Rehoboam, the son of Solomon and grandson of David, is a significant figure in the history of Israel, particularly in the context of alliances and associations with those considered enemies of God. His reign marks a pivotal moment in the division of the united monarchy of Israel and Judah, and his actions provide a cautionary tale about the consequences of forsaking divine wisdom for worldly alliances.

Background and Reign

Rehoboam ascended to the throne following the death of his father, Solomon. His reign is chronicled in 1 Kings 12 and 2 Chronicles 10-12. Upon his accession, Rehoboam faced immediate challenges, particularly from the northern tribes of Israel, who were discontent with Solomon's heavy taxation and forced labor policies. The people, led by Jeroboam, approached Rehoboam with a request to lighten their burdens. Rehoboam sought counsel on how to respond, first consulting the elders who had served his father. They advised him to serve the people and speak kindly to them, which would secure their loyalty (1 Kings 12:7).

However, Rehoboam rejected the elders' counsel and instead heeded the advice of the young men he had grown up with, who suggested he increase the people's burdens. Rehoboam's harsh response led to the rebellion of the northern tribes and the division of the kingdom, with Jeroboam ruling over Israel and Rehoboam retaining control over Judah (1 Kings 12:13-17).

Alliance with Egypt

Rehoboam's reign was further marred by his alliances with foreign powers, notably Egypt. In the fifth year of his reign, Shishak, king of Egypt, attacked Jerusalem and plundered the treasures of the temple and the royal palace (1 Kings 14:25-26). This invasion was a direct consequence of Rehoboam's abandonment of the law of the LORD, as recorded in 2 Chronicles 12:1-2 : "After Rehoboam had established his sovereignty and royal power, he and all Israel with him forsook the law of the LORD. In the fifth year of Rehoboam’s reign, because they had been unfaithful to the LORD, Shishak king of Egypt came up and attacked Jerusalem."

Rehoboam's reliance on foreign alliances rather than seeking the LORD's guidance and protection exemplifies the dangers of forming associations with those who do not honor God. His actions led to the weakening of Judah and the loss of its wealth and security.

Spiritual and Moral Decline

Rehoboam's alliances and policies contributed to a spiritual and moral decline in Judah. The people engaged in practices that were detestable to the LORD, including the establishment of high places, sacred stones, and Asherah poles (1 Kings 14:23-24). This idolatry and departure from the covenant with God were direct results of Rehoboam's failure to lead his people in righteousness and his willingness to associate with pagan influences.

Lessons from Rehoboam's Reign

Rehoboam's account serves as a warning about the perils of forsaking godly wisdom for the sake of political expediency and alliances with those who oppose God's ways. His failure to heed wise counsel and his reliance on foreign powers rather than the LORD led to the division of the kingdom and the spiritual decline of his people. The narrative of Rehoboam underscores the importance of seeking God's guidance and remaining faithful to His commandments, rather than forming alliances that compromise one's spiritual integrity.1 Kings 12:8,9
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:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Divided Kingdom.
... This shatters the alliance between the two nations and causes a ... (7) The different
enemies with which ... The sins of cruelty and injustice in society and government ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xiii the divided kingdom.htm

The Israelites
... of the Israelitish territory was cleared of its enemies. ... Alliance with the neighbouring
kingdom of Phoenicia brought ... of the Royal Asiatic Society, July 1897. ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter i the israelites.htm

Egypt
... Perhaps he sought to strengthen himself against his enemies in Egypt by an alliance
with his ... was affectionate to his family, fond of society, and, alone ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter v egypt.htm

Funeral Oration on the Great S. Basil, Bishop of C??sarea in ...
... midst of the eddying tide of enemies assaulting the ... Accordingly he accepted the alliance,
and imagined himself the ... in which the true man of God, working for God ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xliii funeral oration on.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... not dare to shelter the vanquished enemies of his ... we have seen, Jehoshaphat, encouraged
by his alliance with the ... of the corresponding grades of society in Syria ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

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