From Splendor to Shadow

The Mistake That Could Never Be Undone

Dissatisfied, Rehoboam turned to younger men with whom he had associated during his youth: “What counsel give ye that we may answer this people, who have spoken to me, saying, Make the yoke which thy father did put upon us lighter?” 1 Kings 12:9. The young men suggested that he deal sternly with his subjects and make plain to them that he would brook no interference with his personal wishes. SS 47.3

Thus it came to pass that on the day appointed for Rehoboam to make a statement concerning his policy, he “answered the people roughly, ... saying, My father made your yoke heavy, and I will add to your yoke: my father also chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.” Verses 13, 14. Rehoboam's expressed determination to add to the oppression of Solomon's reign was in direct conflict with God's plan for Israel. In this unfeeling attempt to exercise power, the king and his counselors revealed pride of position and authority. SS 48.1

There were many who had become thoroughly aroused over the oppressive measures of Solomon's reign, and these now felt that they could not do otherwise than rebel against the house of David. “When all Israel saw that the king hearkened not unto them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion have we in David? ... to your tents, O Israel: now see to thine own house, David. So Israel departed unto their tents.” Verse 16. SS 48.2

The breach created by the rash speech of Rehoboam proved irreparable. The twelve tribes of Israel were divided, Judah and Benjamin composing the southern kingdom of Judah, under Rehoboam; while the ten northern tribes formed a separate government, the kingdom of Israel, with Jeroboam as ruler. Thus was fulfilled the prediction of the prophet concerning the rending of the kingdom. “It was a turn of affairs brought about by the Lord.” Verse 15, RSV. SS 48.3

When Rehoboam saw the ten tribes withdrawing allegiance from him, he was aroused to action. Through Adoram, one of the influential men of his kingdom, he made an effort to conciliate them. But “all Israel stoned him with stones, that he died.” Startled, “King Rehoboam made speed to get him up into his chariot, to flee to Jerusalem.” Verse 18. SS 48.4

At Jerusalem “he assembled all the house of Judah, with the tribe of Benjamin, an hundred and fourscore thousand chosen men, which were warriors, to fight against the house of Israel, to bring the kingdom again to Rehoboam ... . But the word of God came unto Shemaiah, ... Thus saith the Lord, Ye shall not go up, nor fight against your brethren the children of Israel: return every man to his house; for this thing is from Me. They hearkened therefore to the word of the Lord.” Verses 21-24. SS 48.5

For three years Rehoboam tried to profit by his sad experience, and in this effort he was prospered. He built fortified cities “and made them exceeding strong.” 2 Chronicles 11:12. But the secret of Judah's prosperity during the first years of Rehoboam's reign lay in recognition of God as the supreme Ruler. It was this that placed the tribes of Judah and Benjamin on vantage ground. “From all the tribes of Israel,” the record reads, “those who had set their hearts to seek the Lord God of Israel came ... to Jerusalem to sacrifice to the Lord, the God of their fathers. They strengthened the kingdom of Judah, and for three years they made Rehoboam the son of Solomon secure, for they walked for three years in the way of David and Solomon.” 2 Chronicles 11:16, 17, RSV. SS 49.1