1 Reis 12
David Guzik · Citado em PreceptAustin
1 Reis 12
Guzik has a note which is difficult to believe (but it is true) that "Rehoboam was the only son of Solomon that we know by name. Solomon had 1,000 wives and concubines, yet we read of one son he had to bear up his name, and he was a fool. This demonstrates that sin is a bad way of building up a family." For - Term of explanation. This is an important explanation, explaining the purpose for Rehoboam traveling some 40+ miles from Jerusalem, the home of the Temple and the capital city of Israel to the city that was the heart of the northern territories. All Israel had come to Shechem ("shoulder" "shoulder blade") to make him king - All Israel is important because it emphasize the nation was still united. Note that beginning in 1Ki 12:3, 16, 18 "Israel" can be confusing because in these verses it begins to refer to the 10 northern tribes (it would can also be referred to by terms "Ephraim" the largest tribe or "Samaria" the capital). This was an opportunity for Rehoboam to unite the nation of Israel. Shechem was between Mt. Ebal and Mt. Gerizim. Bob Utley suggests several possible reasons why Rehoboam chose Shechem. It was the largest northern city and on the border between Ephraim and Manasseh (i.e., "house of Joseph," 1 Ki 11:28). It was the site of patriarchal sacrifices. Abraham ‒ Ge 12:6-9 (ED: IT WAS FIRST CITY ABRAM VISITED IN PROMISED LAND) Jacob ‒ Ge 33:18-20 It was the site of Joshua's altar and the reading of the cursings and blessings (i.e., Deuteronomy 27-28) ‒ Deut. 11:29; 27:4,13; Josh. 8:30,33. (ED: IT WAS WERE JOSHUA RENEWED THE COVENANT - Joshua 24:1) It was the site of Joseph's tomb ‒ Exod. 13:19. It was later the site of Abimelech's conspiracy to become king ‒ Judges 9:6. See Utley's discussion of the DIVIDED MONARCHY which includes charts of kings. QUESTION - Who was King Rehoboam in the Bible? ANSWER - Rehoboam was the son of King Solomon and king of Judah for seventeen years (931–913 BC). Solomon had turned away from God, and God told Solomon that He would tear the kingdom from him yet leave him one tribe. God also promised, for the sake of David, not to tear the kingdom away during Solomon’s lifetime but during that of his son (1 Kings 11:9–13). Shortly after Rehoboam became king, a rebellion placed the ten northern tribes under the rule of Jeroboam and left Rehoboam with his own tribe (Judah) and the tribe of Benjamin. Jeroboam started out as a servant of Solomon in charge of forced labor (1 Kings 11:28). A prophet told Jeroboam that he would be king over Israel (1 Kings 11:26–40). At some point, Jeroboam fled from Solomon to Egypt. But when Rehoboam went to Shechem to be installed as king of Israel, Jeroboam returned. The people sent Jeroboam to the new king to ask him to lighten the heavy load of labor and taxes that Solomon had laid on them (1 Kings 12:1–4; 2 Chronicles 10:3–4). The older advisers gave King Rehoboam the wise counsel to honor the people’s request and thus win their loyalty (1 Kings 12:6–7; 2 Chronicles 10:6–7). King Rehoboam asked the young men who had grown up with him for advice as well. They foolishly told the new king to threaten even harsher conditions. Rehoboam took the young men’s advice, and the people rebelled, abandoning the house of David and ultimately making Jeroboam their king (1 Kings 12:8–20; 2 Chronicles 10:8–19). Rehoboam fled to Jerusalem (1 Kings 12:18; 2 Chronicles 10:18), where he mustered 180,000 warriors from the tribes of Judah and Benjamin to mount an attack. But Shemaiah, a prophet of God, delivered God’s message to Rehoboam: the troops should go home because the divided kingdom had come from the Lord. The people of Judah wisely listened and did not invade Israel (1 Kings 12:21–24; 2 Chronicles 11:1–4). However, there continued to be warfare between Jeroboam and Rehoboam throughout Rehoboam’s reign (1 Kings 14:30; 2 Chronicles 12:15). In the northern kingdom, Jeroboam promoted idolatry and removed the Levites from service, so the priests and Levites came to Rehoboam and served at the temple of the Lord in Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 11:13–15), along with all those who wanted to seek the one true God (2 Chronicles 11:16). Second Chronicles 11:17 says, “They strengthened the kingdom of Judah, and for three years they made Rehoboam the son of Solomon secure, for they walked for three years in the way of David and Solomon.” Rehoboam also built multiple cities for defense, with strong fortresses, commanders, and supplies (2 Chronicles 11:5–12). King Rehoboam “acted wisely” by placing his sons throughout the districts of Judah and Benjamin, supplied ample provisions, and found them wives (2 Chronicles 11:23). Unfortunately, after King Rehoboam became established in the southern kingdom, he abandoned the ways of God (2 Chronicles 12:1). In the fifth year of Rehoboam’s reign, Shishak king of Egypt captured the fortified cities in Judah and set out against Jerusalem. Shemaiah the prophet told Rehoboam, “This is what the Lord says, ‘You have abandoned me; therefore, I now abandon you to Shishak” (2 Chronicles 12:5). “The leaders of Israel and the king humbled themselves and said, ‘The Lord is just’” (verse 6). Seeing their humility, God said He would not destroy them but would allow them to become subjects of Shishak. The