Rehoboam and Leadership

And when all Israel saw that the king hearkened not unto them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion have we in David? neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: to your tents, O Israel: now see to thine own house, David. So Israel departed unto their tents.

1 Kings 12:16

            We all want favor, from our parents, our spouse, and our supervisors. Each of us enjoys being valued and appreciated. When there is no favor, value, or appreciation, we feel like we are outsiders. It makes us feel like we have no hope. This can teach us much about Godly leadership in the world, our homes, and the Lord’s church. In first Kings 12, we see the son of Solomon, Rehoboam, is now king of a united kingdom of the 12 tribes of Israel.

            At the beginning of his reign, Jeroboam and all the congregation of Israel came and made a request of their new king. Thy father made our yoke grievous: now, therefore, make thou the grievous service of thy father, and his heavy yoke which he put upon us, lighter, and we will serve thee (cf. 1 Kings 12:6). This request seems straight forward and reasonable. Rehoboam takes the request under consideration as any good leader would, but he unfortunately consults his childhood friends who in turn suggest that he increase their burden (vv. 10-11). When Rehoboam follows their advice, the people are distressed and discouraged, rather than finding favor or encouragement. They felt as if they were left out; that is how we get to the point and words of verse 16.

            The men of the 10 tribes, aside from the Levites and Judah, turned against Rehoboam. Because they assumed they had no hope in the son of Jesse, they took their football and went home.  While this was not right, and while the Northern Kingdom was indeed rife with corruption, idolatry, and a menagerie of sin, we must look at how this looming fracture could have been prevented. Perhaps Rehoboam could have listened to the elders who urged the king. If thou wilt be a servant unto this people this day, and wilt serve them, and answer them, and speak good words to them, then they will be thy servants for ever (v. 7). Good leaders seek the good of the people who they lead rather than power at all costs. This was not a difficult request. The 10 tribes wanted to serve the King; they were just asking for a little reprieve from the hard labor they had endured. However, this does not mean that your mayor, governor, boss, dad, husband, elders will do whatever you bid. Good leaders will listen and take into consideration the requests that you make. You must, however, be willing to accept and respect their authority that is established by the Lord as they are His ministers in this regard (cf. Romans 13:1-7; Ephesians 5:22-6:4).

            So, if you’re leading, lead with consideration for the welfare of those you lead. If you are being led, submit to those who have authority over you. Pray for one another. Your leaders seek the peace of the city (cf. Jeremiah 29:7). This is God's will, that you love one another (cf. John 13:35; 1 John 4:7).

Grace and Peace,

Ryan