Why did Rehoboam ask for three days before giving an answer? The scene at Shechem “Rehoboam answered, ‘Depart for three days and then return to me.’ So the people departed.” (1 Kings 12:5) Why the three-day delay? • Time to seek counsel – Verse 6 shows Rehoboam “consulted with the elders who had served his father Solomon.” • Opportunity for contrasting voices – Verse 8 reveals he also “consulted the young men who had grown up with him.” The pause allowed both groups to speak. • Fulfillment of established royal practice – Solomon often deliberated before judgment (cf. 1 Kings 3:16-28); a king pausing to weigh matters signaled deliberative leadership. • Echo of covenantal pattern – Israel frequently waited “three days” before decisive moments (Joshua 1:11; Esther 4:16-5:1). The number underscored solemnity and expectancy. • Testing of hearts – The interval exposed whose counsel Rehoboam would value, revealing character (cf. Proverbs 13:20). What Rehoboam did during those days 1. Listened to seasoned elders—men who had witnessed Solomon’s reign and prosperity. 2. Listened to his peers—young nobles shaped by palace privilege. 3. Weighed, then rejected, the elders’ wisdom, choosing harshness over mercy (1 Kings 12:13-14). Biblical wisdom on counsel • “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” (Proverbs 11:14) • “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” (Proverbs 15:22) • “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5) Rehoboam sought counsel, yet his heart was set on confirming his own desires; the true safeguard is humble, God-centered listening. Outcome of the delay • Instead of calming tensions, his final answer—harsher than Solomon’s—ignited revolt (1 Kings 12:16). • The kingdom split, fulfilling prophetic word (1 Kings 11:11-13, 31-33). • The three days thus became the hinge between united Israel and the divided monarchy. Takeaway Pausing to seek advice is wise; resisting godly counsel nullifies the benefit of the pause. Rehoboam’s three-day delay spotlighted both a right instinct and a wrong heart, reminding us that the value of time spent deliberating depends on whose voice we ultimately heed. |
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