Keeping these names straight has been a bit of a challenge. We see the transition from Solomon to his son, Rehoboam. With all the wives and concubines, we know Solomon had, I’m just a little curious why Rehoboam got the nod to be the next king. I suppose it doesn’t really matter in the scheme of things. It was God’s intention to rip the kingdom apart and away from whatever son of Solomon took the throne.
As with any transition, there are going to be challenges. Rehoboam experiences this from the get-go. Curious that he didn’t rely on his father’s guides in making one of his first decisions. Had the people not been so upset about the stricter rules, Rehoboam may have had a better popularity rating.
Could that have been God’s hand at work, too? I think we have our answer in v. 15, “So the king paid no attention to the people. This turn of events was the will of the Lord, for it fulfilled the Lord’s message to Jeroboam son of Nebat through the prophet Ahijah from Shiloh.” It had to happen that way.
How does that make you feel to realize that Rehoboam never had a chance? We don’t know anything about Rehoboam, his gifts, his passions, or even his dreams for the future. As depicted here, Rehoboam is portrayed as unlikeable being so arrogant and impulsive.
There is no mention of Rehoboam following God’s will as his grandfather David had done. That probably wasn’t a priority in the home he grew up in. Solomon’s wives were mostly foreigners with contrary ideas about God. Rehoboam would not likely have much to do with the LORD, the God of Israel.
It was clear to the Israelites that this new king wasn’t going to listen to them. Can you think of a time in your life when you didn’t feel heard? It is certainly frustrating. I can relate to feelings of anger with maybe a little disbelief thrown in. Yet, I was still surprised that Rehoboam’s “messenger” was killed for trying to restore order.
What does this passage say to us today? I’m seeing a lesson in leadership here. If you’ve ever been put in charge of a group of people, you were using your leadership skills to manage them. What can we learn from the two leaders before us, Rehoboam and Jeroboam?
I see remarkable contrasts. A good leader should listen to the group they are leading. That doesn’t mean caving into every demand a group might have, but a good leader should at least listen and acknowledge. We see just the opposite in Rehoboam and how that worked out for him!
A good leader should try to identify with the people. For a leader to be able to make good decisions, it is helpful to become a smart leader. We see Jeroboam alongside the people. He had been a leader under Solomon’s reign, yet he joined in with the people in waiting for the king’s proclamation. The people recognized his allegiance, and promptly made him king!
Our own heavenly Father also wanted his people to feel loved, heard, and understood. He sent his own Son, Jesus to redeem his people and invite a renewed relationship with him. Jesus was fully God and fully human. Imagine the intel Jesus received from being human. We can relate better to God because of what Jesus did for us.
What kind of a leader are you? Do you resonate more with Rehoboam or Jeroboam? In what ways can you improve your leadership skills?
Let’s pray …
Father God, may my heart be pure and ready to serve you. Open my eyes and heart to become the leader you intend for me to be. I am ready to be your servant, to lead others toward you. Help me to be open and ready for the changes you have for me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