Pharaoh attacked Jerusalem and removed all the treasures from the temple and the palace (1 Kings 14:26; 2 Chronicles 12:9). Rehoboam did make bronze shields to replace the gold ones his father had made (1 Kings 14:27; 2 Chronicles 12:10–11). Second Chronicles 12:12 says, “Because Rehoboam humbled himself, the Lord’s anger turned from him, and he was not totally destroyed. Indeed, there was some good in Judah.” “Some good in Judah” seems a fitting way to characterize the reign of Rehoboam. He was unwise and perhaps brash in his treatment of the forced laborers, thus leading to his loss of the kingdom. However, that loss was God-ordained, and Rehoboam proceeded to follow the ways of the Lord for some time. But then he turned from God, and the nation slid into moral and spiritual decay. “Judah did evil in the eyes of the LORD. By the sins they committed they stirred up his jealous anger more than those who were before them had done” (1 Kings 14:22). They set up high places and had male shrine prostitutes in the land, which King Asa, Rehoboam’s grandson, would later remove. From King Rehoboam we learn the importance of wise counselors and maintaining faithfulness to God. When Rehoboam went his own way, things did not go well for his kingdom. When he listened to God, Judah was secure. QUESTION - What is the importance of Shechem in the Bible? ANSWER -Shechem was an ancient biblical city in Israel. Today, the area of Shechem is known as Tell Balata, an archaeological site near Nablus in the West Bank. The town was located between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim in central Israel, just southeast of Samaria. The name Shechem means “shoulder” in Hebrew, which is appropriate considering its location as a pass between two mountains. Shechem was a place of promise. First mentioned in Genesis 12:6–7, Shechem was the location where Abram stopped at the tree of Moreh and received God’s promise of the land. Shechem became part of the Promised Land of Israel, was given to the Kohathites, and served as a Levitical city of refuge (Joshua 21:20–21). Shechem was the place where Joseph’s remains were buried (Joshua 24:32). During the time of the divided kingdom of Israel, Shechem was the capital of the northern kingdom for a while (1 Kings 12:1). Shechem was a place of commitment. In the area of Shechem, the Israelites were reminded of God’s covenantal relationship to them, which He had first made to Abraham. Before they entered Canaan, the Israelites had been instructed to pronounce the blessings and the curses of the law on Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal, respectively (Deuteronomy 11:26–30). They did this under Joshua’s leadership after the battle of Ai (Joshua 8:33). Later, a renewal of the covenant also occurred at Shechem, when Joshua gathered the Israelites to challenge them to follow the Lord (Joshua 24:1, 14–15). Shechem was a place of worship. When the Lord appeared to him at Shechem, Abram built an altar to God at the site (Genesis 12:7). Abram’s grandson, Jacob, also built an altar at Shechem, calling it “El Elohe Israel,” or “mighty God of Israel” (Genesis 33:18–20). Even in the time of Joshua, the altar at Shechem was a holy site of the Lord (Joshua 24:26). Shechem was a place of man’s sin. A Hivite chieftain named Hamor was the father of a man named Shechem, who lived in the city that bore his name. Shechem raped Jacob’s daughter, Dinah, and two of Jacob’s sons avenged their sister by slaughtering all the men in the city, including Shechem and Hamor (Genesis 34:1–29). In the time of the judges, the Shechemites sided with Abimelek, a son of one of Gideon’s concubines (Judges 9:1–6). Abimelek positioned himself as king among the Shechemites, killing all but one of Gideon’s other sons. Jotham, the surviving son, pronounced a curse on Abimelek and the Shechemites, and after three years the city of Shechem turned against the would-be king (Judges 9:16–20). In response to Shechem’s rejection, Abimelek attacked the city and killed a thousand men and women (Judges 9:48–49; 57). Shechem is only mentioned in the New Testament in Stephen’s sermon (Acts 7:16). Some scholars identify Sychar in Samaria as the ancient city of Shechem (John 4:5–6), but most believe that Sychar was a distinct place. Shechem is important in the Bible because the city displayed man’s sinfulness and failure to properly honor God, while at the same time revealing God’s faithfulness. GotQuestions.org Shechem was the place where Rehoboam was made king and where the kingdom of Israel was divided. Shechem was the place where Rehoboam had the chance to unite the kingdom but instead caused its division. His failure in leadership at Shechem led to one of the most defining moments in Israel’s history—the split between Israel and Judah. 1. Shechem as the Coronation Site of Rehoboam After King Solomon died, his son Rehoboam was set to become king. Instead of being crowned in Jerusalem, he went to Shechem because the northern tribes gathered there to decide whether they would accept him as king. 2. The Division of the Kingdom at Shechem - The people, led by Jeroboam, asked Rehoboam to ease the heavy burden of labor and taxes that Solomon had placed on them. The elders advised Rehoboam to be kind and listen to the people, but he rejected their counsel and followed the advice of his younger friends, responding harshly: “My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add to your yoke. My father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions.” (1 Kings 12:14) This arrogant response angered the northern tribes, leading to a rebellion and the formation of the Northern Kingdom (Israel) under Jeroboam I. Shechem became the first capital of the Northern Kingdom (1 Kings 12:25). 