First Kings
Chapters 11, 12:
The End of the United Kingdom
(part 2)
by
Jim Bordwine, ThD
Introduction
In 1967, the president of a university in southern
California was approached by movie producers who were looking for a campus on
which to shoot a number of prominent scenes for a new film. The president of
the school consulted various advisers, some of whom urged him to deny
permission to the studio because they didn’t think the reputation of the
university would be enhanced by a connection with the film making industry, and
others who thought this was a wonderful opportunity to publicize the school and
bring attention to it from around the country.
The president decided to listen to the former
group of advisors and declined the request of the movie studio. The producers
contacted another institution and the film was made on that campus. As it
turned out, this movie became one of the most famous of all time. The
university president was, of course, roundly criticized once the success of the
movie was evident.
Jump ahead exactly 10 years later and this same
man is now the president of a different university. Once again, movie producers
contacted him asking for permission to film on his campus. This time, the
president agreed immediately and allowed the filmmakers complete access to the
university. The movie shot on this campus also
became one of the most successful films of all time. In a recent interview, the
man who served as president at both of these universities said that the decision
he made in that first incident was one of the most costly and regrettable
mistakes he ever made. When this second opportunity came along, he said he did
not hesitate for a second. And as things turned out, this second movie brought
world-wide attention to that institution.
I’m sure you are wondering which movies I am
referring to, but since neither of them is truly edifying, I don’t think I’ll
mention the titles. I will say, however, that this story illustrates the
consequences, both good and bad, of taking advice from others when you have an
important decision to make.
Few of us will ever be in a situation where the
advice we seek for others will have such enormous potential. You may have had
an experience, nevertheless, in which you sought counsel from different sources
and had to choose which opinion you would follow. The Bible, of course, commends
the seeking of counsel, but does not suggest that advice be sought from just
any source whatsoever. A person asked for advice may be quite capable of giving
wise help or that person may be unqualified to provide guidance. It would
depend on that person’s character and character is to be measured by the Scriptural
standard. The Christian, therefore, seeks council from other mature and stable
believers. Only a foolish person asks for advice from those who are immature,
inexperienced, or who lead less than exemplary lives.
Today, we come to the second part of our study on
the division of the kingdom of Israel. Last week, we looked at the rise of Jeroboam.
I want to take a few minutes to review what was covered.
01. The Rise of Jeroboam (11:28-43)
Solomon took note of Jeroboam’s character
and reputation, and appointed him to a position in his administration. At that
point, Solomon did not know that Jeroboam had been ordained by God to disrupt
the kingdom and replace him.
As we observed, a pivotal meeting took place
after Jeroboam had been employed by Solomon. While Jeroboam was outside the
city of Jerusalem, he met Ahijah, a prophet who tells Jeroboam that the LORD had
determined to tear the kingdom from the hand of Solomon. The kingdom would be
divided and Jeroboam would preside over ten of the tribes.
The reason for this massive realignment was specified as unfaithfulness. Solomon led the people in forsaking the LORD through false worship. And although God appointed Jeroboam to rule over Israel, he is told that he will be held the same standard as David and Solomon. He must obey the commands of the LORD. In response to his obedience, God promises that he will bless Jeroboam. By some means, Solomon became aware of Jeroboam’s role, and Jeroboam, in order to preserve his life, fled to Egypt where he remained until Solomon died.
02. The Blunder of Rehoboam (12:1-19)
12:1 Then Rehoboam went to Shechem, for all Israel had come to Shechem to make
him king. 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). 3 Then they sent and called him,
and Jeroboam and all the assembly of Israel came and spoke to Rehoboam, saying,
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.” 5
Then he said to them, “Depart for three days, then return to me.” So the people
departed. 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?” 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.” 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. 9 So he said to them, “What counsel do you give that
we may answer this people who have spoken to me, saying, ‘Lighten the yoke
which your father put on us’?” 10 The young men who grew up with him spoke to
him, saying, “Thus you shall say to this people who spoke to you, saying, ‘Your
father made our yoke heavy, now you make it lighter for us!’ But you shall
speak to them, ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s loins! 11 ‘Whereas
my father loaded you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke; my father
disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions.’“ 12 Then
Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam on the third day as the king had
directed, saying, “Return to me on the third day.” 13 The king answered the
people harshly, for he forsook the advice of the elders which they had given
him, 14 and he spoke to them according to the advice of the young men, saying,
“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.” 15 So
the king did not listen to the people; for it was a turn of events from the LORD, that He
might establish His word, which the LORD spoke through Ahijah the Shilonite to
Jeroboam the son of Nebat. 16 When all Israel saw that the king did not listen to them, the people answered
the king, saying, “What portion do we have in David? We have no inheritance in the son of Jesse; To your tents, O
Israel! Now look after your own house, David!” So Israel departed to their tents.
