Then King Rehoboam took counsel with the old men, who had stood before Solomon his father while he was yet alive, saying, “How do you advise me to answer this people?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Rehoboam's fatal flaw isn't just his poor decision-making, but his initial seeking of counsel from men who advised his father, Solomon. The crucial detail is that he asks them how to answer the people, not how to lead them, betraying a heart already predisposed to control rather than service. This subtle framing shows he was less interested in wisdom and more in finding validation for his own path.
Then King Rehoboam took counsel with the old men, who had stood before Solomon his father while he was yet alive, saying, “How do you advise me to answer this people?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
After Solomon's death, the northern tribes of Israel came to his son Rehoboam, demanding relief from the heavy burdens his father had imposed. Rehoboam, unsure how to handle this serious request from his people, seeks advice from the elders who had served his father, setting the stage for a crucial decision that will divide the kingdom.
Rehoboam faced a monumental decision that would split a kingdom. Before acting, he turned to seasoned advisors. What does this teach us about seeking wisdom?
Surrounding Yourself with Experience
King Rehoboam, newly ascended to the throne, was confronted by the people with a demand for relief from heavy burdens. His first step wasn't to dismiss them or react impulsively, but to pause and seek counsel. He specifically turned to the 'old men, who had stood before Solomon his father.' This highlights a profound truth: wise leaders don't pretend to have all the answers. They recognize the value of experience and humility to seek guidance from those who have walked the path before.
The Difference Experience Makes
The elders had served Solomon, a king known for his wisdom (and later, his folly). They had likely witnessed firsthand the consequences of both good and bad governance. Their experience offered a perspective Rehoboam, a young and untested ruler, lacked. This isn't just about age, but about accumulated wisdom, understanding the long-term impact of decisions, and knowing the heart of the people and the ways of leadership.
Rehoboam sought counsel, but the story takes a tragic turn. What happens when wise advice is available but ultimately disregarded?
A Fork in the Road
While this verse focuses on Rehoboam seeking counsel, the immediate context of 1 Kings 12 reveals he ultimately did not follow the wise advice given by the elders. They urged him to 'be a servant to this people' and grant their request. Rehoboam, however, later consulted with younger advisors who encouraged a harsh and oppressive response.
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Consequences of Pride and Foolishness
This sets the stage for the devastating consequences that followed. By ignoring the wisdom of experience and opting for the aggressive counsel of his peers, Rehoboam's actions led to the division of the United Kingdom of Israel. The people rebelled, and only the tribe of Judah remained loyal to his house. This illustrates the critical danger: seeking counsel is only the first step; the real test is the humility and wisdom to act upon it.
Understand the original words
melek · Hebrew Noun
A term often used for rulers or those in authority who are expected to govern with justice and wisdom; in a biblical context, it frequently denotes a position of responsibility under God.
ya'ats · Hebrew Noun
The act of seeking guidance or wisdom from others, often involving a exchange of thoughts or intentions to make a decision. In Scripture, seeking godly counsel is emphasized as a mark of wisdom.
Rehoboam's struggle in this verse highlights the critical moment where decades of centralized power and heavy taxation under Solomon crumble, leading to the permanent division of the united kingdom.
c. 970 BC
Reign of King Solomon Begins
Solomon inherits the united kingdom of Israel from his father David, ushering in a period of peace, prosperity, and monumental building projects, including the First Temple in Jerusalem.
c. 931 BC
Death of Solomon and Succession Crisis
Solomon dies after a long reign. His son Rehoboam is set to succeed him, but the kingdom faces significant internal pressures and discontent from the northern tribes.
c. 931 BC— this verse
Rehoboam's Coronation and Demand for Lower Taxes
Rehoboam travels to Shechem to be confirmed as king. The elders of the northern tribes, led by Jeroboam, confront him with a demand to lighten the heavy yoke of forced labor and taxation imposed by Solomon.
c. 931 BC
The Kingdom Splits
Rehoboam rejects the counsel of the elders and, following the advice of younger advisors, threatens to increase the burden on the people. The ten northern tribes rebel, proclaiming Jeroboam their king and establishing the Northern Kingdom of Israel.
c. 931 BC onwards
Establishment of Northern Shrines
Jeroboam establishes rival religious centers in the north at Dan and Bethel, setting up golden calves and appointing his own priests, leading to a religious division alongside the political one.
This proverb highlights the wisdom of seeking counsel, directly relating to Rehoboam's action of consulting the elders before making a decision.
Ecclesiastes 10:16This passage offers a contrast, showing the potential negative outcomes when a kingdom is led by the inexperienced or foolish, which Rehoboam was about to be.
1 Kings 3:11-12This highlights Solomon's own wisdom and God's blessing upon him for asking for understanding, setting a precedent for wise leadership that Rehoboam fails to follow.
2 Chronicles 10:6-7This parallel account in Chronicles describes the same event, emphasizing the elders' advice to Rehoboam to speak kindly, underscoring the importance of his decision-making process.
Rehoboam's fatal flaw isn't just his poor decision-making, but his initial seeking of counsel from men who advised his father, Solomon. The crucial detail is that he asks them how to answer the people, not how to lead them, betraying a heart already predisposed to control rather than service. This subtle framing shows he was less interested in wisdom and more in finding validation for his own path.
After Solomon's death, the northern tribes of Israel came to his son Rehoboam, demanding relief from the heavy burdens his father had imposed. Rehoboam, unsure how to handle this serious request from his people, seeks advice from the elders who had served his father, setting the stage for a crucial decision that will divide the kingdom.
After Solomon's death, the northern tribes of Israel came to his son Rehoboam, demanding relief from the heavy burdens his father had imposed. Rehoboam, unsure how to handle this serious request from his people, seeks advice from the elders who had served his father, setting the stage for a crucial decision that will divide the kingdom.
"Then King Rehoboam took counsel with the old men, who had stood before Solomon his father while he was yet alive, saying, “How do you advise me to answer this people?”" — Rehoboam's fatal flaw isn't just his poor decision-making, but his initial seeking of counsel from men who advised his father, Solomon. The crucial detail is that he asks them how to answer the peo…
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Last reviewed October 2026