3. Why Shechem? Shechem was an important city in Israel’s history: Abraham built an altar there (Genesis 12:6-7). Jacob settled there and buried foreign idols (Genesis 35:2-4). Joseph was buried there (Joshua 24:32). Joshua renewed Israel’s covenant with God at Shechem (Joshua 24:1). This made it a meaningful place for the tribes to gather and discuss leadership. 4. The Consequences for Rehoboam His pride and harshness led to the permanent split of the kingdom: Rehoboam ruled only Judah and Benjamin (Southern Kingdom). Jeroboam ruled the ten northern tribes (Northern Kingdom). This division lasted until both kingdoms were eventually conquered (Israel by Assyria in 722 BC, Judah by Babylon in 586 BC). Phillip Ryken introduces this pivotal chapter 12 with this note - There are two kinds of people in the world: the people who use other people, and the people who get used. This is the thesis of Ken Ivy’s book Pimpology: The 48 Laws of the Game. To use Ivy’s vulgar categories, everyone is either a pimp or a whore—not just on the streets of the ghetto, but at home, in the business world, and everywhere else in life. He writes: You are either the kind of person who will have people working for you, bringing you the money, or you are the kind of person who will work for someone else, hand over your hard-earned dough, and let someone tell you what to do. This reality may be offensive to some, but it’s real, and if you open your eyes to what is truly going on in this world, you will see that everyone falls into one category or the other. (Ken Ivy, with Karen Hunter, Pimpology: The 48 Laws of the Game ) According to this philosophy of life, there are only the two alternatives: serving or being served. Given the title of his book, it is not hard guess which category the author has chosen. He is a taker, not a giver. “To be valued,” Ivy says, “the key is not to give, but to receive—the more, the better. You don’t want to ‘earn’ your price, you want to ‘cost’ it.” (1 Kings: The Wisdom and the Folly) Ken Ivy has taken the devil’s part of the bargain, but he is basically right about the choice that everyone faces in life. To serve or to be served?—that is the question. We see the question posed repeatedly in 1 Kings 12, as Rehoboam takes the throne and Jeroboam challenges his kingship. (1 Kings - Reformed Expository Commentary ) OUTLINE King Rehoboam Acts Foolishly (1Ki 12:1-15) The Kingdom Divided (1Ki 12:16-24) Jeroboam's Turning Away from God to Idolatry (1Ki 12:25-33) Dale Ralph Davis in 1 Kings: The Wisdom and the Folly summarizes chapter 12 - The narrative is easy to follow. There are two major sections (vv. 1–15 and 16–24), each of these ending on the same theological note (vv. 15, 24). One could set it out like this: Assembly (vv. 1–15) (Stupidity under the Sovereignty of God) Appeal to the king, 1–5 Consultation with advisors, 6–11 Declaration to the people, 12–14 Explanation of the event, 15 Aftermath (vv. 16–24) (Tragedy in view of the Promise of God) Rebellion, 16–20 Restraint, 21–24 1 Kings 12:1-17 THE desire for the approval of others makes us do strange things. Because of people pressure, we wear clothing that is fashionable whether we like it or not, we accept invitations we would rather decline, and we work much harder than we want to for a level of financial success we don't need. Most regrettably, however, we sometimes choose to follow a crowd that encourages us to do what is wrong. In 1 Kings 12, we read about King Rehoboam, who also succumbed to people pressure. He rejected the good advice of older wise men who had known his father, Solomon, and the mistakes he had made as king. Rehoboam listened instead to the counsel of his peers, young advisors with whom he had grown up. They were probably motivated by pride and a desire for power, and he was obviously swayed by their influence. How dearly he paid for his mistake! People pressure. We are all influenced by it. It bears down on us from all directions. But we can choose the path we will take. If we are swayed by the proud or by those who love money, live for pleasure, and long for power, people pressure will lead us down the path that ends in destruction. But if we listen to those who are humble and good, and if we want to please them, we will take the way that pleases God.