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 a pivotal event that led to the division of the united kingdom of Israel. This event is recorded in 1 Kings 12 and 2 Chronicles 10, where Rehoboam's decision-making process and its consequences are detailed.

The Request for Lighter Burdens:
Upon Solomon's death, Rehoboam traveled to Shechem, where all Israel had gathered to make him king. The people, 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). This plea reflects the burdensome policies and labor demands imposed by Solomon during his reign, particularly in his extensive building projects.

Consultation with Advisors:
Rehoboam sought counsel to respond to the people's request. He first consulted the elders who had served his father Solomon. These seasoned advisors recommended a conciliatory approach: "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). The elders' advice emphasized servant leadership and the potential for long-term loyalty from the people.

Rejection of Wise Counsel:
Despite the wisdom of the elders, Rehoboam rejected their counsel. Instead, he turned to the young men he had grown up with, who now served him. These younger advisors suggested a harsher response: "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). This advice reflected arrogance and a desire to assert authority through intimidation and increased oppression.

The Consequences:
Rehoboam's decision to follow the counsel of the young men led to disastrous consequences. When he delivered his harsh response to the people, they rebelled, declaring, "What portion do we have in David? We have no inheritance in the son of Jesse. To your tents, O Israel! Look now to your own house, O David!" (1 Kings 12:16). This marked the division of the kingdom, with ten tribes forming the northern kingdom of Israel under Jeroboam, while Rehoboam retained control over the tribes of Judah and Benjamin in the south.

Theological Implications:
Rehoboam's rejection of wise counsel is often viewed as a failure to heed godly wisdom and a reliance on prideful and self-serving advice. This event underscores the biblical principle that leaders should seek and value wise counsel, particularly from those with experience and a heart for service. The division of the kingdom is seen as a fulfillment of God's judgment on Solomon's idolatry and a reminder of the consequences of forsaking divine wisdom.

Legacy:
Rehoboam's reign is remembered for the division of the kingdom and the subsequent weakening of Israel's united strength. His failure to listen to wise counsel serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of humility, servant leadership, and the pursuit of godly wisdom in governance.