Rehoboam: A Foolish Failure 2 Chronicles

Background Solomon, father of Rehoboam Built temple Built his own house/palace Built a wall around Jerusalem Built fortified cities 2

This required many laborers from Israel It also placed heavy taxation upon the people The people were tired of the work forces and extreme taxation 3

As soon as Rehoboam was crowned king they pleaded with him for relief Their request seemed sincere and wise 4

2 Ch. 10:4 Thy father made our yoke grievous: now therefore ease thou somewhat the grievous servitude of thy father, and his heavy yoke that he put upon us, and we will serve thee. 5

“Lighten our burden and we will be submissive to you” Rehoboam sent them away while he sought advice on the matter 6

2 Ch. 10:7 (Advice from the older men) And they spake unto him, saying, If thou be kind to this people, and please them, and speak good words to them, they will be thy servants for ever. 7

2 Ch. 10:10-11 (Advice from the young men) And the young men that were brought up with him spake unto him, saying, Thus shalt thou answer the people that spake unto thee, saying, Thy father made our yoke heavy, but make thou it somewhat lighter for us; thus shalt thou say unto them, My little finger shall be thicker than my father's loins… 8

For whereas my father put a heavy yoke upon you, I will put more to your yoke: my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions. 9

2 Ch. 10:14 (Rehoboam’s answer) And answered them after the advice of the young men, saying, My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add thereto: my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions. 10

The 10 tribes departed – they were in disbelief, despair and anger Ahijah’s prophecy was fulfilled (that the kingdom would be divided) because of the foolishness of Rehoboam 11

Jeroboam, king over the 10 tribes of Israel led them into rebellion against God He set up idolatry, an unauthorized priesthood and a new Day of Atonement 12

Under Rehoboam the kingdom of Judah was severely weakened Judah was attacked and plundered in the 5 th year of his reign 13

2 Ch. 12:5 Then came Shemaiah the prophet to Rehoboam, and to the princes of Judah, that were gathered together to Jerusalem because of Shishak, and said unto them, Thus saith the LORD, Ye have forsaken me, and therefore have I also left you in the hand of Shishak. 14

2 Ch. 12:6-7 Whereupon the princes of Israel and the king humbled themselves; and they said, The LORD is righteous. And when the LORD saw that they humbled themselves, the word of the LORD came to Shemaiah, saying, 15

They have humbled themselves; therefore I will not destroy them, but I will grant them some deliverance; and my wrath shall not be poured out upon Jerusalem by the hand of Shishak. 16

2 Ch. 12:14 (NOTE – of Rehoboam it is written) “And he did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the LORD.” 17

Lessons from the life of Rehoboam 18

1. Prepare your heart now for your future! Many fail when then face struggles and temptations because they have not prepared by strengthening their faith 19

2 Ch. 19:3 (it was said of Jehoshaphat) Nevertheless there are good things found in thee, in that thou hast taken away the groves out of the land, and hast prepared thine heart to seek God. 20

Ezra 7:10 For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments. 21

“Are you preparing your heart now so that God can use you for His glory in the future? Are you setting your heart to seek God so that you can overcome life’s struggles and temptations.” 22

2. Foolish Advice can be destructive What if Rehoboam had followed the advice of the older and wiser men? We must always seek God’s wisdom first! 23

Proverbs 2:1-6 My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding… 24

If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God… 25

For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. 26

We need to be cautious about the advice we accept -- we should respect the advice of mature, wise and godly people 27

3. Blessings and privileges can be taken away Rehoboam’s foolish decision brought about Israel’s revolt – he lost 10 tribes that he could have been king over 28

Proverbs 14:34 Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people 29

We should appreciate the material blessings we have However, we should never let our happiness or security in life be attached to material things 30

1 Tim. 6:17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; 31

Mt. 6:19-20 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 32

Proverbs 3:7-10 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones… 33

Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine. 34

Even if we lose some or all of our material possessions, the Christian still has a great reason to live 35

Phil. 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. 36

4. Those in authority must respect the people who submit to them! Rehoboam’s lack of concern caused his people to revolt 37

2 Sam. 23:3 The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God. 38

Proverbs 20:28 Mercy and truth preserve the king: and his throne is upholden by mercy. 39

Husbands Elders Civil rulers 40

Let us always seek wisdom from God and never make the foolish mistakes that Rehoboam made 41

References Kings of Judah, Rehoboam: A Foolish Failure! – Stephen W. Rogers, in Truth For Today