—HVL D A CARSON - Borrow FOR THE LOVE OF GOD page 308 1 Kings 12; Philippians 3; Ezekiel 42; Psalm 94 THE DIVISION OF THE unified kingdom into two unequal parts—the kingdom of Israel with its ten tribes in the north and the kingdom of Judah with two tribes in the south (1 Kings 12)—once again presents us with a remarkable dynamic between God’s sovereignty and human responsibility. God had already predicted, through Ahijah the prophet, that Jeroboam would take away the ten northern tribes from Solomon’s successor (11:26–40). Jeroboam was explicitly told that if he then remained faithful to the Lord, the Lord would establish a dynasty for him. Yet the first thing that Jeroboam does, once he secures the northern tribes, is erect golden calves at Bethel and Dan, and consecrate non-Levitical priests, because he does not want his people making the trek to the temple in Jerusalem (12:25–33). Doesn’t he realize that if God has the power to give him the ten tribes, and the concern to warn him about disloyalty, he certainly has the power to preserve the integrity of the northern kingdom even if the people go up to Jerusalem for the high festivals? But Jeroboam makes his political judgments, refuses to obey God, and shows himself ungrateful for what has come his way. His only enduring legacy is that throughout the rest of the Old Testament he is designated as “Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who caused Israel to sin” (e.g., 2 Kings 14:24). More inexplicable yet is Rehoboam, Solomon’s son. Solomon may have been a skilled administrator of justice, but by the end of his life his enormously expensive projects were wearing down his people. Their representatives assure Rehoboam that they will be loyal to him if only he will lighten their load a little. The elders assure Rehoboam that their request is reasonable: he should adopt the stance of being “a servant to these people and serve them,” for then he will discover that “they will always be your servants” (12:7). With massive insensitivity and piercing stupidity, Rehoboam adopts instead the wretched advice of “young men” full of themselves and their opinions, with no understanding of people generally and of this nation in particular (12:8). So Rehoboam responds harshly, not only rejecting the people’s request but promising more demands and increased brutality. And suddenly the rebellion is underway. Yet the writer comments, “So the king did not listen to the people, for this turn of events was from the LORD, to fulfill the word the LORD had spoken to Jeroboam son of Nebat through Ahijah the Shilonite” (12:15). God’s sovereignty (see, for example, the meditation for June 3) does not excuse or mitigate Rehoboam’s stupidity and Jeroboam’s rebellion; their stupidity and sin do not mean that God has lost control. Such mysteries of providence make it difficult to “read” history; they also prove immensely comforting and make it possible for us to rest in Romans 8:28. 1 Kings 12:2 Now when Jeroboam the son of Nebat heard of it, he was living in Egypt (for he was yet in Egypt, where he had fled from the presence of King Solomon). Jeroboam the son of Nebat: 1Ki 11:26-31,40 2Ch 10:2,3 Related Passages: 1 Kings 11:26-31+ Then Jeroboam the son of Nebat, an Ephraimite of Zeredah, Solomon’s servant, whose mother’s name was Zeruah, a widow, also rebelled against the king. 27 Now this was the reason why he rebelled against the king: Solomon built the Millo, and closed up the breach of the city of his father David. 28 Now the man Jeroboam was a valiant warrior, and when Solomon saw that the young man was industrious, he appointed him over all the forced labor of the house of Joseph. 29 It came about at that time, when Jeroboam went out of Jerusalem, that the prophet Ahijah the Shilonite found him on the road. Now Ahijah had clothed himself with a new cloak; and both of them were alone in the field. 30 Then Ahijah took hold of the new cloak which was on him and tore it into twelve pieces. 31 He said to Jeroboam, “Take for yourself ten pieces; for thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, ‘Behold, I will tear the kingdom out of the hand of Solomon and give you ten tribes 2 Chronicles 10:2+ When Jeroboam the son of Nebat heard of it (for he was in Egypt where he had fled from the presence of King Solomon), Jeroboam returned from Egypt. Now when Jeroboam the son of Nebat heard of it, he was living in Egypt - What did he hear? Or what was IT? He heard Solomon was dead and son Rehoboam was about to succeed his father. For (term of explanation) he was yet in Egypt, where he had fled from the presence of King Solomon 1 Kings 11:40+ says "Solomon sought therefore to put Jeroboam to death; but Jeroboam arose and fled to Egypt to Shishak king of Egypt, and he was in Egypt until the death of Solomon." QUESTION - What is the story of Rehoboam and Jeroboam? | GotQuestions.org ANSWER - Rehoboam and Jeroboam were both kings reigning in Israel’s divided kingdom. Rehoboam was one of Solomon’s sons and king of Judah in the south (1 Kings 11:43). Jeroboam was one of Solomon’s former officials, an Ephraimite, and king of Israel in the north (1 Kings 11:26). While Solomon was still alive and Jeroboam was working for him, a prophet named Ahijah told Jeroboam that God would take ten of the twelve tribes of Israel away from Solomon’s son Rehoboam and give them to Jeroboam (1 Kings 11:29–31). This judgment against Solomon’s house came because they had forsaken God and worshiped idols (verse 33). Along with the announcement that Jeroboam would be king, God gave him a conditional promise: “If you do whatever I command you and walk in obedience to me and do what is right in my eyes by obeying my decrees and commands, as David my servant did, I will be with you. I will build you a dynasty as enduring as the one I built for David and will give Israel to you” (verse 38). When Solomon heard that God had chosen Jeroboam to rule, the king