THE KINGDOM OF JUDAH BEGINS. 2nd Chronicles 10 The counsel of Older Men. Starting from this chapter and continuing through the rest of 2nd Chronicles, the story focuses on the divided nation and monarchy. Much of the emphasis is on the kingdom of Judah. The reason for not detailing the entire history of the kings is likely because Ezra wanted to highlight God's faithfulness and His promise to David. Another reason is that those who returned from captivity in Babylon were primarily from the tribes of Judah and Benjamin.
Someone sharing information should avoid too many distractions that could divert from the main message. The writer of the Chronicles seemed to want to share spiritual principles to guide future generations rather than provide a detailed account of everything that happened to the twelve tribes of Israel in the past. So, he relayed information for their learning based on events in Judah, with only brief mentions of the northern tribes of Israel when connected to Judah. Those who returned from Babylon mainly settled in Judah.
To help the next generation of God's children, it is important to take the time to prepare a clear and concise presentation of spiritual truths. Today, information is often shared through "sound bites" and short statements. The way we train young people now is very different from in the past. What used to be lectured on in a classroom, then discussed openly, reviewed, and finally tested, now happens in short segments lasting five to fifteen minutes. Students today rely on handheld devices that contain a vast amount of information on many subjects. Instead of memorizing what others have shared, the human brain is now asked to explore new ideas that haven't been considered before.
During challenging times and periods of change, it's wise to adopt a humble attitude as a learner and listener so you don't miss out on valuable advice. Arrogance and childish behavior in adults are foolish and often looked down upon. Remember that God is still working in people and nations, and the choices we make can have irreversible consequences. Wise decisions are rooted in solid truths supported by God’s word. A strong life, a healthy assembly, and a united country are maintained by the unchanging standards of truth, righteousness, and a commitment to doing what is right.
Rehoboam, Solomon's son, appeared to be a weak and indecisive man who, despite inheriting a whole book of Proverbs from his father, didn't pay much attention to the advice he received. Rehoboam made a wise choice by having his coronation at Shechem, where the northern tribes could see him as a leader representing both them and the tribes of Judah and Benjamin.
The seeds of division were already sown when Jeroboam, in an early attempt to overthrow Solomon, failed and fled to Egypt. It was his tragic sin of opening the door to outright sin by making golden calves for Israel's worship, "that made Israel to sin." Solomon, on the other hand, started well in the first half of his reign. However, a person can excel in their early years and become used to success. He might even believe that the good he has done and his achievements are due to his own cleverness. The sad part is that one can lose everything they've gained—reputation and influence—in old age. Solomon's wives and possessions controlled him, and he lost the balance of faith and wisdom.
The unified nation that Rehoboam aimed to maintain at the start of his reign was lost in three days because he followed poor advice. The elders advised him to emulate his grandfather, David, and show kindness, mercy, and empathy toward God's people, which was essential for maintaining unity. His refusal to heed the advice of the wiser elders led to a rebellion against him. The Lord used this to separate the truly godly people in Judah from the corruption spreading among the ten northern tribes.
When making decisions, take time to carefully consider what people are saying. Ask God for wisdom to understand His will. Advice from peers is often easy to follow because they tend to think from the same perspective as you. However, bad advice and division often go hand in hand. Instead, seek the counsel of those who see the bigger picture. Age and experience offer a balanced view of what is happening now, what God allowed in the past, and what we can expect in the future if we follow a certain path.
Thoughtless decisions often lead to trading important matters for minor ones that have little value and may even be imitations. Every decision we make has unavoidable consequences. A wise person listens to and follows advice from those who understand what is needed better because of their years of experience. Additionally, whenever we need to make a decision, we should ask God for wisdom, understanding, and the grace necessary to fulfill a God-given task.
Peers often share the same outlook on a situation as we do, and we tend to accept their advice because it confirms what we want to hear. The problem with this is that both their perspective and ours can be quite limited due to our inexperience in that specific area. Experience is a valuable teacher that helps us see the bigger picture, including both the issue at hand and potential outcomes.
In Rehoboam's case, right after he became king, he yielded to peer pressure. His arrogance and pride obscured his insecurity, leading to a very foolish choice. It might seem like this has little spiritual significance, but this new king ignored God. He didn't seek divine wisdom. He didn't listen to or consider the advice of the older men who understood the nation's trend due to poor leadership. Instead, he paid attention to those ambitious people who lived only for the moment.
