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1 Kings 12 Commentary
by Brad Boyles
What happens when the vessel that is destined to carry God’s image into the world is split up and divided? What happens when civil war threatens the existence of those who represent His glory?
In the previous chapter, we read that Solomon did not like the consequences God brought down on his family. God chose Solomon’s adviser Jeroboam to be king over 10 tribes (Israel) but allowed Solomon’s son Rehoboam to control Judah. 2 Chronicles informs us that the tribe of Benjamin had also merged with Judah and that rounded out the 12. Solomon decided to try and kill Jeroboam and he fled for his life.
The Pride of Rehoboam
Here in 1 Kings 12, Soloman has died and his son Rehoboam is king. Solomon’s old adviser, Jeroboam, returns from Egypt and that’s when the showdown begins. Remember, God has already spoken through the prophet Ahijah that Jeroboam would be king over 10 tribes, but it hasn’t happened yet.
The critical turning point comes when Rehoboam is questioned by Jeroboam as to how he will treat the people. Will he impose the same type of rule and authority as Solomon did, or will he lighten their load? Solomon’s advisory team (older men) told Rehoboam to lighten their load but Rehoboam refused to listen. He consulted his friends in the younger generation and they told him to rule with an iron fist. He agreed with his friends and the first domino was triggered.
The 10 tribes responded to his decision with protest claiming that David’s family was worthless. Rehoboam sent Adoniram, the director of forced labor to get a grip on this rebellion but the 10 tribes along with Jeroboam stoned him to death! Rehoboam responded by gathering 180,000 warriors from Judah and Benjamin to eradicate these rebellious tribes but the Lord intervened.
‘This is what the LORD says: You are not to march up and fight against your brothers, the Israelites. Each of you must return home, for I have done this.'” So they listened to what the LORD said and went back as He had told them.
1 Kings 12:24 HCSB
And finally, in verse 24, we read of someone actually listening and doing what God asked! I know, it’s shocking, right?
The Religion of Jeroboam
Unfortunately, for the rebels of Israel, Jeroboam (their new king) was not any better than Solomon’s son. Fearing that his people would return to Rehoboam if they went back to Jerusalem worship, he established his own worship centers in Samaria. This led to the establishment of “the religion of Jeroboam.” The people were engulfed in sin.
Overall, Rehoboam led the people away from God and Jeroboam did too. What can we make of this chapter? Maybe more than any single chapter in the Bible, 1 Kings 12 illustrates the horrific consequences of following our hearts. Just look at the final verse of this chapter describing Jeroboam’s state of mind…
He offered sacrifices on the altar he had set up in Bethel on the fifteenth day of the eighth month. He chose this month on his own. He made a festival for the Israelites, offered sacrifices on the altar, and burned incense.
1 Kings 12:33 HCSB
He chose this month on his own. He didn’t consult God. He didn’t consult with the prophets of God. He didn’t consult with the Godly priests and Levites of his land. He simply decided in his own heart that he would do what he wanted. And here is the kicker – God let him have it. We are living in an era that bombards us with messages of individuality. Do what you want. Be who you want. Follow your heart. This type of thinking could not be further from the truth of God’s Scripture, and here in 1 Kings 12, we see what happens when we do just that.