Sometimes in my planning I forget to pray about my thoughts and ideas. While I claim to follow the Lord in all things big and small, I practically ignore this proven way of wisdom.

The Lord appeared to King David at the beginning of his reign, and to his son Solomon as well. But Rehoboam, the next in line, turned first to his advisors. The older, wiser counselors advised Rehoboam to approach the nation with humility. A gang of his brash, hot-headed friends offered an in-your-face approach. Rehoboam chose poorly, and the nation split in half.

This tragedy resulted from the Lord’s anger with Solomon for worshipping the demonic gods of neighboring lands. God said, I’m going to tear the kingdom from Solomon’s hand…I will do this because they have forsaken me.

It appears Rehoboam knew nothing of this prophecy. Had he turned to the Lord for insight in this pivotal time of decision, might the Lord have pushed off judgement for another generation? God did so for others. Also, it appears that Rehoboam failed to receive any advice from his father, the wisest of all kings. Did they converse about the transfer of power, or did Solomon abrogate that responsibility during his end of life malaise?

A bad leadership transition caused years of heartache for the nation. Solomon failed in his duty to his son, and Rehoboam failed to consult the God who had blessed their nation through the reigns of his father and grandfather. He soon learned that ignoring the wrong consultant carries consequences.

1 Kings 11 & 12 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Kelly Sikkema