Background:
Rehoboam, the son of Solomon and grandson of David, ascended to the throne of Israel following Solomon's death. His reign is notably marked by the division of the united kingdom of Israel into two separate entities: the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. This pivotal moment in Israelite history is intricately linked to Rehoboam's consultation with the elders, as recorded in 1 Kings 12 and 2 Chronicles 10.

Biblical Account:
Upon Solomon's death, Rehoboam traveled to Shechem, where all Israel had gathered to make him king (1 Kings 12:1). The people of Israel, led by Jeroboam son of Nebat, approached Rehoboam with a request: "Your father put a heavy yoke on us, but now lighten the harsh labor and the heavy yoke he put on us, and we will serve you" (1 Kings 12:4).

In response, Rehoboam sought counsel on how to address the people's request. He first consulted the elders who had served his father Solomon. These elders, seasoned with wisdom and experience, advised Rehoboam to be a servant to the people and to speak kindly to them, suggesting that this approach would secure their loyalty: "If today you will be a servant to these people and serve them, and if you will give them a favorable answer, they will always be your servants" (1 Kings 12:7).

Rehoboam's Decision:
Despite the prudent counsel of the elders, Rehoboam chose to reject their advice. Instead, he turned to the young men who had grown up with him and were now serving him. These younger advisors recommended a harsher response, suggesting that Rehoboam should assert his authority by increasing the burdens on the people: "My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist. Whereas my father burdened you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke. My father scourged you with whips, but I will scourge you with scorpions" (1 Kings 12:10-11).

Consequences:
Rehoboam's decision to follow the advice of the young men rather than the elders led to significant consequences. When he delivered his harsh response to the people, they rebelled, leading to the division of the kingdom. The ten northern tribes rejected Rehoboam's rule and made Jeroboam their king, forming the northern kingdom of Israel. Only the tribes of Judah and Benjamin remained loyal to Rehoboam, constituting the southern kingdom of Judah (1 Kings 12:16-20).

Theological Implications:
Rehoboam's consultation with the elders and subsequent decision highlights several theological themes. The narrative underscores the importance of wise and godly counsel, as well as the consequences of pride and harsh leadership. The division of the kingdom serves as a fulfillment of God's word through the prophet Ahijah, who had foretold the tearing of the kingdom due to Solomon's idolatry (1 Kings 11:29-31). Rehoboam's actions illustrate the broader biblical principle that leaders are called to serve their people with humility and wisdom, reflecting God's own character as a just and compassionate ruler.