Topical Encyclopedia Rehoboam, the son of Solomon and Naamah the Ammonitess, is a prominent figure in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of the division of the united monarchy of Israel. His reign is marked by a series of unwise decisions that led to significant consequences for the nation of Israel, illustrating the biblical theme of folly.Background and Ascension to the Throne Rehoboam's account is primarily found in 1 Kings 12 and 2 Chronicles 10-12. Upon the death of Solomon, Rehoboam ascended to the throne around 931 BC. His reign began with a critical decision that would define his legacy. The people of Israel, led by Jeroboam, approached Rehoboam at Shechem, seeking relief from the heavy burdens imposed by Solomon. They requested, "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). The Folly of Rehoboam Rehoboam's response to this request is a classic example of folly as depicted in the Scriptures. Instead of heeding the wise counsel of the elders who advised him to serve the people and speak kindly to them, Rehoboam chose to follow the advice of the young men he had grown up with. These young men advised him to increase the burdens, 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). This decision, rooted in arrogance and a lack of discernment, led to the division of the kingdom. The ten northern tribes rejected Rehoboam's rule, forming the separate kingdom of Israel under Jeroboam, while Rehoboam retained control over the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, forming the kingdom of Judah. Consequences of Rehoboam's Folly The division of the kingdom was a direct consequence of Rehoboam's failure to act with wisdom and humility. The Scriptures highlight that this turn of events was also part of God's sovereign plan, as it fulfilled the prophecy given to Jeroboam through the prophet Ahijah (1 Kings 11:29-31). Nevertheless, Rehoboam's actions serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and the rejection of wise counsel. Rehoboam's reign continued to be marked by instability and conflict. In 2 Chronicles 12, it is recorded that because Rehoboam and all Israel had forsaken the law of the LORD, Shishak, king of Egypt, came up against Jerusalem. Rehoboam and the leaders of Israel humbled themselves, and the LORD's anger was turned away, but they became subject to Shishak, losing many treasures from the temple and the royal palace (2 Chronicles 12:1-9). Rehoboam's Legacy Rehoboam reigned for seventeen years in Jerusalem, the city chosen by the LORD to put His Name there. Despite his initial folly, there were moments of humility and repentance, yet his reign is largely overshadowed by the division of the kingdom and the subsequent decline in spiritual fidelity among the people of Judah. The narrative of Rehoboam serves as a poignant reminder of the biblical principle that "the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding" (Proverbs 9:10). Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Kings 12:8But 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 Library Contrasted Services Commendation for the Steadfast Tit. 2:06 Thoughts for Young Men His Name --The Counsellor Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers. An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ... Resources How is the fear of the Lord the beginning of wisdom? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about inequality? | GotQuestions.org How can I tap into the wisdom of God? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Fools: All Men Are, Without the Knowledge of God Fools: Are: A Grief to Parents Fools: Are: Corrupt and Abominable Fools: Are: Mere Professors of Religion Fools: Delight not in Understanding Fools: Depend Upon Their Wealth Fools: Destroy Themselves by Their Speech Fools: Exhorted to Seek Wisdom Fools: Hate to Depart from Evil Fools: Hear the Gospel and Obey It Not Fools: Honor is Unbecoming For Fools: Lips of, a Snare to the Soul Fools: Shall not Stand in the Presence of God Fools: Sport Themselves in Mischief Fools: The Company of, Ruinous Fools: The Mouth of, Pours out Folly Fools: Trust to Their own Hearts Fools: Worship of, Hateful to God Related Terms |
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