tried to kill Jeroboam, who fled to Egypt (verse 40). After Solomon died, his son Rehoboam became king, and Jeroboam returned from Egypt (1 Kings 12:1–2). But Rehoboam was a vain and foolish man. Jeroboam, a “mighty man of valor,” warned Rehoboam not to make the same mistake his father had made by taxing them heavily to finance a luxurious lifestyle (verses 3–4). Rehoboam defied the advice to lighten the yoke of oppression: “My father laid on you a heavy yoke; I will make it even heavier. My father scourged you with whips; I will scourge you with scorpions!” (1 Kings 12:14). The people responded to Rehoboam’s harshness by rebelling against the new king and making Jeroboam king over Israel (1 Kings 12:16–20). Only the tribes of Judah and Benjamin followed Rehoboam, son of Solomon. The other ten tribes sided with Jeroboam. King Rehoboam gathered 180,000 warriors in an attempt to take back the ten tribes, but God prevented it, saying, “This is my doing” (1 Kings 12:24). So King Rehoboam returned to Jerusalem, the capital of Judah. Jeroboam reigned from Shechem and later from Tirzah in Israel. Once established in the northern kingdom, King Jeroboam feared that, if the people traveled to the temple in Jerusalem to worship, they would return to Rehoboam. So he set up centers of worship in Bethel and Dan, building golden calves and telling the people, “It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem. Here are your gods, Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt” (1 Kings 12:28). Jeroboam made shrines on the high places, installed priests who were not of the tribe of Levi, appointed a festival, and sacrificed at the altars (1 Kings 12:31–33). In spite of God’s offer to establish his dynasty in Israel, Jeroboam chose idolatry, and the prophet Ahijah told Jeroboam that his family would not endure (1 Kings 14). As Jeroboam was turning people away from God in the northern kingdom, Rehoboam was turning people away from God in the southern kingdom. Rehoboam reigned in Jerusalem for seventeen years, but “he did evil because he had not set his heart on seeking the Lord” (2 Chronicles 12:14). After Rehoboam there were good kings and bad kings over Judah. Every other generation or so, a great king stepped forward and turned the people back to the true God. That never happened among the kings of the northern kingdom. They all followed the mold of Jeroboam. Jeroboam reigned over the ten tribes of Israel for twenty-two years and was succeeded by his son Nadab. But then Nadab was murdered after two years on the throne, and the assassin killed all of Jeroboam’s family, fulfilling Ahijah’s prophecy (1 Kings 15:25–30). All subsequent monarchs of the kingdom of Israel followed Jeroboam’s lead. Not one of them was faithful to Israel’s God. The schism that occurred during the days of Rehoboam and Jeroboam was the end of a united Israel. This division continued during their reigns: “There was continual warfare between Rehoboam and Jeroboam” (2 Chronicles 12:15) and for centuries afterward. 1 Kings 12:3 Then they sent and called him, and Jeroboam and all the assembly of Israel came and spoke to Rehoboam, saying, Related Passages: 2 Chronicles 10:3+ So they sent and summoned him. When Jeroboam and all Israel came, they spoke to Rehoboam, saying, Then - Time phrase marking sequence in a narrative. They - Who is they? In context this is most likely the leaders of the 10 northern tribes. The 10 northern tribes of Israel were unhappy with Solomon’s rule and sought relief from oppressive labor and taxes. They sent for Jeroboam, who had previously rebelled against Solomon (1 Kings 11:26-40) and was in exile in Egypt. The leaders of Israel ("they") gathered and called Jeroboam back to lead them in negotiating with Rehoboam. Sent and called him (JEROBOAM), and Jeroboam and all the assembly of Israel (see note on name) came and spoke to Rehoboam, saying - Rehoboam is king but Jeroboam knows that he will be king soon because of the prophecy of Abijah (1Ki 11:26-31+). John Mayer: Because Jeroboam was a man of great note among the people—having been made a prince over them by Solomon in the past—the people sent for him as the most capable man to speak on their behalf to Rehoboam concerning their grievance. For he made it clear that he and the people would revolt if no redress of errors was promised, and that he would be set up as the king of the people. And it is to be assumed that the people had heard of the prophecy given to Jeroboam by Ahijah, who was of the same tribe. That is, the people were aware of God’s purpose in advancing Jeroboam, which is why the people sought his help above others. And that’s how Jeroboam came to be the spokesman for the people. Peter Wallace: Notice that Jeroboam is placed at the head of the petitioners in verse 3 and again in verse 12. This is a very defiant move on the part of the people. They have called the one person whom Rehoboam most hates as their spokesman. And they are saying to the crown prince, “Lighten our yoke or else we will not serve you.” This is plainly not a group of people who believe in the Divine Right of Kings. You may be the son of David, but remember that we didn’t always follow David! What makes you think that we will follow you! Give us the wrong answer – and we’ll follow Jeroboam! 