Daily Devotional

“Then Solomon rested with his fathers and was buried in the City of David his father. And Rehoboam his son reigned in his place” (1 Kings 11:43). 

Did you know that while he was king, Solomon received over 25 tons of gold every year, plus whatever he collected in taxes from merchants and traders? His life overflowed with riches of all kinds, and he lived an opulent lifestyle. If he were alive today, he would be one of the wealthiest people on the planet. 

This is the circumstance into which Rehoboam was born. The child of one of Solomon’s seven hundred wives, Rehoboam assumed the role of king over Israel after his father’s death. 

When it came time for his coronation, however, the leaders of the tribes had a few questions for him. Solomon had greatly oppressed the people during his apostasy, and they wanted some assurance that Rehoboam would lighten their burdens. 

Unfortunately, Rehoboam ignored the guidance of his father’s older counsellors. Pride took over, and he followed the inexperienced advice of his young counsellors who told him to show the people he was going to be boss. Rehoboam’s words to them were, “My father placed heavy burdens on you; I will make them even heavier. He beat you with whips; I’ll flog you with bullwhips!” (1 Kings 12:14 GNT). 

The resulting rebellion left him with only the territory of Judah to rule. This was a humbling experience for the young king and his attitude improved. For the first three years of his reign, he served God and the blessings increased. But eventually he gave in to pride and turned to idolatry, just as his father had done. Again, he suffered for his own poor choices, and then repented. But there was no consistency in him. 

Rehoboam’s reign lasted only 17 years. Although he sometimes repented, when times were good, he tragically put his faith in worthless idols instead of trusting the one true God. 

Dear God, keep our eyes focused on You as our only source of hope and salvation.