17 But as for the sons of Israel who lived in the cities of Judah, Rehoboam
reigned over them. 18 Then King Rehoboam sent Adoram, who was over the forced
labor, and all Israel stoned him to death. And King Rehoboam made haste to
mount his chariot to flee to Jerusalem. 19 So Israel has been in rebellion
against the house of David to this day.
The
People’s Request (vv. 1-5)
It was expected that Rehoboam would
become king after the death of his father Solomon. Therefore, the people came
together at a particular place in order to recognize and install Rehoboam as
their new ruler. Upon hearing of this development, Jeroboam returns from Egypt
to join the people as they come to speak to Rehoboam. This is where we get some
indication of the character of Solomon’s reign. It appears, at least according
to the testimony of his subjects, that Solomon had imposed harsh standards. Hoping
that the rise of the new king might also be accompanied by an easier life, the
people desired to speak to Rehoboam concerning this matter.
The people make a simple request. They
ask Rehoboam to lighten the demands required by his father. They were not
complaining about serving the new king, and in fact declare their willingness
to do so. The people are, however, hoping that Rehoboam will understand their
petition and sympathize with them. It is important, I believe, to take note of
the form of this request. The people are not making a demand, nor are they
threatening rebellion. They are making clear, however, the fact that Solomon
had required too much of them, as far as they were concerned.
Rehoboam does not have an immediate
answer. Rather than respond on the spot, he chooses to seek counsel. Therefore,
Rehoboam tells the people to return in three days and he will provide an answer
for them. As noted, the people were not up in arms at this point, so it appears
they were willing to do as Rehoboam asked.
We realize, of course, that we do not
have much background information. I think it is safe to assume, nevertheless,
as I already indicated, that the request of the people was not unreasonable. They
approach the king in a respectful manner and cooperate with him when he asks
them to depart so that he could consider their petition. This was a crucial
moment and the relationship between the new king at his subjects depends
heavily on his response. He is not necessarily obligated to do as the people
request, but that does not mean what they have asked for should not be
considered seriously.
The Counsel Given (vv. 6-15)
A remarkable series of events now begins
to unfold in this story. A weighty decision must be made by Rehoboam. One
answer will please the people and probably guarantee a peaceful future, at
least for the beginning portion of his reign. Another answer is going to
disappoint the people and will probably result in their agitation and ill will
toward Rehoboam. The new king cannot make his decision solely on the basis of
wishing to please his subjects, of course. No ruler can be effective long-term
by following such a philosophy. At the same time, there may be no compelling
reason to deny what the people ask; in such a case the king might come to realize
a measure of admiration from his people.
When I told my wife about this
conversation and the idea of making deposits in our own bank of goodwill, she
said something like “Well, it looks like someone robbed our bank.” Back then,
it seemed to us that goodwill was in short supply. The truth is, I understand
what my friend was saying and I agree with him. Unless compelled to do
otherwise, there is nothing wrong about doing that which satisfies someone else
just for the sake of making them happy or content. That is not what we see in
this story, however.
To his credit, Rehoboam did seek counsel.
Had he listened to his initial counselors, Rehoboam might have averted disaster.
He turns first to men who had served and advised his father. These were men
with much experience. They would have known how Solomon ruled and whether the
people’s point was well taken. These men would’ve had judgment based on many
years of working with the king and the people. Of all those Rehoboam could have
called on for advice, the elders who served with his father were the most
valuable resource.