1 Kings 12:4 "Your father made our yoke hard; now therefore lighten the hard service of your father and his heavy yoke which he put on us, and we will serve you." our yoke: 1Ki 4:7,20,22,23,25 9:15,22,23 1Sa 8:11-18 2Ch 10:4,5 Mt 11:29,30 Mt 23:4 1Jn 5:3 Related Passages: 2 Chronicles 10:4+ “Your father made our yoke hard; now therefore lighten the hard service of your father and his heavy yoke which he put on us, and we will serve you.” ACCUSATIONS AGAINST SOLOMON'S FORCED LABOR Your father made our yoke ('ol; ) hard (qashah) - Apparently this is Jeoboam addressing Rehoboam. This yoke is a metaphor for oppression and would include labor needed for Solomon's building projects (1Ki 5:13-14), for draft into military service and taxation. Many Israelites, especially those in the northern tribes, felt the weight of his policies and wanted relief under his son Rehoboam. The Septuagint uses a picturesque Greek word for yoke, the noun kloios which was a dog-collar, especially a large wooden collar, put on prisoners or mischievous dogs. THOUGHT - What a difference between the yoke of David's son Solomon and David's greater Son Messiah who called all who would hear to "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." (Matthew 11:29-30+) Now therefore (term of conclusion - in view of the heavy yoke) lighten the hard service of your father and his heavy (kabed) yoke ('ol) which he put on us, and we will serve (abad) you The people, led by Jeroboam, asked Rehoboam to ease the burden. They were essentially saying in effect "We will follow you if you rule with fairness and lighten the oppression we faced under Solomon." David Guzik "God warned Israel about this in 1 Samuel 8:10-19+, when through Samuel He spoke of what a king would take from Israel. After the warning, the people still wanted a king, and now they knew what it was like to be ruled by a taking king. Sadly, the elders of Israel made no spiritual demand or request on Rehoboam. Seemingly, the gross idolatry and apostasy of Solomon didn’t bother them at all. 1 Kings 12:5 Then he said to them, "Depart for three days, then return to me." So the people departed. Related Passages: 2 Chronicles 10:5+ He said to them, “Return to me again in three days.” So the people departed. REHOBOAM PONDERS REQUEST TO LIGHTEN THE LOAD Then he (REHOBOAM) said to them, "Depart for three days, then return to me." So the people departed Rehoboam ask for 3 days to give him time to consult his advisors on how to respond to the people's request. But as the story unfolds he chooses the wrong advisors. Ryken - The choice that Rehoboam faced was simple: to go easy or to go hard, to stay the course, maintaining the status quo, or to give the northern tribes change they could believe in. To help him make his decision, Rehoboam summoned two sets of advisers. The advice they gave him was so completely contradictory that it clarified his choice. It also clarifies the basic choice we all have to make in all our relationships with other people, whether to serve or to be served. (1 Kings: The Wisdom and the Folly) 1 Kings 12:6 King Rehoboam consulted with the elders who had served his father Solomon while he was still alive, saying, "How do you counsel me to answer this people?" consulted: 2Sa 16:20 17:5 Job 12:12 32:7 Pr 27:10 Jer 42:2-5 43:2 Related Passages: 2 Chronicles 10:6+ Then King Rehoboam consulted with the elders who had served his father Solomon while he was still alive, saying, “How do you counsel me to answer this people?” REHOBOAM WISELY CONSULTS ELDERS King Rehoboam consulted with the elders who had served his father Solomon while he was still alive, saying, "How do you counsel me to answer this people - From the context the elders whom King Rehoboam consulted were most likely older men who were experienced advisors who had served under King Solomon, men who had firsthand experience with Solomon’s leadership and governance. Ryken - Rehoboam was about forty-one years old at the time (see 1 Kings 14:21), but these men were even older, which gave them every opportunity to learn from experience. Older people are not always wiser, of course, but often they are, and the relative age of these men commands our respect, as it should have commanded the respect of Rehoboam. As Solomon said in one of his famous proverbs, “gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life” (Prov. 16:31). Therefore, it is wise for us to listen to our elders. That was especially true in this case because these men had served under Solomon, who was the wisest of all earthly kings. (1 Kings: The Wisdom and the Folly) J.A. Thompson: The elders were important in Israel's earlier patriarchal and tribal society (2 Sam 3:17; 5:3; 17:4, 15; 1 Kgs 20:7–8; 1 Chr 11:3). It would have been a wise and gracious decision by Rehoboam to follow the elders' advice. (See 1, 2 Chronicles: An Exegetical and Theological Exposition) 1 Kings 12:7 Then they spoke to him, saying, "If you will be a servant to this people today, and will serve them and grant them their petition, and speak good words to them, then they will be your servants forever." If you will be a servant 2Ch 10:6,7 Pr 15:1 Mk 10:43-44 Php 2:7-11 speak good: 1Ki 12:13 2Sa 15:3-6 Ec 10:4 Zec 1:13 Related Passages: Mark 10:43-44+ “But it is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant; 44and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all. 