1 Kings 12:6-7
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Rehoboam isn't just asking for advice; he's specifically seeking counsel from those who stood before Solomon, implying a desire for wisdom that was in the presence of seasoned leadership. This isn't casual brainstorming, but a deliberate search for seasoned experience, hoping to inherit not just power but also the discernment of his father.
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?” And they said to him, “If you will be a servant to this people today and serve them, and speak good words to them when you answer them, then they will be your servants forever.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
King Rehoboam has just arrived to take the throne after his father Solomon's death, and the people of Israel are presenting him with a demand: lighten the heavy yoke of forced labor and taxes that Solomon imposed. Rehoboam, seeking wisdom on how to respond to this crucial request, turns to his father's experienced advisors. Their counsel, and Rehoboam's decision based on it, will determine whether the kingdom remains united or fractures.
Even kings need advice! Rehoboam faced a huge decision, and his first move was to ask for help. What does this tell us about good leadership?
Rehoboam's decision point in 1 Kings 12 highlights the crucial importance of seeking wise counsel.
The Weight of Responsibility
King Rehoboam inherited a kingdom from his father, Solomon. The people were asking for relief from heavy burdens – a legitimate concern.
The Value of Experience
Instead of rushing to a decision, Rehoboam turned to the men who had served his father, Solomon. These elders possessed years of experience and wisdom. They had seen the rise and fall of policies and understood the nuances of ruling.
A Model for Us
This scene reminds us that no one, no matter how high their position, has all the answers. True wisdom often comes from humility – the willingness to listen to those who have gone before and who offer seasoned perspectives.
The people of Israel had a specific request. How would Rehoboam respond? The answer would shape the future of the nation. What was at stake?
This moment was more than just a simple negotiation; it was a critical juncture with profound consequences for the unity of Israel.
The People's Grievance
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The people of Israel were not asking for the impossible. They complained about the harsh labor and heavy taxes imposed during Solomon's reign and requested relief. Their plea was rooted in real hardship.
The Test of Leadership
Rehoboam's response would determine whether he would be a leader who eased burdens or one who increased them. The counsel he received from the elders presented him with two distinct paths: one of empathy and concession, the other of harshness and pride.
A Kingdom Divided
Ultimately, Rehoboam's choice between these two paths would lead to the division of the united kingdom. This verse sets the stage for that tragic outcome, demonstrating how leadership decisions directly impact the people and the stability of a nation.
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.
ebed · Hebrew Verb
One who acts on behalf of another, often implying submission or ministry. Biblically, serving others is presented as a high calling, modeled ultimately by Christ.
This moment of counsel is critical because it occurs at the precipice of the united monarchy's collapse, directly preceding Rehoboam's disastrous decision that would fracture Israel into two separate kingdoms for centuries.
c. 970 BC
Solomon's Reign and Temple Building
King Solomon's ambitious building projects, including the First Temple, brought prosperity but also heavy taxation and forced labor to Israel.
c. 931 BC
Death of Solomon
Upon Solomon's death, the unified kingdom of Israel faced a succession crisis, with his son Rehoboam set to inherit the throne.
c. 931 BC— this verse
Rehoboam's Coronation at Shechem
Rehoboam traveled to Shechem for his coronation, where a large assembly of Israelites gathered, ready to demand relief from oppressive policies.
c. 931 BC
The People's Demand for Relief
The northern tribes presented Rehoboam with an ultimatum: lighten the heavy yoke of taxes and forced labor imposed by Solomon, or they would not serve him.
c. 931 BC
Rehoboam Rejects Counsel
Rehoboam, advised by his younger, less experienced peers, ultimately rejected the people's plea, leading to the kingdom's division.
c. 931 BC
Division of the Kingdom
Ten northern tribes revolted and established their own kingdom under Jeroboam, leaving only Judah and Benjamin loyal to Rehoboam in the south.
This proverb highlights the danger of making big decisions without wise counsel, directly mirroring Rehoboam's situation and setting the stage for his poor choice.
Ecclesiastes 10:1This verse warns that a little foolishness can spoil great resources, a truth Rehoboam would soon learn as he lost most of his kingdom due to bad advice.
2 Chronicles 10:6-7This parallel account emphasizes the critical moment of seeking advice, showing Rehoboam's elders urging him to 'speak good words' to the people, contrasting with his eventual harsh response.
Jeremiah 18:18This passage describes the division within leadership – priest giving counsel, wise men giving advice, and prophets giving visions – reflecting the different voices Rehoboam could have sought, but ultimately ignored the wise ones.
Rehoboam isn't just asking for advice; he's specifically seeking counsel from those who stood before Solomon, implying a desire for wisdom that was in the presence of seasoned leadership. This isn't casual brainstorming, but a deliberate search for seasoned experience, hoping to inherit not just power but also the discernment of his father.
King Rehoboam has just arrived to take the throne after his father Solomon's death, and the people of Israel are presenting him with a demand: lighten the heavy yoke of forced labor and taxes that Solomon imposed. Rehoboam, seeking wisdom on how to respond to this crucial request, turns to his father's experienced advisors. Their counsel, and Rehoboam's decision based on it, will determine whether the kingdom remains united or fractures.
King Rehoboam has just arrived to take the throne after his father Solomon's death, and the people of Israel are presenting him with a demand: lighten the heavy yoke of forced labor and taxes that Solomon imposed. Rehoboam, seeking wisdom on how to respond to this crucial request, turns to his father's experienced advisors. Their counsel, and Rehoboam's decision based on it, will determine whether the kingdom remains united or fractures.
"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?” And they said to him, “If you will be a servant to this people today an…" — Rehoboam isn't just asking for advice; he's specifically seeking counsel from those who stood before Solomon, implying a desire for wisdom that was in the presence of seasoned leadership. This isn'…
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Last reviewed October 2026
