1 Kings 12:1-24 – RESPONSES
Solomon was dead. Rehoboam was made king.
This story of the split of Israel into two nations is a story of various responses.
RESPONSE IN AFFLICTION – Vss. 1-4
Israel had suffered under Solomon’s high taxes.
A request was submitted for some tax relief and a promise of loyalty to the new king.
RESPONSE OF DELAY – Vs. 5
Rehoboam wanted some time to think it through before making a response. This was not a bad idea.
RESPONSE OF THE OLD – Vss. 6-7
He asked his father’s advisors, old men, what to do. They recommended cooperation with the requests.
RESPONSE OF THE YOUNG – Vss. 8-11
The ones the same age as the king wanted the king to take a hard line approach, not giving the Israelites any relief.
RESPONSE OF THE KING – Vss. 12-15
The king unwisely followed the advice of the young instead of the old.
RESPONSE OF REBELLION – 16-20
There was a split in the Kingdom. The northern Kingdom, Israel rebelled, making Jeroboam king.
RESPONSE OF GOD – 21-24
The split of the kingdom into two nations was God’s work.
God had promised this to Solomon. 1 Kings 11:11-13