What can we learn about seeking counsel from Rehoboam's actions in this chapter? Setting the Scene: An Unfolding Crisis 2 Chronicles 10 opens with a kingdom in transition. Solomon is gone; his son Rehoboam prepares to be crowned. Representatives of “all Israel” summon Jeroboam, the popular former labor official, to speak on their behalf (10:3). What follows is a master-class—negative though it is—on seeking counsel. Who Came to Rehoboam? • Jeroboam: once entrusted by Solomon, now exiled, recalled by the people. • “All Israel”: the collective voice of the nation, eager for relief from heavy labor. Rehoboam thus has, before him, a delegation that signals both opportunity and danger. Key Observations About Counsel in 2 Chronicles 10 • Verses 5–7: Rehoboam first consults seasoned elders who served Solomon. • Verses 8–11: He then turns to peers who “had grown up with him.” • Verses 13–15: He rejects the elders’ advice, embraces the counsel of his friends, answers harshly, and the kingdom splits. Lessons on Seeking Counsel 1. Seek counsel early, not as a formality • Rehoboam waited until pressure mounted, then hastily canvassed opinions. • Proverbs 15:22—“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” 2. Weight of advisors matters more than number of advisors • Elders brought history with Solomon’s reign; young men brought shared comfort zones. • Proverbs 13:20—“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.” 3. Look for advisors who fear God and love people • Elders aimed at easing burdens (10:7). • Young men aimed at asserting power (10:9–11). • Psalm 1:1 cautions against “the counsel of the wicked.” 4. Separate ego from discernment • Rehoboam liked what fed his pride, not what served the people. • James 1:5 reminds us that true wisdom comes from God, given to the humble. 5. Understand the stakes • Rejecting sound counsel fractured a united kingdom (10:16–19). • Proverbs 11:14—“For lack of guidance, a nation falls.” Connecting Threads Across Scripture • 1 Kings 12 (parallel account) confirms the same pattern and underscores its historic reality. • Ecclesiastes 4:13: “Better a poor but wise youth than an old but foolish king who no longer knows how to take a warning.” Rehoboam fulfilled the tragic half of that proverb. • 2 Chronicles 10:15 attributes the final outcome to “the turn of events from God,” showing divine sovereignty does not absolve human responsibility; our choices still matter. Practical Takeaways for Today • Cultivate relationships with God-fearing mentors before crisis hits. • Test counsel against Scripture, not personal preference. • Beware advice that feeds pride or promises control at the expense of service. • Remember influence: leaders’ choices ripple outward—homes, churches, nations. Conclusion: A Living Reminder Rehoboam’s story in 2 Chronicles 10 is preserved so we can recognize the blessing of godly counsel and the danger of dismissing it. The same Lord who recorded these events calls us to seek wisdom, walk humbly, and listen well—for His glory and our good. |
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