Divided Kingdoms: The Rise of Rehoboam and Jeroboam

1 Kings 12 warns of the dangers of pride and disobedience. It encourages us to seek wise counsel, be humble leaders, and prioritize obedience to God over personal power or convenience. Even in difficult times, God remains sovereign, and His will ultimately prevails. As believers, we should strive to remain faithful to God's instructions and not succumb to the allure of false gods.

Verses 1-5: Israel's Plea to Rehoboam

Upon Solomon's death, Rehoboam travels to Shechem to be made king. The Israelites, led by Jeroboam, approach him with a request: lighten the harsh labor conditions instituted by Solomon. Rehoboam asks for three days to consider their plea.

Verses 6-11: Rehoboam's Fateful Decision

Rehoboam first seeks advice from the elders who served his father Solomon, who counsel him to yield to the people's request. However, Rehoboam rejects this wisdom, instead favoring the advice of his peers, who suggest increasing the burden on the Israelites.

Verses 12-17: A Kingdom Divided

Upon hearing Rehoboam's decision, Israel revolts. Rehoboam attempts to quell the rebellion, but it results in the death of his overseer. He flees to Jerusalem, effectively ruling only the tribe of Judah, while the northern tribes declare their allegiance to Jeroboam.

Verses 18-24: God's Word Through the Prophet

A prophet conveys God's command to the people, stating this turn of events was ordained by Him. This message prevents a war between the northern tribes and Judah.

Verses 25-33: Jeroboam's False Worship

Jeroboam, fearing that religious unity might lead his people back to Rehoboam, establishes golden calf worship in Bethel and Dan. He installs non-Levitical priests, declares a feast similar to the Feast of Tabernacles, and leads the worship himself, directly violating God's commands.

1 Kings 12 captures a crucial moment in Israel's history - the division of the kingdom. After Solomon's death, his son Rehoboam ascends to the throne, but his arrogance and failure to heed wise counsel lead to a nation's schism. Jeroboam, once an exile, emerges as the leader of the northern tribes, furthering the division by establishing false worship to consolidate his power.

1. Authority and Rebellion
2. Spiritual Adultery
3. The Consequences of Arrogance
4. The Role of Prophecy1. The Division of Israel's Kingdom
2. Leadership Style and Its Impact
3. The Establishment of False Worship
4. Prophecy Fulfillment1. Rehoboam
2. Jeroboam
3. Solomon
4. The Elders of Israel
5. The Prophet Ahijah1. Shechem
2. Jerusalem
3. Bethel
4. Dan

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?