What can we learn from the elders' advice to Rehoboam in 1 Kings 12:6? Setting the Scene • Solomon’s son, Rehoboam, has just inherited a united kingdom (1 Kings 11:43). • Israel gathers at Shechem to ask their new king for lighter labor and taxation (1 Kings 12:4). • Before issuing a reply, Rehoboam “consulted with the elders who had served his father Solomon during his lifetime” (1 Kings 12:6). The Elders’ Counsel in a Sentence “Today if you will be a servant to this people and serve them, if you will answer them kindly, they will be your servants forever.” (2 Chron 10:7, parallel to 1 Kings 12) Key Takeaways 1. Wise Leadership Begins with Humble Listening • Proverbs 11:14—“Where there is no guidance, the people fall, but in an abundance of counselors there is victory.” • Rehoboam’s first instinct was right: seek advice from those seasoned in governing alongside Solomon. • God honors a teachable spirit (James 1:19). 2. Authority Is Strengthened by Servanthood • The elders tie lasting loyalty to servant-hearted leadership: “be a servant … serve them.” • Jesus later embodies this principle: “whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant” (Matthew 20:26-28). • Leaders do not lose respect by stooping to serve; they gain it. 3. Kind Words Disarm Resistance • “Answer them kindly” (2 Chron 10:7). • Proverbs 15:1—“A gentle answer turns away wrath.” • Gracious speech can preserve unity that harshness would shatter. 4. Easing Burdens Can Secure Long-Term Loyalty • The elders promise a lifelong return: “they will be your servants forever.” • Galatians 6:2—“Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” • Lightening loads fosters gratitude and commitment. What Happened When the Counsel Was Ignored • Rehoboam consulted his peers instead (1 Kings 12:8) and chose harshness. • Result: the kingdom split; ten tribes rebelled (1 Kings 12:16-19). • Proverbs 13:10—“Arrogance leads only to strife, but wisdom is with the well-advised.” Practical Applications • Cultivate older, godly mentors; don’t rely solely on peer opinion. • When entrusted with authority—home, work, church—lead by serving, not dominating. • Use gentle, considerate words, especially when people are weary or wounded. • Regularly evaluate whether your decisions lighten or increase the burdens of others. • Remember that obedience to wise, biblical counsel often averts long-lasting damage. Bottom Line The elders’ advice to Rehoboam shows that lasting influence grows out of humble listening, servant leadership, gentle speech, and burden-lifting decisions. Ignoring such counsel risks division and disaster; heeding it invites unity and blessing. |
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