The Spirit of Rehoboam

Anyone ever heard of the spirit of Rehoboam? First let me say that there is no more a spirit of Rehoboam than a spirit of Jezebel or Ahab in spite of the teachings and books of many revered and honored ministers. But the spirit like the ones Jezebel (Control) and Ahab (passivity) do exist. And the spirit like the spirit Rehoboam exists in spite of its not being covered by books and tapes.

Let's look at Rehoboam. I know this is a lot of scripture but it is essential to know the story to know the man.

1 Kings 12:1-24 KJVA

(1) And Rehoboam went to Shechem: for all Israel were come to Shechem to make him king.

It was custom for the people to assemble and acclaim the new king.

(2) And it came to pass, when Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who was yet in Egypt, heard of it, (for he was fled from the presence of king Solomon, and Jeroboam dwelt in Egypt;)

(3) That they sent and called him. And Jeroboam and all the congregation of Israel came, and spake unto Rehoboam, saying,

Here we find that a brother and possible heir to the throne is called to speak to the new king for the people. There was no real friendship here, it may well have been that this was not a good choice. Jereboam came to the king and presented the request of the people.

(4) 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.

Taxation under Solomon had been heavy with the costs of the palace and the construction of the temple. Let's face it, this was one of the largest public works projects of the time. Certainly the people were tired of the load of government spending. Solomon had not skimped or downsized the cost of the royal family either. The people had what is easy to call a legitimate request. They asked for relief and pledged loyalty to him if he did.

(5) And he said unto them, Depart yet for three days, then come again to me. And the people departed.

We can see here the reluctance of the new king to answer. This is commendable. As one who has taken on a position of leadership it is well to note that he was wise to say to them, "Give me three days to get counsel and research it." In any arena, marriage, ministry, business hasty decisions are often bad ones that take great effort to correct. Some years ago I took a class through Marriage Ministries International (called Nova Shalom at the time). The instructor repeated more than a dozen times, "It takes far less time and effort to come to a good decision than to correct the effects of a bad one." The scripture says that in a multitude of counsel there is safety.

Proverbs 11:14 KJVA

(14) Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.

Proverbs 15:22 KJVA

(22) Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.

There are many proverbs about wise counsel, many written by Rehoboam's father!

Proverbs 12:15 KJVA

(15) The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.

Proverbs 19:20 KJVA

(20) Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.

Proverbs 24:6 KJVA

(6) For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors

(6) And king Rehoboam consulted with the old men, that stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived, and said, How do ye advise that I may answer this people?

(7) And they spake unto him, saying, 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.

Rehoboam went to the men who stood by his father to counsel him. Imagine this. Think about these men. Think about the resource he was tapping. Think of someone you respect for their wisdom. Then think who they would go to for advice! This was Solomon, the wisest man. The Queen of Sheba came to see his wisdom. And these men stood with him and advised him. What a legacy to give your kids, someone to advise them. These were older men, ones who had been through a lot. They were not omniscient but they had lots of experience.

Proverbs 20:29 KJVA

(29) The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the gray head.