When asked for their opinion, these elders
did not hesitate to encourage Rehoboam to grant the people’s petition. In fact,
they describe it as serving the people and apparently believed this gesture
would result in much goodwill from the people and a willingness to serve Rehoboam
as they promised. We might interpret this counsel as indicative of the truthfulness
of what the people earlier declared, that is, that Solomon had treated them harshly
by placing on their backs unnecessary burden. Whatever the case, the elders did
not think it was necessary to deny this request, which indicates they did not
think harm would come to the nation if Rehoboam did as he was asked.
In a move that seems to have lacked good
sense, Rehoboam turned away from the advice of the elders and consulted with
some of his companions. They are described by the writer as young men who grew
up with Rehoboam and served him. In contrast to the elders, these men would have
had very little experience in matters of this kind. Therefore, their counsel is
completely contrary to that given by the elders: “Thus you shall say to this people who spoke to
you, saying, ‘Your father made our yoke heavy, now you make it lighter for us!’
But you shall speak to them, ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s
loins! 11 Whereas my father loaded you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your
yoke; my father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with
scorpions.’”
The severity of the young men’s advice seems completely
out of order. The elders saw no reason to deny the people’s request, but the
young men go way beyond suggesting that Rehoboam should simply deny the
request. They advised him to put fear into the hearts of his subjects by
threatening them and promising to increase the burden they had to bear. The
previous word from the elders guaranteed a measure of friendliness between the
throne and the people, but this advice guaranteed something altogether
different.
While there appears to be no reason to
speak with such hostility, especially given the fact that Rehoboam is just now
coming to the throne and should desire to begin with a favorable impression in
the minds of his people, the young advisers foolishly believed this reply would
be best for Rehoboam and his kingdom.
I had been in college only a short while
when I learned that one of my cousins, who had just given birth, was suffering
from postpartum depression. She was suffering to such an extent that she was admitted
to a mental health facility. Her mother contacted me, knowing that I was a
Christian, and asked if I would be willing to go and speak to her daughter. This
would have meant leaving school for a while and traveling to another city but
those were not the matters that concerned me. I was wondering if I was equipped
to be of help and, above everything else, I wondered if this is what God wanted
me to do in this delicate circumstance.
This event marked the first of many,
many times when I have sought counsel while having to make an important
decision. I had recently learned that the Bible teaches that wisdom is to be
found in an abundance of counselors. Therefore, I thought about who in my life
might be able to give me wise advice. I had shared this issue with several of
my fellow students, and almost without exception they encouraged me to leave as
soon as possible to visit my cousin. I was not willing, however, to act so
quickly. In fact, even though I told some of my friends about this situation,
it never occurred to me to approach a fellow student for definitive guidance. Instinctively,
I think I knew that people my age, at that time, had very little experience in
such a serious situation. I realized that I needed to speak with someone who
had encountered similar circumstances and someone who knew the Bible well.
Therefore, I went to one of my
professors, one for whom I had very high regard. I told him that my biggest
worry was whether the Lord intended to work through me. Knowing that my cousin and
was in a very delicate state of mind, I did not want to do or say anything that
might make matters worse. My professor listened to me, and then he said that he
would advise me to commit the matter to prayer for the next several days asking
God to make clear to me whether I should go visit my cousin. I followed his
counsel and prayed earnestly for several days, knowing that this professor was
praying with me. I was not contacted again by my cousin’s mother nor did I
receive any kind of indication that the Lord wished me to speak to my cousin.
Shortly thereafter, I received news that
my cousin had committed suicide. You can imagine that I started wondering if I
had done the right thing. Here is what convinced me that I had, in fact,
reacted as God desired: I followed the teaching of His word and was prepared to
do whatever He indicated in His providence. Consequently, while I had great
sorrow over the death of my cousin, I had no feelings of guilt. To this day, I
believe that God did not intend for me to speak to my cousin. Had I followed
the urging of my friends, I do not think I would have such confidence in the
decision I made.
Rehoboam made a serious blunder when he
ignored the advice of those who had the experience and ability to offer good
direction. He chose to follow the guidance of his friends. These were men without experience, which meant that
their counsel should have been highly suspect.
