“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.”
Context:1 Kings 12 deals with the division of the united kingdom of Israel after the death of King Solomon. Rehoboam, Solomon’s son, ascended to the throne, and the people of Israel approached him with a request for lighter burdens and greater leniency than what they experienced under Solomon’s reign. Rehoboam sought counsel from two different groups before making a decision.
- Seeking Wise Counsel:The verse begins by stating that Rehoboam “forsook the counsel of the old men.” Here, the “old men” refer to the experienced advisors who had served under his father Solomon. These individuals had acquired wisdom through their years of service and were familiar with the needs and sentiments of the people. They advised Rehoboam to respond favorably to the people’s request, thus ensuring their loyalty and support.
- Listening to Peers:Instead of following the counsel of the wise elders, Rehoboam turned to his contemporaries, “the young men that were grown up with him.” These were his companions, friends, and likely those who shared a similar upbringing and worldview. Consulting with them, Rehoboam received advice that contrasted with the counsel of the older advisors.
- Consequences of Poor Decision-making:Rehoboam’s decision to listen to the young men had significant consequences. Instead of granting the people’s request for lighter burdens, he chose to increase their workload and rule with an iron fist. This decision led to the division of the kingdom, with ten tribes rebelling against Rehoboam’s rule and forming the northern kingdom of Israel, while Rehoboam retained only the tribes of Judah and Benjamin in the southern kingdom of Judah.
Key Lessons:
- Seeking Wise Counsel:The passage emphasizes the importance of seeking counsel from wise and experienced individuals. The older advisors represented the voice of wisdom and experience, while the young men were more likely to offer rash and untested opinions. Proverbs 12:15 reminds us that “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.” Seeking counsel from those with wisdom can help us make better decisions.
- Discernment in Decision-making:Rehoboam’s error was in failing to discern between the advice given by the older advisors and that of his peers. He allowed the influence of his friends to sway him towards a harsh decision, leading to disastrous consequences. We should exercise discernment when seeking advice, carefully evaluating the perspectives presented to us before making important decisions.
- Understanding the Consequences:Rehoboam’s failure to heed wise counsel resulted in the division of the kingdom. This serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of poor decision-making. Our choices can have far‑reaching effects, impacting not only our lives but also the lives of those around us. It is crucial to consider the potential outcomes and seek guidance from God and wise individuals.
