Then King Rehoboam consulted with the elders who had served his father Solomon during his lifetime. "How do you advise me to respond to these people?" he asked. Then King RehoboamRehoboam, the son of Solomon, ascended to the throne of Israel after his father's death. His name in Hebrew, רְחַבְעָם (Rechav'am), means "the people are enlarged" or "he who enlarges the people." This name is ironic given the division that occurs under his reign. Rehoboam's kingship marks a pivotal moment in Israel's history, as it leads to the division of the united monarchy. His reign is a reminder of the importance of wise leadership and the consequences of failing to seek God's guidance. consulted with the elders
The elders were experienced advisors who had served Solomon, known for his wisdom. In Hebrew, the word for elders is זְקֵנִים (zekenim), which implies not only age but also wisdom and experience. Consulting with elders was a common practice in ancient Israel, reflecting a respect for tradition and accumulated knowledge. This act of seeking counsel highlights the biblical principle of valuing wise and godly advice, as seen in Proverbs 11:14, "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety." who had served his father Solomon
Solomon, renowned for his wisdom, had established a prosperous and powerful kingdom. The elders who served him would have been well-versed in the complexities of governance and diplomacy. Their service under Solomon suggests they had firsthand experience with the application of wisdom in leadership. This context underscores the potential value of their counsel to Rehoboam, had he chosen to heed it. during his lifetime
This phrase emphasizes the continuity of leadership and the transfer of knowledge from one generation to the next. The elders' service during Solomon's lifetime implies they were witnesses to both his successes and failures. Their insights could have provided Rehoboam with a balanced perspective on how to govern effectively. It also serves as a reminder of the transient nature of human life and leadership, pointing to the eternal wisdom of God as the ultimate guide. How do you advise me
Rehoboam's question to the elders reflects a moment of potential humility and openness to guidance. The Hebrew root for "advise" is יָעַץ (ya'atz), which means to counsel or give advice. This inquiry suggests an acknowledgment of his need for wisdom beyond his own understanding. It is a critical moment where Rehoboam could have chosen to align his leadership with the principles of justice and mercy that characterized his father's reign. to respond to these people?
The people of Israel had come to Rehoboam seeking relief from the heavy burdens imposed by Solomon. The phrase "these people" indicates a sense of detachment or distance from the populace. In Hebrew, the word for people is עָם (am), which can denote a community or nation. Rehoboam's response to their request would determine the unity or division of the kingdom. This moment underscores the biblical theme of servant leadership, where rulers are called to serve and uplift their people, as exemplified by Christ in the New Testament. he asked
The act of asking signifies a willingness to seek input and consider options. However, the subsequent narrative reveals that Rehoboam ultimately disregards the elders' advice, leading to disastrous consequences. This highlights the importance of not only seeking counsel but also having the discernment and humility to follow wise guidance. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and the rejection of godly wisdom. Persons / Places / Events 1. RehoboamThe son of Solomon and the king of Israel at this time. His reign marks a significant turning point in Israel's history due to his decisions. 2. EldersThese were the experienced advisors who had served under King Solomon. They represent wisdom and continuity from Solomon's reign. 3. SolomonThe father of Rehoboam, known for his wisdom and wealth. His reign was marked by peace and prosperity, but also by heavy taxation and forced labor. 4. IsraelThe united kingdom under Solomon, which is on the brink of division due to Rehoboam's impending decision. 