As a result of King Solomon’s decision to ignore the instruction of GOD and take foreign wives, his heart was turned away from serving GOD. “Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD, and went not fully after the LORD, as did David his father.” (1st Kings 11:6) The consequences of Solomon’s decision were disastrous. (1st Kings 11:9-12) In the remainder of Chapter 11, prophecy is given regarding the division that would take place in the Kingdom.
In 1st Kings 12, as Rehoboam began his reign; all of Israel, including Jeroboam approached him with a request. Solomon had made life exceedingly difficult for the people. The people reminded Rehoboam of this fact and asked him a question. “Your father made our yoke heavy. Now therefore lighten the hard service of your father and his heavy yoke on us, and we will serve you.”1st Kings 12:4
Rehoboam did not make a hasty decision but rather sought advice as to how he should respond. 1st Rehoboam spoke to the elders who served his father. These men had been with Solomon and witnessed 1st hand his successes and failures. They took note of his relationship with the people and were qualified to offer good counsel. Solomon asks, “…How do you advise me to answer this people?”(1st Kings 12:6) The elders respond, “If you will be a servant to this people today and serve them and speak good words to them when you answer them, then they will be your servants forever.”(1st Kings 12:7)
This was certainly good advice. Rehoboam had the opportunity to cultivate a productive and healthy relationship with the people. Yet, he ignored their guidance, and sought the advice of friends whom he had grown up with. He asked, “What do you advise…”(1st Kings 12:9) His friends answered, “Thus shall you speak to this people who said to you, ‘Your father made our yoke heavy, but you lighten it for us,’ thus shall you say to them, ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s thighs. And now, whereas my father laid on you a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke. My father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions.”(1st Kings 12:10-11)
There was nothing wrong with getting multiple opinions as to how to answer the people. Rehoboam’s father Solomon wisely said in Proverbs 15:22 (ESV) Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.
However, after we have gathered all the information, we must consider the source of the advice, the content of the advice and decide which one will provide the best possible outcome.
1. The source of the advice…
Rehoboam had two choices. One came from the advice of those who had spent time at the side of King Solomon, having seen the good and the bad. The other advice came from his childhood friends. These young men lacked maturity and experience.
2. The advice itself …
The request of the people was that Rehoboam lighten the burden imposed by Solomon. If he would do so, the people promised to follow. The advice given by the elders was to grant their request and be a servant to them. The advice of the younger was to make things even harder.
3. The outcome of the advice …
If Rehoboam accepted the counsel of the elders the outcome would be, devoted servants to him all the days of his reign. Accepting the advice of his young friends would result in driving in further, the wedge that existed and cause division in the kingdom.
It appears the decision should have been an easy one. Peace in the kingdom or chaos? Sadly, Rehoboam followed the wrong advice. “…the king 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.”(1st Kings 12:13-14)
Naturally, the children of Israel were unhappy with this decision and the United Kingdom became the Divided Kingdom in a brief time.
This was ultimately a fulfillment of GOD’S promise to Solomon to rend the kingdom from him in the days of his son for his disobedience to GOD’S commands. (1st Kings 11:11, 12:15) However, Rehoboam was responsible for his choices.
What can we learn about advice from King Rehoboam?
1. Consider the source of the advice given…. (What makes them qualified to offer good counsel? Experience, maturity, spirituality, etc.)
2. Consider the advice itself… (Does it sound reasonable, wise, and just?)
3. Carefully weigh the potential outcome… (Will the outcome glorify GOD? Will it result in peace or chaos? Will GOD be pleased?)
Prospering Pathway 
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