can you take away from the mistakes of Rehoboam and Jeroboam? 20. How can we as Christians strive to maintain unity in the face of disagreements or differing perspectives within the church or community? Links 1 Kings 12:7 NIV 1 Kings 12:7 NLT 1 Kings 12:7 ESV 1 Kings 12:7 NASB 1 Kings 12:7 KJV 1 Kings 12:7 Commentaries Bible Hub