1 Kings 12:1-5 – Consequences follow our decision

Say what we like about Solomon, at least he had brought the nation together to its pinnacle. Israel was on top whether in politics, wealth, or reputation. During his reign life was difficult but there was unity. In the later stage, his spiritual life left much to be desired. It was his idolatry that sent Israel reeling on a free fall. His death had left a huge leadership gap in Israel. At the end of 1 Kings 11, there were already hints of what was coming. While God would honor his word to David, and someone from his lineage would continue to rule, it was only in a two-tribe kingdom. Inadvertently, Israel was heading for a split. With the succession of Rehoboam and the impending rise of Jeroboam, trouble was brewing.

Rehoboam, Solomon’s son, lacked political prowess. In the closing stages of Solomon’s life, there was already a sense of growing dissatisfaction among the people. First Kings 12:1 tells us that Rehoboam went up to Shechem to be coronated. Why Shechem and not Jerusalem? He could have felt the unrest among his people up north. So to help ease the tension, he chose Shechem, which was approximately 25 miles north of Jerusalem to be made king. His ascension to the throne was not helped by Jeroboam who was seeking shelter with King Shishak of Egypt. The latter was bidding his time to seize the opportunity to do damage to the kingdom. Though he was not present in Israel, verse 2 tells us that he heard of what was happening there.

Verse 3 said the people, we surmise that they were from the northern tribes, sought Jeroboam out. Together, they then came to negotiate with Rehoboam, seeking a reprieve from the pressure that was laid on them by Solomon. What they wanted was not unreasonable. In verse 4, this was what they said to the new king. “Your father made our yoke hard; now, therefore, lighten the hard service of your father and his heavy yoke which he put on us, and we will serve you.” Backed to a corner, Rehoboam was unable to give them an immediate response. He then requested three days to consider their request. So Jeroboam and the people departed to await his response in three days.

Rehoboam was at the crossroad. Israel’s future rested in the decision that he would make. It is undeniably true that making decisions is a critical part of life and leadership. Every decision made would have some ramifications. Whether one has made a good or a bad decision only the result can tell. Unfortunately, for a bad decision made, by the time one realized it, the consequence would have already taken effect. We can choose what to do, but we cannot choose the consequence. Therefore, it is important that we make wise decisions all the time. To do it right, we have a promise from God in James 1:5. He said, “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” Better still follow the advice of Proverbs 3:5-7:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight.
Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the Lord and turn away from evil.