2 Chronicles 10:7+ They spoke to him, saying, “If you will be kind to this people and please them and speak good words to them, then they will be your servants forever.” ELDERS GIVE WISE WORDS Then they spoke to him, saying, "If you will be a servant ('ebed; Lxx - doulos) to this people today, and will serve (abad; Lxx - douleuo) them and grant them their petition, and speak good words to them, then they will be your servants ('ebed; Lxx - doulos) forever - In 2Ch 10:7 instead of "be a servant" it says "if you will be kind." The elders had been exposed to the wisdom of Solomon and here they give his son wise advice to lighten the load and treat them amicably. This would ensure their allegiance to the crown. They basically tell him to practice Pr 15:1 "A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. " Ryken - them, then they will be your servants forever” (1 Kings 12:7). With all their experience in politics, these old men knew that even kings require the consent of the governed. If Rehoboam spoke kindly to Jeroboam and the other challengers, answering them with gentle diplomacy, he would win them over. The elders also understood that the person who rules the most people is called to serve the most people. Thus they advised Rehoboam to make himself the servant of Israel. In the words of Richard Phillips, “The old men counseled a course of godly humility, servant leadership, and moderation in his exercise of power.” This was sound advice, based on the biblical principle of servant-leadership. The king is the ruler and defender of his people. He is called by God to protect them from danger and provide for their needs. It is his responsibility to ensure that the citizens of his realm are well cared for, that they have the full opportunity to thrive in business, in culture, and in the life of the family. To that end, the king labors with all his might to give his people what they need to flourish. We need the same kind of leadership today in the home, in the church, and in public life. Husbands and fathers are good servant-leaders when they pray for their wives, as well as care for the emotional and physical needs of their children. Pastors and elders are good servant-leaders when they bless the people in their churches with words of spiritual encouragement. (1 Kings: The Wisdom and the Folly) John Mayer: A Gentle Response Turns Away Wrath. The book of Proverbs says: “A fool gives vent to his spirit.” Yet in this case the people had already become exasperated with the new king. But it certainly would have aided Rehoboam to have been lenient and to have replied gently at this time. For this is a general principle among kings: By no means should they show rigor in the beginning of their reign. Rather they should seek to win the hearts of the subjects of their kingdom. (SEE 1-2 Samuel, 1-2 Kings, 1-2 Chronicles: Old Testament Volume 5) Peter Wallace: The old men understood the situation. They knew that if Rehoboam humbles himself, the people will follow him. But the young men think that humility is a sign of weakness. They confuse servant leadership with wimpiness. Humility is not wimpiness! It takes courage and strength to be humble. 1 Kings 12:8 But he forsook the counsel of the elders which they had given him, and consulted with the young men who grew up with him and served him. 2Ch 10:8 25:15,16 Pr 1:2-5,25,30 19:20 25:12 Ec 10:2,3 Related Passages: 2 Chronicles 10:8+ But he forsook the counsel of the elders which they had given him, and consulted with the young men who grew up with him and served him. A FOOLISH DECISION BY REHOBOAM But - Term of contrast. Marks a change of direction. This is one of the more strategic "buts" in the Bible for it literally changed the history of the nation of Israel! Had Rehoboam accepted the advice of the elders, presumably there would have been no division. But of course that would not fulfill the prophecy of Yahweh that the nation would be divided. Psalm 115:3+ says "But our God is in the heavens; He does whatever He pleases." I am also reminded of Pr 21:1 in which Solomon wrote "The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the LORD. He turns it wherever He wishes." In the present context Yahweh seems to have turned the heart of Rehoboam. In any event Rehoboam still made a choice of his will to forsake (Lxx - egkataleipo is in the active voice = volitional choice) the counsel of the elders. Once again we see the juxtaposition of God's sovereignty and man's responsibility. Tony Merida adds "Over it all, however, is God. The writer says, “The king did not listen to the people, because this turn of events came from the LORD to carry out His word” (v. 15). Thus we see divine sovereignty and human responsibility here (cf. Ex 4:21; 7:3–4; 7:13). This event isn’t “mechanical” (Davis, 1 Kings, 128). God didn’t violate Rehoboam’s will. The young king made his own stupid decision. Yet this whole event happened through a turn of events from the Lord. God isn’t surprised. God is actually accomplishing His purposes. We see this sort of dynamic—sovereignty and responsibility—at work in the cross of Christ (Acts 2:23)....This should encourage all believers in general and those living under oppressive governments in particular. God will have the last word. God is in charge. We may not be able to answer all of