Jeroboam and “all Israel” came to Rehoboam to speak their grievances. They told him how hard life had been under his father, King Solomon — how he had made their “yoke” heavy. So they plead with him to lighten their burdens and not let their lives continue to be so hard, and they would be grateful and serve him.

Rehoboam, a fragment of the Council Chamber murals (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Rehoboam was not sure how he should answer them, so he sent them away, telling them to come back in three days. He used the time to seek the counsel of others. He went first to the older men, asking for their advice. they told him that he should be good and kind to them, and he will have loyal servants throughout his reign a king. But instead of taking their advice, he went to seek counsel from his contemporaries — the younger men.

These younger men did not simply tell him that he should not lighten their load. Instead they told him that he should speak harshly and intimidate them by a show of strength and ruthlessness, saying “My little finger is thicker than my father’s thighs. And now, whereas my father laid on you a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke. My father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions.”

The people then realized that things would not get better in their lifetimes, and they would not serve this king.  So they all went to their homes — their tents. Rehoboam sent his taskmaster, Hadoram, to try to get them in line. But they stoned him to death, Rehoboam fled to Jerusalem at this – the beginning of their rebellion.

Schedule for this week
Read or listen to audio of today’s selection from Acts here
Read or listen to audio of today’s selection from 2 Chronicles here

/Bob’s boy

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some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

All of my comments in this blog, however, are solely my responsibility.  When reading ANY commentary, you should ALWAYS refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word. Reading schedules, as well as a link to the site where you can get the reading plan that I’m currently following for yourself can be found on the “Bible Reading Schedules” page of my website at http://graceofourlord.com.