I just mentioned the issue of God’s providence
in determining His will. Please note verse 15. The writer says that the king
did not listen to the people for “it was a turn of events from the LORD.” The
writer does not mean that the Lord prevented Rehoboam from making the right
decision in regard to the advice he was given. He means that God made use of
the character of Rehoboam and the men he followed, so that His will would be
done on this location. It was God’s intention, as we know, to see the kingdom
divided as a result of Solomon’s transgressions. He arranged circumstances in
which He Rehoboam would have to humble himself, if he listened to his subjects.
Obviously, Rehoboam was not a man easily given to humility; his friends were of
the same kind. God simply let Rehoboam carry on according to his nature knowing
that the outcome would result in exactly what He had decreed. This is a
fascinating illustration of how the free will of man is incorporated into the
sovereignty of God.
The
Rebellion of Israel (vv. 16-19)
The outcome was predictable. The people
became rebellious and separated themselves from Rehoboam and the house of
David. Rehoboam’s response caused the people to assume that he cared little for
them. They were not willing to wait, therefore, and see exactly what Rehoboam
might require of them.
Rehoboam was left to rule over the
cities of Judah, while the rest of Israel declared independence. In an attempt
to repair this breach, the writer says that Rehoboam sent the man in charge of
forced labor to those who had rebelled. I assume the king thought the people of
Israel might reconsider when challenged by this official. Instead, they stoned
him to death. Rehoboam then realized, it appears, that the people no longer
recognized his authority, so he fled to Jerusalem for safety.
I want to point out that Rehoboam’s
decision regarding the counsel of the elders indicated that his reasoning
ability was weak at best. When the king attempted to convince the people to
return by sending Adoram, the man in charge of forced labor, he proved beyond
doubt that he was not a very wise man. As the text indicates, the breach in the
nation was never repaired.
Application
One of the lessons to take from this
story is that there is wisdom in doing good to others or for others when you
have no compelling reason not to do so. I take this from the opportunity
Rehoboam had to begin his reign with a decision that would have produced much
good will between himself and the people. They asked for the reduction of the
burden placed upon them by Solomon. Since the elders advised Rehoboam to grant
this request, I would assume there was some truth to the people’s complaint.
There was no reason for Rehoboam to deny this petition—at least as far as we
can tell. His kingdom would not have been harmed; in fact, his kingdom would
have been strengthened had he done what the people wanted. As we know, however,
he chose to follow the advice of men with no experience and the result was
disruption.
I think we underestimate the value of
doing small things for others. Going out of our way just a bit to help someone
costs us so very little, but often means much to that person. We live in a
world where such acts are not common, due to our innate selfishness. That’s why
people are often surprised when someone does something for them that they are
not required to do. I’m thinking of a kind word or some help given in one way
or another. This isn’t a major point of application, I realize, but it is a
point worth mentioning. If our goal truly is to be at peace with all men, this
is one small component in that process.
Another brief application is aimed
primarily at our young people, though it certainly has relevance for all of us
from time to time. I’m referring to the matter of seeking counsel when you must
make an important decision. The Bible clearly teaches that those with
experience and a record of walking rightly with God are those who will give you
the best counsel. As a young adult, you already know you are having to make a
lot of significant decisions. Rather than face these issues on your own and
risk making costly mistakes, seek the advice of those with more experience—your
parents, for example.
In this age, there is an expectation
that when a young person reaches a certain age, they are supposed to think on
their own, decide on their own, and go out into life on their own. That is as
far from the Biblical model as it can be. The relationship you have with your
parents and other adults in this body should continue and become more useful to
you as you grow older. I’m not saying you should take a poll of the entire
congregation whenever you have a decision to make; I’m saying that you should have
a habit of consulting with your parents and other older adults, if you do not
already follow this principle. This is one method God has given us so that we
may avoid disappointing and even harmful choices. Rehoboam was foolish and you
see what his foolishness cost.