the questions related to divine sovereignty, but that’s not the point. The point is, because God reigns supremely, we should humble ourselves before Him and trust Him. (See Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Kings) (COMMENT - This thought fits perfectly with the phrase "it was a turn of events from the LORD" in 1Ki 12:15) There is an interesting difference in the Hebrew Bible which says Rehoboam was 41 (1Ki 14:21; 2Ch 12:13) at his ascension but the Greek Septuagint says he was 16 (cf 2 Chr. 13:7). He forsook ('azab; Lxx - egkataleipo) the counsel of the elders which they had given him, and consulted with the young men who grew up with him and served him - Forsaking the wisdom of the older counselors, Rehoboam foolishly consulted his younger peers, much to his chagrin. These peers were likely in their late 30's to early 40's. David Guzik This is a common phenomenon today – what some call advice shopping. The idea is that you keep asking different people for advice until you find someone who will tell you what you want to hear. This is an unwise and ungodly way to get counsel. It is better to have a few trusted counselors you will listen to even when they tell you what you don’t want to hear. G Campbell
1 Reis 12
Guzik - There was a long-standing tension between the ten northern tribes and the combined group of Judah and Benjamin. There were two earlier rebellions along this line of potential division in the days after Absalom’s rebellion (2 Samuel 19:40-43), which developed into the rebellion of Sheba (2 Samuel 20:1-2). 1 Kings 12:20 It came about when all Israel heard that Jeroboam had returned, that they sent and called him to the assembly and made him king over all Israel. None but the tribe of Judah followed the house of David. and made him king over all Israel.1Sa 10:24 Ho 8:4 None but the tribe of Judah 1Ki 12:17 1Ki 11:13,32 Hos 11:12 JEROBOAM CROWNED KING It came about - The year of the division was about 931 BC (some say 930). This is one of those many divine providences in Scripture. It did not just come about by accident. It came about because God was behind the scenes controlling the scenes He was behind (see 1Ki 12:15+). (See The Providence of God) When all Israel heard that Jeroboam had returned, that they sent and called him to the assembly and made him king over all Israel - Exactly why all Israel called Jeroboam at this point to be king is not clear, but again what is clear is that this reflects the sovereignty of God for it was the prophetic will of Yahweh. Note that Jeroboam is sometimes called Jeroboam I to distinguish him from a later king of Israel also named Jeroboam, usually known as Jeroboam II (2 Kings 14:23-29). None but the tribe of Judah followed the house of David (or Rehoboam) - For completeness, we should note that the tribe of Benjamin was so intimately connected with Judah (especially geographically), this tribe remained under the rule of Rehoboam. To be sure, why Yahweh chose Jeroboam to be the first king of the separated northern tribes is somewhat mysterious. Perhaps God will explain things like this in heaven for as Paul says "now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known." (1Co 13:12). Of course Jeroboam clearly recognized the events as related to Ahijah's prophecy "He said to Jeroboam, “Take for yourself ten pieces; for thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, ‘Behold, I will tear the kingdom out of the hand of Solomon and give you ten tribes." (1Ki 11:31). Jeroboam recognizing the import of the events in Shechem seized the moment and undoubtedly put himself forth to the assembly as the leader. And recall that he did function well as a leader for in 1Ki 11:28+ we read "Now the man Jeroboam was a valiant warrior, and when Solomon saw that the young man was industrious, he appointed him over all the forced labor of the house of Joseph." 1 Kings 12:21 Now when Rehoboam had come to Jerusalem, he assembled all the house of Judah and the tribe of Benjamin, 180,000 chosen men who were warriors, to fight against the house of Israel to restore the kingdom to Rehoboam the son of Solomon. when Rehoboam: 2Ch 11:1-3 180,000 chosen men: 1Ch 21:5 2Ch 14:8,11 17:14-19 Pr 21:30,31 Related Passages: 2 Chronicles 11:1-4 Now when Rehoboam had come to Jerusalem, he assembled the house of Judah and Benjamin, 180,000 chosen men who were warriors, to fight against Israel to restore the kingdom to Rehoboam. 2 But the word of the LORD came to Shemaiah the man of God, saying, 3 “Speak to Rehoboam the son of Solomon, king of Judah, and to all Israel in Judah and Benjamin, saying, 4 ‘Thus says the LORD, “You shall not go up or fight against your relatives; return every man to his house, for this thing is from Me.”” So they listened to the words of the LORD and returned from going against Jeroboam. REHOBOAM FOOLISHLY PREPARES FOR WAR Now when Rehoboam had come to Jerusalem, he assembled all the house of Judah and the tribe of Benjamin, 180,000 chosen men who were warriors, to fight against the house of Israel to restore the kingdom to Rehoboam the son of Solomon - Rehoboam's foolishly continues for once he realized that the rebellion and rejection by the Northern 10 tribes ("Israel") was for real, he gathered his remaining armies in Jerusalem, seeking to regain his rule by right or by might. Warren