What does Rehoboam's decision teach about the importance of strategic planning in leadership? Setting the Scene “Rehoboam wisely dispersed some of his sons throughout the districts of Judah and Benjamin into every fortified city. He gave them an abundance of provisions and sought many wives for them.” Rehoboam had just lost ten tribes through earlier unwise choices (1 Kings 12), yet here he acts with foresight. The Holy Spirit records this moment to highlight the value of intentional, strategic planning in leadership. Why Rehoboam’s Move Was Strategic • Decentralized influence: by stationing his sons “in every fortified city,” he planted loyal representatives across the realm. • Secured the borders: fortified cities already existed (2 Chron 11:5–12). Filling them with family ensured defense and internal stability. • Supplied resources: “abundance of provisions” prevented resentment and kept the royal presence welcomed. • Built alliances: arranging marriages wove new relational ties between the throne and influential families. • Prevented rivalry: dispersal reduced the risk of palace intrigue by giving each son a sphere of responsibility away from Jerusalem. Principles for Leaders Today • Think ahead, not just in the moment. – Luke 14:28 “Who among you, wanting to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost?” • Place the right people in the right places. – Exodus 18:21 “Select capable men… and appoint them as officials.” • Resource your teams generously. – Proverbs 3:27 “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due.” • Strengthen relational networks. – Ecclesiastes 4:12 “A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” • Guard against internal threats while facing external ones. – Proverbs 27:12 “The prudent see danger and take refuge.” Supporting Scriptures on Strategic Planning • Proverbs 15:22 “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” • Proverbs 24:3–4 “By wisdom a house is built… through knowledge its rooms are filled.” • 1 Corinthians 14:40 “Everything must be done in a proper and orderly manner.” • Nehemiah 2:7–8 — Nehemiah secured letters and timber before rebuilding the wall, illustrating preparation. Takeaways for Modern Leadership • Learn from past mistakes; Rehoboam moved from reckless to deliberate (contrast 2 Chron 10:8 with 11:23). • Strategic planning is not unspiritual; it is a form of stewardship under God’s sovereignty. • Wisdom combines people placement, resource allocation, and relationship building. • Leaders who plan protect those they lead and extend their influence for lasting impact. |
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