Read 1 Kings 12.
Now we are told the details of the rift that divided the nation. The majority of the people had thrown their allegiance to Jeroboam. However, they sent for Solomon's heir apparent, Rehoboam, who was living in Egypt at the time. The number one issue that needed change in order to keep the nation together was taxes. Solomon's tax burden on the people had become unbearable.
Rehoboam had an opportunity before him that needed the wisdom of his father. He sought counsel from his father's counselors who advised him to lower the taxes and serve the people. Then, he went to his young foolish friends who told him he should exercise the power of his position and raise taxes. With that the kingdom divided and Rehoboam prepared for civil war.
As the new northern kingdom settled in, it became apparent that the people would want to travel to the Temple in Jerusalem for worship. To counter this, Jeroboam made up his own religion. As a result, most of the nation plunged into false worship away from the LORD.
The surface issue may have been taxes, but the root issue was much deeper. When one begins to demand their own way and refuse to listen, sin will be the result.
Rehoboam did not listen to wise counsel. (v.8)
Rehoboam did not listen to the people. (v.16)
Rehoboam did finally listen to God. (24)
Jeroboam did not listen to God. "This thing became a sin" (v.30)
May our hearts be open and pliable as Samuel in 1 Samuel 3:10-"Speak, LORD, for your servant hears."
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