"Perhaps nothing in our society is more needed for those in positions of authority than accountability. Too often those with authority are able (and willing) to surround themselves with people who support their decisions without question.” ~ Unknown
1 Kings 12
Today we read about a bad decision. Before we go any further, I would like to define what a bad decision is:
A bad decision is one in which you override your senses and choose an option that, at some level, you know you should not.
We have all been there and suffered the consequences of those decisions. Some of the effects of bad decisions include:
- the individual compromises themselves
- they don't get what they actually want
- they do get what they want but at the expense of others, which damages the relationship
- anxiety, distress and guilt, etc.
- physical symptoms such as stomachaches, headaches, etc.
- having to learn lessons the hard way
- time wasted, either having to go back and cleanup, or doing unnecessary things
- financial costs
- and the most insidious and damaging effect is a wasted life!
Verses 1-5 The Request
With the death of king Solomon, his son Rehoboam goes to Shechem to be anointed as king over Israel. While the party is going on, news gets to a man named Jeroboam in Egypt (he went there to get away from Solomon) that the people want him to come speak with Rehoboam on their behalf. Big government took its toll under Solomon's reign, and now the people are looking for some tax relief. And it was a very legitimate complaint. The massive building projects, the extravagant lifestyles of those in government had finally burned a hole deep into the pockets of the people, and they wanted to see tax relief.
Rehoboam hears the request of Jeroboam, and wants 3 days to think about it, before he makes a decision in this matter. I think that was a smart thing to do. He did not act in haste, or over react in this delicate situation. He is going to seek council before he makes his decision. But that is about as far as Rehoboam's wisdom will go, as we shall see.
Verses 6-11 Seeking Counsel
The Elders
Rehoboam firsts consults some of the elders, those who served king Solomon. And their council is to serve the people, and the people will serve you. Ease up on them, there is no reason to put this kind of burden on them any longer.
It’s ironic that the elders are encouraging Rehoboam to be a servant. This was Jesus’ method of leadership.
"But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them.
But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister:
And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.
For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many." (Mark 10:42-45)
Rehoboam is going to get himself into big trouble because he is going to reject the best advice being given to him.
The Peers
Then he gets some council from those he grew up with, and these young men were most likely in their late 30's or early 40's in age. Not young at all, except in their wisdom. They told Rehoboam to tighten his grip on these people even more than Solomon had done. It was leadership through intimidation. Josephus records,
"The king was pleased with this advice and thought it agreeable to the dignity of his government to give them such an answer. "
This answer appeals to Rehoboam’s flesh. He likes the idea of getting to play the “tough guy”. He doesn’t like the idea of appearing too “soft”. This is what he wanted to hear.
This brings to mind a warning: Be careful of who and what you listen to!
I think we need to be careful that we don’t simply surround ourselves with people who always tell us what we want to hear.
Sometimes, it’s the people who love us the most that will be willing to risk telling us something we don’t want to hear.
Verses 12-14 The Decision
On the third day Jeroboam returns to hear the kings council, and the king lets him and the people have it. Rehoboam acted as a fool, no wisdom at all, not like his father Solomon. He was acting like a child and yet, according to 1 Kings 14:21, we are told that he is 41 years old. He speaks of chastising the people with "scourges" or "scorpions", which was nothing more than a whip with sharp pieces of metal on it. His taxation was going to sting even more than his fathers. Does Rehoboam really think the people are going to roll over and play dead because of his words? How foolish? They were seeking tax relief and Rehoboam was increasing the taxes!
Verse 15 Who's at Fault?
As you read this verse you can come to the conclusion that it is not Rehoboam's fault for his foolish actions, for God had planned it all along. WRONG! This does not mean that Rehoboam has no responsibility for making a stupid decision. It means that God took Rehoboam’s stupid decision and decided to use it as the means to bring about the division of the kingdom. This was a judgment by God because of Solomon’s sin.
How easy it would be to fall into the trap of believing that we are not responsible for our own decisions. It would be so convenient to say that it was out of our control, or that we received bad advice, or it was meant to be.
The one thing that jumped out at me in this chapter is that Rehoboam never seeks God's advice in this decision. He seeks advice from those around him, yet he never turns to the one person that could give him the 100% correct answer. He is not alone, I too have been guilty of omitting God in some of my biggest decisions. They too ended in disaster, not as huge as Rehoboam's disaster, but still it was devastating for me and those around me.
I do not fully understand how man's agency and God's will work together, but I am sure that if there is blame to be handed out, the finger will not be pointed at a perfect God, but the imperfect child! Yep, that would be you and me!
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