Solomon did not practice balanced leadership. Showing signs of success and glory alone do not build a strong foundation for a nation, community, family, or personal life. Trying to acquire everything can lead to losing it all, for yourself and those who follow. Solomon could be harsh as a leader. He viewed the common people mainly as a source of income rather than as God’s people. As he grew older, he valued his own life more than the people of God he once aimed to serve when he asked God for wisdom. Selfishness and spiritual discernment are opposites. By ignoring the advice of older men and instead listening to inexperienced counselors—who claimed he should tell the people he had greater power in his little finger and faced harsher punishments from scorpions than Solomon had—they opened the door to disaster: a divided kingdom and a split people. Rehoboam seemingly saw leadership as a burden rather than an opportunity. Difficulties can temper the causes of joy and satisfaction, turning them into wisdom in action. Those who follow us learn through observation. Solomon had not left a good example for his son. It's sad but true: sin greatly and negatively affects us and those who follow us. Disobedience to God leads to disaster. When we obey God's ways and His word, it will result in positive outcomes, even if hardships are used to fulfill His purposes. God's grace is shown to His people even when they fail. He responds to humbled pride and confessed sin by offering genuine forgiveness through marvelous grace "that is greater than all our sin." God also sent prophets during that time to instruct, guide, correct, and warn His people. The ministry of the prophets began as an act of God's grace. However, someone has written, "None is so blind as those who will not see." When Rehoboam's eyes were finally opened to the fact that the counsel of the old men was right and the advice of his peers was terribly wrong, it was too late to stop the division. The sad consequences followed and persisted. Perhaps those who returned from exile, having seen the devastated land, the influx of immigrants who became known as Samaritans, and the changes that had taken place, could have been dismayed and discouraged. We must remember that, regardless of how different the current reality is from divine intention, God remains the same. He is gracious and full of mercy, always ready and willing to forgive the repentant sinner. Our Lord Jesus Christ is "the same yesterday, and today, and forever." The generation gap. They gathered at the king’s command. Faces etched with years of experience watched the smooth-faced, spoiled young leader, and hoped. They hoped he had learned something from his father that would guide him. They hoped he would understand his limitations and needs; they hoped he would learn from them the lessons of history. They hoped he had some common sense and would avoid the foolishness of a group of childhood friends who had learned no lessons at all.
They were those who had gotten everything they wanted during times of prosperity and abundance—who had never been forced to act responsibly for any serious reason. Who had answers to problems they had never faced in their lives. Who believed they knew how to control the older generation. Who thought life was measured by material possessions and fleeting pleasures.
The older generation—those who knew their peers and observed the antics of the new—had worked hard all their lives and paid hefty taxes so the younger generation could enjoy their youth. They were the ones with calloused hands and bent backs from hard labor, paying their way through good times and bad. These individuals understood people and valued genuine compassion. They appreciated what they were allowed to keep for themselves and knew that words fitly spoken were like “apples of gold in pitchers of silver." They hoped for a listening ear and acts of grace and kindness from the next generation.
But what they received then, as now, was a deaf ear to their words of wisdom. A blind eye to the results of unchecked spending on credit; a hard heart toward the appeals of those who worked to bring peace and prosperity; a sneering mouth that, without words, showed the low regard he held for others; harsh words from soft lips that always had their food handed to them; a clenched fist from a soft hand that never had blisters or was dirty from honest labor; a kick from a hard-toed boot that covers sun-tanned feet that move only for pleasure.
The generations are divided: who is to blame? Is it the older generation for not expecting more from the youth? Or the young for not facing life honestly during their formative years? Perhaps both are at fault for not confronting the widening gap between their generations earlier. Does this cycle need to repeat with each new generation – is there no hope? Only One! “Seek ye the Lord, while He may be found,” “Remember now thy Creator, in the days of thy youth.”
There is no doubt that there is a wide gap between this generation and the next. They don’t realize it yet, but there will be an even larger one between them and their children, who are taught to seek pleasure. They will soon face the challenge of a jaded generation. Help us keep communication open. O God, have mercy on us all.