5. Consultation EventRehoboam's decision to seek advice from the elders is a pivotal moment that could determine the future of the kingdom. Teaching Points The Value of Wise CounselSeeking advice from experienced and godly individuals is crucial in making sound decisions. Rehoboam's initial step to consult the elders reflects a recognition of this principle. The Consequences of Leadership DecisionsLeadership decisions have far-reaching impacts. Rehoboam's choice would affect the entire nation of Israel, illustrating the weight of responsibility leaders carry. The Importance of Humility in LeadershipA leader must be humble enough to listen to others. Rehoboam's willingness to consult the elders shows an initial openness to guidance, which is essential for effective leadership. Learning from the PastThe elders had served Solomon and witnessed the successes and failures of his reign. Learning from past experiences is vital for making informed decisions. The Role of Godly WisdomWhile human counsel is valuable, seeking God's wisdom is paramount. Rehoboam's account reminds us to prioritize divine guidance in our decision-making processes. Bible Study Questions 1. What can we learn from Rehoboam's decision to consult the elders, and how can this apply to our own decision-making processes? 2. How does the advice of the elders reflect the principles found in Proverbs about seeking wise counsel? 3. In what ways can leaders today ensure they are making decisions that consider the well-being of those they lead? 4. How can we balance seeking human advice with seeking God's wisdom in our lives? 5. Reflect on a time when you faced a significant decision. How did seeking counsel from others impact your choice, and what role did prayer play in that process? Connections to Other Scriptures Proverbs 11:14This verse highlights the importance of seeking counsel, which is relevant to Rehoboam's decision to consult the elders. Exodus 18:13-27Jethro's advice to Moses about delegating responsibilities shows the value of wise counsel and leadership. James 1:5Encourages believers to seek wisdom from God, which parallels the need for Rehoboam to seek divine guidance in addition to human counsel. People Adoniram, Adoram, Ahijah, Benjamin, Dan, David, Israelites, Jeroboam, Jesse, Levi, Levites, Nebat, Penuel, Rehoboam, Shemaiah, SolomonPlaces Bethel, Dan, Egypt, Jerusalem, Penuel, ShechemTopics Advise, Alive, Consulted, Consulteth, Counsel, Counselling, During, Elders, Lifetime, Opinion, Presence, Rehoboam, Rehobo'am, Return, Saying, Served, Solomon, Standing, Stood, YetDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 12:1-15 5010 conscience, matters of 1 Kings 12:1-17 7233 Israel, northern kingdom 1 Kings 12:1-19 7236 Israel, united kingdom 1 Kings 12:1-24 5366 king
7245 Judah, kingdom of 1 Kings 12:6-7 5811 compromise
5853 experience, of life 1 Kings 12:6-8 5727 old age, attitudes
7719 elders, as leaders Library How to Split a Kingdom
And Rehoboam went to Shechem: for all Israel were come to Shechem to make him king. 2. And it came to pass, when Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who was yet in Egypt, heard of it (for he was fled from the presence of king Solomon, and Jeroboam dwelt in Egypt); 3. That they sent and called him. And Jeroboam and all the congregation of Israel came, and spake unto Rehoboam, saying, 4. Thy father made our yoke grievous: now therefore make thou the grievous service of thy father, and his heavy yoke which he …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScripturePolitical Religion
'Then Jeroboam built Shechera in mount Ephraim, and dwelt therein; and went out from thence, and built Penuel. 26. And Jeroboam said in his heart, Now shall the kingdom return to the house of David: 27. If this people go up to do sacrifice in the house of the Lord at Jerusalem, then shall the heart of this people turn again unto their lord, even unto Rehoboam king of Judah, and they shall kill me, and go again to Rehoboam king of Judah. 28. Whereupon the king took counsel, and made two calves of …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture "This Thing is from Me"
"Thus saith the Lord, Ye shall not go up, nor fight against your brethren the children of Israel: return every man to his house; for this thing is from me."--1 Kings 12:24. IT IS VERY DELIGHTFUL to read a history in which God is made prominent. How sadly deficient we are of such histories of our own English nation! Yet surely there is no story that is more full of God than the record of the doings of our British race. Cowper, in one of his poems, shows the parallel between us and the house of Israel, …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 42: 1896 The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
THE ISRAELITES IN THE LAND OF CANAAN: THE JUDGES--THE PHILISTINES AND THE HEBREW KINGDOM--SAUL, DAVID, SOLOMON, THE DEFECTION OF THE TEN TRIBES--THE XXIst EGYPTIAN DYNASTY--SHESHONQ OR SHISHAK DAMASCUS. The Hebrews in the desert: their families, clans, and tribes--The Amorites and the Hebrews on the left bank of the Jordan--The conquest of Canaan and the native reaction against the Hebrews--The judges, Ehud, Deborah, Jerubbaal or Gideon and the Manassite supremacy; Abimelech, Jephihdh. The Philistines, …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6 How God Works in the Hearts of Men.
