1 Kings 12:1-33

12:1 | Shechem was an ancient rallying place for the tribes and the scene of periodic covenant renewal ceremonies, thus it was a fitting site for the coronation (Gen. 12:6-7; 33:18-20; Josh. 24:1-27; 32). This sacred spot reminded all Israel of God’s faithfulness and their destiny as His people.

12:2-15 | By the counsel he heeded, Rehoboam demonstrated his lack of political acumen and wisdom. The heavy-handed approach advised by the young men was quite the opposite of what Solomon had taught about a soft answer turning away wrath (Prov. 15:1) – and the opposite of what Solomon’s elders recommended.

12:16-19 | It takes years to build unity, but only a moment to tear it apart. No wonder God’s design is for church leaders to be gentle rather than quarrelsome (1 Tim. 3:3). Tragically, Rehoboam’s answer alienated the people, causing them to rebel against the house of David despite the words of Rehoboam’s own grandfather, King David (Ps. 133:1). The Lord used these events to fulfill His word to Jeroboam (1131-39).

12:20-21 | The people made Jeroboam king – there is no mention of God’s anointing or even seeking after God’s will. Only Judah (and Benjamin) remained loyal to Rehoboam.

12:22-24 | Rehoboam’s plans to subdue the rebels by force were interrupted by the prophet Shemaiah, who announced that civil war was not God’s will. To his credit, Rehoboam obeyed the word of the LORD and did not go to war. The phrase this thing is from Me declares that God is the Lord of history who uses even disastrous rebellion to accomplish His purposes.

12:28-33 | Jeroboam’s system of idolatry included installing his own priests – not of the tribe of Levi, as God had commanded (Num. 3:10) – and instituting his own festival to replace the Feast of Tabernacles. The chosen idol, the bull, was associated with the Canaanite gods El and Baal.

12:28 | By separating the places of worship (Dan and Bethel), Jeroboam separated the people. He even claimed the idols had delivered Israel from Egypt! Thus began the process of decline that would culminate in Israel’s exile to Assyria (2 Kgs. 17:20-23).