Rehoboam gets what he wants, but he loses what he has! I remember hearing this sobering phrase as a youth. As I read today, I was reminded to be careful with what I want.
So what did Rehoboam have? As the newly minted king, he had all of Israel under his kingship. And Rehoboam went to Shechem: for…all Israel come to make him king. (2 Chronicles 10:1, KJV)
What did Rehoboam want? The people had requested a lighter burden. Solomon was a hard king with high demands from the people. Israel is saying to Rehoboam, ease up a bit, and you will have our hearts. But this didn’t sit well with Rehoboam. He wanted more production, not less. More glory, not less. Notice his answer to the people’s reasonable request. And the king answered them harshly; and forsaking the counsel of the old men, King Rehoboam spoke to them according to the counsel of the young men, saying, “My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add to it. My father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions.” (2 Chronicles 10:13–14, ESV)
What did Rehoboam lose? He lost ten of the twelve tribes of Israel in a revolt, and the nation was split into two. When all Israel realized that the king had refused to listen to them, they responded, “Down with the dynasty of David! … (2 Chronicles 10:16, NLT) Sure, Rehoboam got two tribes that would give him what he wanted, but he lost ten tribes and became a much smaller king. The cost of selfishness, ignorant peer-based counsel, and pride is quite high! If only he had humbled himself!
So often, the best destinations in life are at the end of the roads we don’t want to travel. The wise know this. May we know it, too!
Thank you for joining me as I read and journal chronologically through the Bible! This devotional reflection comes from 2 Chronicles 10-12.