Rehoboam's Inheritance
Rehoboam inherits the throne from Solomon, but his leadership is immediately tested. Rehoboam went to Shechem, for all Israel had gone there to make him king (1 Kings 12:1).

The Request for Lighter Burdens
The people of Israel, led by Jeroboam, request that Rehoboam lighten the heavy burdens imposed by Solomon. Your father made our yoke heavy. Now, therefore, lighten the harsh labor and the heavy yoke your father imposed on us, and we will serve you (1 Kings 12:4).

Seeking Counsel
Rehoboam seeks advice from two groups: the elders who served Solomon and the young men he grew up with. The elders advise him to serve the people and speak kindly to them, while the young men suggest he increase their burdens (1 Kings 12:6-11).

Rehoboam's Decision
Ignoring the elders' counsel, Rehoboam follows the advice of the young men, leading to the people's rebellion. So the king did not listen to the people, for this turn of events was from the LORD (1 Kings 12:15).

The Kingdom Divided
The result of Rehoboam's decision is the division of the kingdom into Israel and Judah. So Israel has been in rebellion against the house of David to this day (1 Kings 12:19).Seek Wise Counsel
Before making significant decisions, seek advice from those with experience and wisdom.

Consider the Consequences
Understand that decisions, especially in leadership, have far-reaching consequences.

Serve Others
Leadership should be characterized by service and humility, not by harshness and pride.

Listen to the People
Effective leaders listen to the needs and concerns of those they lead.1. Rehoboam
Rehoboam is the son of Solomon and the grandson of David. He becomes king of Israel after Solomon's death. His decision to increase the burden on the people leads to the division of the kingdom. The Hebrew root of his name, רְחַבְעָם (Rechav'am), means "the people are enlarged."

2. Jeroboam
Jeroboam is the son of Nebat, an Ephraimite, and a former official of Solomon. He leads the rebellion against Rehoboam and becomes the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel. His name, יָרָבְעָם (Yarav'am), means "the people will contend."

3. Shemaiah
Shemaiah is a prophet who delivers God's message to Rehoboam and the people of Judah, advising them not to fight against their brothers in Israel. His name, שְׁמַעְיָה (Shema'yah), means "heard by Yahweh."

4. Adoram
Adoram is in charge of forced labor under Rehoboam. He is stoned to death by the Israelites when Rehoboam sends him to them, highlighting the people's discontent. His name, אֲדֹרָם (Adoram), means "my lord is exalted."

5. Ahijah
Although not directly mentioned in 1 Kings 12, Ahijah the Shilonite is referenced in the context of Jeroboam's rise to power. He previously prophesied that Jeroboam would rule over ten tribes of Israel. His name, אֲחִיָּה (Achiya), means "brother of Yahweh."1. Shechem
Shechem is the location where all Israel gathered to make Rehoboam king (1 Kings 12:1). It holds historical significance as a central city in the hill country of Ephraim and was previously a site of covenant renewal under Joshua (Joshua 24:1). The Hebrew root for Shechem (שְׁכֶם) can mean "shoulder" or "ridge," indicating its geographical features.

2. Jerusalem
Jerusalem is where Rehoboam returned after the assembly at Shechem (1 Kings 12:21). It is the capital city of the united kingdom under David and Solomon and remains the political and spiritual center for Judah. The Hebrew name (יְרוּשָׁלַיִם) is often associated with "foundation of peace."

3. Bethel
Bethel is one of the two locations where Jeroboam set up golden calves for worship (1 Kings 12:29). Historically, Bethel was a significant religious site, known for Jacob's vision of the ladder (Genesis 28:19). The name Bethel (בֵּית אֵל) means "house of God."

4. Dan
Dan is the second location where Jeroboam placed a golden calf (1 Kings 12:29). It is situated in the northern part of Israel and was the northernmost city of the kingdom. The name Dan (דָּן) means "judge" or "he judged."

5. Penuel
Penuel is where Jeroboam built up the city as part of his fortification efforts (1 Kings 12:25). It is located east of the Jordan River and is known from Jacob's encounter with God (Genesis 32:30). The name Penuel (פְּנוּאֵל) means "face of God."1. Rehoboam Goes to Shechem
Rehoboam travels to Shechem, where all Israel had come to make him king. This event sets the stage for the subsequent division of the kingdom. The Hebrew root for "Shechem" (שְׁכֶם) refers to a place of burden or responsibility, highlighting the significance of this location for the coronation.

2. Jeroboam Returns from Egypt
Jeroboam, who had fled to Egypt to escape King Solomon, returns upon hearing of Rehoboam's ascension. His return is pivotal as he becomes a central figure in the division of the kingdom. The Hebrew name "Jeroboam" (יָרָבְעָם) means "the people will contend," foreshadowing the conflict to come.

3. Israel's Request for Lighter Burden
The assembly of Israel, led by Jeroboam, requests that Rehoboam lighten the harsh labor and heavy yoke imposed by Solomon. This request is a critical moment, as it tests Rehoboam's leadership and wisdom.

4. Rehoboam Seeks Counsel
Rehoboam consults with the elders who had served his father Solomon, asking for advice on how to respond to the people's request. The elders advise him to be a servant to the people and speak kindly to them.

5. Rehoboam Rejects the Elders' Advice
Ignoring the elders, Rehoboam turns to the young men he had grown up with, seeking their counsel. This decision marks a turning point, as it leads to a harsher response to the people's plea.

6. Rehoboam's Harsh Response
Rehoboam answers the people harshly, stating, "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, rooted in the Hebrew word for "scorpions" (עַקְרַבִּים), signifies increased severity and oppression.

7. Israel's Rebellion
The people of Israel, feeling rejected, declare, "What portion do we have in David? We have no inheritance in the son of Jesse. To your tents, O Israel!" This declaration signifies the division of the kingdom, as the ten northern tribes reject Rehoboam's rule.

8. Rehoboam's Attempt to Reassert Control
Rehoboam sends Adoram, who was in charge of forced labor, to the Israelites, but they stone him to death. This act of violence underscores the complete breakdown of Rehoboam's authority over the northern tribes.

9. Rehoboam Flees to Jerusalem
Fearing for his life, Rehoboam quickly mounts his chariot and flees to Jerusalem. This retreat marks the end of his attempt to maintain control over the united kingdom.

10. Jeroboam Made King Over Israel
The northern tribes make Jeroboam king over Israel, fulfilling the prophecy given to him by the prophet Ahijah. This event solidifies the division, with Jeroboam ruling over the ten tribes and Rehoboam over Judah and Benjamin.

11. Rehoboam Prepares for War
Rehoboam gathers 180,000 chosen warriors from Judah and Benjamin to fight against the house of Israel and restore the kingdom to himself. This preparation for civil war highlights the deep division within the nation.

12. God's Message Through Shemaiah
The word of God comes to Shemaiah, the man of God, instructing Rehoboam and the people not to fight against their brothers, the Israelites. This divine intervention prevents further bloodshed and confirms the division as part of God's plan.Proverbs 11:14
Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.

James 1:5
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

Matthew 20:26-28
Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.Pray for wisdom and discernment in decision-making, especially for those in leadership positions.
Ask God to help us seek and heed wise counsel in our lives.
Pray for a servant's heart, that we may lead and serve others with humility and love.
Seek God's guidance in understanding the long-term impact of our choices and actions.

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?