A third application comes from the fact
that the LORD orchestrated this whole episode. The writer tells us that
Rehoboam’s response to the people was “a turn of events from the LORD.” I
already explained what this kind of statement means. Here, I wish to remind you
of this aspect of the story as a means of encouragement. We all face numerous
developments every year we live on this earth and many times we don’t really
understand why God has allowed something to happen, on the one hand, or why He
has prevented something from happening, on the other. This is where a trust in
His providence is so crucial. If you will remind yourself during a time of
uncertainty that God’s will is perfect and is always done, you will save
yourself much alarm.
God knows exactly what you are wondering about, what you fear, and what you
want. Your part is to trust Him—even if you don’t understand what He is doing.
I could not count the number of times I have been asked why God has allowed
some circumstance to come to pass or why God didn’t stop something that
appeared to have been hurtful. I used to wrestle with such issues as a pastor
because I wanted to tell people something that would put them at ease. Finally,
I learned that I often will have no more insight than anyone else. Therefore, I
must rely on what I know to be true in all situations, namely, that God is
good, God is truthful, God never forsakes His people, and everything God allows
us to experience is for my good and His glory.
This may not give us the answers we
seek, but it certainly ought to put us at ease. This is what it means to live
by faith. It’s not faith that everything will turn out well in the end. It is
faith in the character of our heavenly Father. We are to believe that He is
good and all His ways are good. This means that there is purpose behind
everything we experience—sickness, injury, death, heartache, and
disappointment. Life is a series of refining episodes, but behind this process
is a God who does all things well and who loves you in a remarkable manner.
There is an event in history that should
forever put to rest any doubt you may have about God’s purposes and regard for
you. I’m referring, of course, to the crucifixion of His own Son. There is a
passage in the book of Acts that refers to incidents just as the gospel is
beginning to be preached publicly. This follows the crucifixion, resurrection,
and ascension of the Savior. As Peter addressed a gathering of Jews in Jerusalem, he told them that they
had put to death an innocent Man, One who had done miracles and wonders and
signs in their midst. This Man, the apostle declares, was “delivered over by
the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God.” He is the One, Peter
continues, that you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him
to death. (cf. Acts 2:23, 24)
The Bible teaches
that Jesus came to save us according to God’s decree many times. This is the first
time, however, that this news is preached so boldly in a public setting.
Peter’s goal is to make sure the Jews listening to him realize what an
incredibly wonderful thing has transpired. They took Jesus and crucified Him by
the hands of the Romans, yet this was exactly what God wanted. In His
providence, He orchestrated events to culminate in the crucifixion because that
is what His elect needed—they needed a Savior and that Savior had to give His
life for them and that Savior had to rise from the dead as a conqueror to
validate the giving of Himself and indicate that His work had been accepted by
God on our behalf.
If God would
providentially ordained such an event and see to it that His Son was delivered
for abuse and crucifixion, don’t you think He is well in control of whatever
you experience in your life? Is there really any cause for alarm? The love that
sent Jesus to the cross is the same love that governs your steps day after day.
The Father who loved us enough to give His Son is the same Father who now
watches over you. The gospel may be described in many ways; one way is as proof
that our heavenly Father knows what He is doing at all times and always does
that which is necessary. And you can rest in that truth.
Prayer
Hymn
for Communion
Conclusion
As noted, God does that which is
necessary. It was necessary, of course, that we have One who could pay the
price for our redemption—a price we could never pay. That One is Jesus, whose
selfless giving is memorialized in this sacrament.
I realize, of course, that the words I
just spoke about trusting in God when you are facing difficult circumstances is
what we are all supposed to say—but I want to emphasize that those words are
true; they are not just so many platitudes or sayings Christians use to hold
one another up. We really do have a Savior who was sent into this world to
suffer and die for us because God cares for us. Our sins really have been
forgiven because God cares for us. Our days on this earth really are before Him
because He cares for us.
This sacrament which we observe each
week ought to be greatly encouraging—not just in regard to the forgiveness of
your sins, but also in regard to whatever conflict or challenge or worry you
are facing when you walk through those doors on Sunday morning. This is
testimony to God’s love for us and there is nothing in this world that will
give us more hope or confidence than that fact.
Matt. 26:26 While they were eating, Jesus took some bread, and after a blessing, He broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” 27 And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; 28 for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins. 29 But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.”