This chapter has some important information regarding the two new kings, Rehoboam and Jeroboam, and the historical divide of Israel and Judah. There’s too much to cover it all, so we’ll only look at a portion.
“And the king [Rehoboam] answered the people harshly, and forsaking the counsel that the old men had given him, he spoke to them according to the counsel 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.’ So the king [Jeroboam] took counsel and made two calves of gold. And he said to the people, ‘You have gone up to Jerusalem long enough. Behold your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.’ ” (v13-14,28)
Rehoboam (Solomon’s son) makes the first mistake of treating the people harshly, when he didn’t have to. This divided the kingdom of Israel into a northern kingdom (Israel) and southern kingdom (Judah). Rehoboam remained king of Judah, and Jeroboam was crowned king by the people of Israel.
Jeroboam then decides he doesn’t want the people of Israel travelling to Jerusalem in Judah to visit the temple, so he makes new high places and idols (golden calves) for the people to worship. This sounds reminiscent of Aaron and Israel in the desert at Mount Sinai.
Both of these kings sinned against God and His people, and both made the same mistake of listening to poor counsel. Despite getting good counsel first, Rehoboam sought out a second, less helpful opinion, leading me to think he wanted counsel that agreed with his original desire.
The scary thing is, we still do this today, and it’s easier than ever. When researching a topic, we can find dozens or even hundreds of websites on that subject. Chances are, if we look long enough, we’ll be able to find someone with similar views on that subject. We can then use that to justify ourselves – “See, others think the way I do so I must be right”. I confess I have done this more than once.
I encourage us to seek wise counsel, and only wise counsel. Seek scripture, the Holy Spirit’s guidance, and those who are honoring God. If we rely on the Spirit for discernment, He will gladly help us know good counsel from bad. God will never mislead us. Let’s seek His counsel and guidance above all others.
Father God, our High and Mighty Lord, You are the one true source of wisdom. Father please teach us to seek Your counsel and truth above all others. Spirit please guide us to know to whom we should listen, and what paths we should follow. Jesus thank you for the examples You have given, and the gift of reconciliation which makes a relationship with the Father and Spirit possible. We honor, glorify, praise and serve You, forever and ever, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training