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TH E KING’S BUSINESS
Rehoboam’s character. If Solomon’s ex ample had been as good as his teaching, doubtless Rehoboam’s history would have been different. Solomon’s own sin was the prime cause of the division of Israel, and Of the ruin thus brought upon Israel (ch. 11:9," 13). Nonetheless the division was the direct outcome “of Rehoboam’s own pride and folly. He had one tribe still left to him (v. 17), and this was due to his grandfather David’s faithfulness. In- the whole lesson we have a very striking illustration of the advantage of a godly ancestry, and of the disadvantage of a wicked ancestry, in Re- hoboam blessed for his grandfather’s faith (1) Rehoboam Consults the Old Men, vs. 6, 7. The king consults the old friends, of his father, v. 6. He seeks advice concerning a wise policy, v. 6. The .elders advise him to become the peo ple’s servant, v. 7. They assure him that if he does this, the people will serve him, v. 7. Questions: Was Rehoboam wise in seeking advice? Prov. 24:6. What did the people desire? v. 4. What burdens had Solomon inflicted upon the people ? 1 Kings 4 :7-20, 22, 23 ; 9: 15-23. Did the Pharisees, do the same? Matt, 23:4. . What relief did Christ offer? Matt. 11: 28-30. Is it wise for the king to become a ser vant? Marie 10:42, 43. Did the King of kings take a servant’s place? Phil. 2:7-11. What kind of an answer would have been wise? Prov. 15:1. Should he have pacified the people-,? Eccl. 10:4.
fulness, and cursed for his father’s unfaith fulness, but even in this case grace abounded above judgment. When Rehoboam heard of their treatment of his representative, his haughty pride suddenly left him, and we see him in swift and indecorous flight for Jeru salem (v. 18). This was indeed a sudden come-down from the swelling words of verse 14, but the man who deals in bravado and bluster will always take to his heels sooner or later. The men who rule over others with a rod of iron are rarely, if ever, those who boast that, they are going to do so. (2) Rehoboam Rejects the Advice of the Elders, vs. 8-11. The king rejects the counsel of the old men, v. 8. He takes the counsel of. the young men, v. 9. The young men advise increasing the bur dens of the people, v. 10. They advise him to be an autocrat, v. 11. Questions: Whose counsel should the king have sought? Jas. 1:5. What follows those who go to the “world for counsel? Isa. 31:1. Why did he not follow his father’s ex ample ? 1 Kings 3 :9. Why not pray as did Jeremiah? Jer. 32:19. Why not plead as did Jehoshaphat? 2 Kings 3 :11. What test should we apply when we have conflicting counsel from men ? Ps. 19:8; 119:104. What does the wise man do? Prov. 19:20. What does the foolish man do ? Prov. 1:25-30. Had Rehoboam’s plan ever been tried in Israel before this? Ex. 1:13, 14; 5:5-9.
LESSON OUTLINE
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