Topical Bible: Rulers: Wicked: Rehoboam, Making the Yoke Heavy

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Rehoboam, the son of Solomon and grandson of David, ascended to the throne of Israel following Solomon's death. His reign is marked by a significant and tragic event that led to the division of the united kingdom of Israel. Rehoboam's actions and decisions, particularly his response to the people's request for relief from heavy burdens, are often cited as examples of poor and wicked leadership.

Background and Ascension to the Throne

Rehoboam's account is primarily found in 1 Kings 12 and 2 Chronicles 10. Upon Solomon's death, Rehoboam traveled to Shechem, where all Israel had gathered to make him king. The people of Israel, led by Jeroboam, approached Rehoboam with a plea: "Your father put a heavy yoke on us, but now lighten the harsh labor and the heavy yoke he put on us, and we will serve you" (1 Kings 12:4).

Rehoboam's Folly

Rehoboam's response to this request would determine the future of his kingdom. Initially, he sought counsel from the elders who had served his father Solomon. These elders advised him to be a servant to the people and speak kindly to them, suggesting that this would ensure their loyalty (1 Kings 12:7). However, Rehoboam rejected their wise counsel.

Instead, Rehoboam turned to the young men he had grown up with, who advised him to increase the burdens on the people. They suggested he respond harshly, saying, "My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist! Whereas my father burdened you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke. My father scourged you with whips, but I will scourge you with scorpions" (1 Kings 12:10-11).

The Consequences of Rehoboam's Decision

Rehoboam's decision to follow the advice of the young men and increase the burdens on the people led to disastrous consequences. The ten northern tribes of Israel, feeling oppressed and unheard, rebelled against Rehoboam's rule. This rebellion resulted in the division of the kingdom, with Jeroboam becoming king over the northern tribes, known as Israel, while Rehoboam retained control over the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, collectively known as Judah (1 Kings 12:16-20).

Spiritual and Moral Implications

Rehoboam's actions are often viewed through the lens of spiritual and moral failure. His rejection of wise counsel and his decision to impose harsher conditions on his people reflect a lack of humility and servant leadership. The division of the kingdom is seen as a direct consequence of his failure to lead with justice and compassion, qualities that are highly valued in biblical leadership.

Rehoboam's reign serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride, the rejection of wise counsel, and the failure to serve others with humility. His account is a reminder of the importance of seeking God's wisdom and guidance in leadership, as well as the responsibility of rulers to care for and serve their people justly.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 12:8-11
But he forsook the counsel of the old men, which they had given him, and consulted with the young men that were grown up with him, and which stood before him:
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2 Chronicles 10:1-15
And Rehoboam went to Shechem: for to Shechem were all Israel come to make him king.
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Library

The Historical Books.
... It is a sad record of wicked dynasties, each ... seven years after the beginning of
Rehoboam's reign, and ... fear, by the permission of their heathen rulers and under ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xx the historical books.htm

Introduction to Oration ii.
... produces in one who is rightly fed, by making him a ... he says that to us priests and
rulers pertaineth the ... and he threatens to cut off the wicked prophets, [2718 ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/introduction to oration ii.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... Now therefore let all the wicked men be far from thence ... he made in vain; that is,
his end in making so glorious a ... see a piece of ground, to prove a yoke of oxen ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm