2 Chronicles 10:1-19

Pride is a dangerous and divisive sin.  Rehoboam was Solomon’s son and he was given a very prosperous and united kingdom that was experiencing peace.  However, as is true with any transition in leadership, there is an expectation of as well as a fear of change that makes the nation or any group going through transition vulnerable to disunity and division.  This is a key moment in the history of Israel and a decisive moment in the reign of Rehoboam but the results were not good.  Any time we assume leadership of a group, we must be careful to demonstrate humility and a servant’s spirit.  Our pride tells us that we need to demonstrate our authority and self-confidence.  We must be careful not to listen to the pride in our hearts but to follow the instructions and examples of the Scripture.

THE PEOPLE ASK FOR ASSISTANCE: Solomon had accomplished huge construction projects during his reign.  The temple had been erected and many cities had been fortified, but these projects had caused a heavy burden of tax and work from the people.  Solomon’s extravagant lifestyle and building projects had placed a heavy burden on the people so they now came to ask for help from their new leader.  Jeroboam was a leader in this gathering of the people that came to speak to Rehoboam.  This is certainly a good way to open up communication.  It may have been intimidating to have to face this crowd of people, but at this point they were being orderly and respectful.  Communication is vital to the success of any relationship.  

REHOBOAM ASKS FOR ADVICE: Rehobaom demonstrates great wisdom at this point when he refuses to give an immediate answer.  He asks for time to think about his answer and to seek advice.  He goes to two different groups of counselors in order to hear their advice.  The older men advised him to listen to the people.  Apparently this is not what he wanted to hear, so he then went to get advice from his friends to see what they would say.  As expected they advised him to make a show of strength and answer harshly.  What stands out to me in this text is that at no time did Rehoboam seek to hear an answer from God in prayer.  As leaders we must surround ourselves with advisors that will tell us what they believe and not just tell us what they think we want to hear.

REHOBOAM ANSWERS WITH ARROGANCE: Rehoboam followed the advice of the young men and arrogantly promises to increase the burden that Solomon had placed on them.  In doing so, he was implying that he would be accomplishing more than Solomon had.  It is hard to follow a great leader, but the secret to success at these times is humility and not arrogance.  A good leader will not simply capitulate to the requests of the people, but he will also consider them with serious prayer and reflection.  Rehoboam could have simply stated that things would remain at current levels until he had more information and experience. Instead he tied to impose his leadership on the people.

THE PEAOPLE ANSWER WITH ANGER: When the people were disrespected and dismissed they responded by rejecting Rehoboam just as he had rejected them.  Ten of the twelve tribes refused to accept Rehoboam’s rule and decided to separate from the others.  Jeroboam would be their new leader and the nation was divided.  God was not taken by surprise at any moment and this was part of his plan, but it is a shame to see the nation with so much potential dividing and on the brink of civil war.  Our actions will always bring about reactions so we must always consider this fact when making decisions.