1. Connection of this chapter with the preceding. Augustine's similitude of a good and bad rider. Question answered in respect to the devil. 2. Question answered in respect to God and man. Example from the history of Job. The works of God distinguished from the works of Satan and wicked men. 1. By the design or end of acting. How Satan acts in the reprobate. 2. How God acts in them. 3. Old Objection, that the agency of God in such cases is referable to prescience or permission, not actual operation. …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion Use to be Made of the Doctrine of Providence.
Sections. 1. Summary of the doctrine of Divine Providence. 1. It embraces the future and the past. 2. It works by means, without means, and against means. 3. Mankind, and particularly the Church, the object of special care. 4. The mode of administration usually secret, but always just. This last point more fully considered. 2. The profane denial that the world is governed by the secret counsel of God, refuted by passages of Scripture. Salutary counsel. 3. This doctrine, as to the secret counsel of …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion The Upbringing of Jewish Children
The tenderness of the bond which united Jewish parents to their children appears even in the multiplicity and pictorialness of the expressions by which the various stages of child-life are designated in the Hebrew. Besides such general words as "ben" and "bath"--"son" and "daughter"--we find no fewer than nine different terms, each depicting a fresh stage of life. The first of these simply designates the babe as the newly--"born"--the "jeled," or, in the feminine, "jaldah"--as in Exodus 2:3, 6, 8. …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life The Instrumentality of the Wicked Employed by God, While He Continues Free from Every Taint.
1. The carnal mind the source of the objections which are raised against the Providence of God. A primary objection, making a distinction between the permission and the will of God, refuted. Angels and men, good and bad, do nought but what has been decreed by God. This proved by examples. 2. All hidden movements directed to their end by the unseen but righteous instigation of God. Examples, with answers to objections. 3. These objections originate in a spirit of pride and blasphemy. Objection, that …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion The Twelve Minor Prophets.
1. By the Jewish arrangement, which places together the twelve minor prophets in a single volume, the chronological order of the prophets as a whole is broken up. The three greater prophets, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, stand in the true order of time. Daniel began to prophesy before Ezekiel, but continued, many years after him. The Jewish arrangement of the twelve minor prophets is in a sense chronological; that is, they put the earlier prophets at the beginning, and the later at the end of the …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible Of Civil Government.
OF CIVIL GOVERNMENT. This chapter consists of two principal heads,--I. General discourse on the necessity, dignity, and use of Civil Government, in opposition to the frantic proceedings of the Anabaptists, sec. 1-3. II. A special exposition of the three leading parts of which Civil Government consists, sec. 4-32. The first part treats of the function of Magistrates, whose authority and calling is proved, sec. 4-7. Next, the three Forms of civil government are added, sec. 8. Thirdly, Consideration …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion Travelling in Palestine --Roads, Inns, Hospitality, Custom-House Officers, Taxation, Publicans
It was the very busiest road in Palestine, on which the publican Levi Matthew sat at the receipt of "custom," when our Lord called him to the fellowship of the Gospel, and he then made that great feast to which he invited his fellow-publicans, that they also might see and hear Him in Whom he had found life and peace (Luke 5:29). For, it was the only truly international road of all those which passed through Palestine; indeed, it formed one of the great highways of the world's commerce. At the time …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life The Figurative Language of Scripture.
1. When the psalmist says: "The Lord God is a sun and shield" (Psa. 84:11), he means that God is to all his creatures the source of life and blessedness, and their almighty protector; but this meaning he conveys under the figure of a sun and a shield. When, again, the apostle James says that Moses is read in the synagogues every Sabbath-day (Acts 15:21), he signifies the writings of Moses under the figure of his name. In these examples the figure lies in particular words. But it may be embodied …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Kings 12:6 NIV1 Kings 12:6 NLT1 Kings 12:6 ESV1 Kings 12:6 NASB1 Kings 12:6 KJV
1 Kings 12:6 Commentaries
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