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