2nd Chronicles 10 COUNSEL OF OLD MEN One who is passing on information should avoid too many distractions that would take away the point of his message. The writer of the Chronicles seemed to want to pass on spiritual principles to guide the coming generations rather than give an in-depth accounting of all that happened to the twelve tribes of Israel. So, he passed on information for their learning based on things that happened in Judah with brief references to the northern tribes of Israel only as events were linked with Judah. Those who returned from Babylon were mainly settled in Judah. In the interests of helping the next generation of God's children, it is valuable to take the time to prepare a precise and concise presentation of spiritual truth. Things are passed on in the modern day in "sound bites" and brief statements.
The training of young people today is quite different from that of years in the past. What would have been lectured in a classroom in the past, then discussed openly, then reviewed and ultimately tested, is now done in brief segments from five to fifteen minutes. Students now rely on hand-held devices that contain a whole lot of information about a whole lot of subjects. The human brain is not called upon to retain what has been passed on from others, but to seek to explore that which has not been considered previously.
Rehoboam, Solomon's son, seemed to be a weak and indecisive man who, though he had a whole book of Proverbs passed on to him from his father, did not pay much attention to what he had been instructed. During times of difficulty and change, one is wise to take the humble place of a learner and a listener so they will not lose that counsel that is so important. Arrogance and childish behavior in adults are foolish and despised by others. We need to remember that God is still at work in men and nations and there are consequences to the decisions we make that are irreversible.
Rehoboam made a wise decision to have his coronation at Shechem where the northern tribes could identify with him as a representative of them as well as the tribes of Judah and Benjamin. There were already the seeds of division planted when Jeroboam in a premature attempt to overthrow Solomon failed and fled to Egypt. It was his tragic sin of opening the door to overt sin in having golden calves made for Israel's worship, "that made Israel to sin." Solomon on the other hand, started out good in the first half of his reign. But a man may do good in his early years and get used to success. He may even think the good he has done and his accomplishments are because of his own astuteness. The sad thing is, one can lose all he has accomplished, his reputation and his influence in old age. Solomon's wives and possessions, possessed him and he lost the balance of faith and wisdom.
The unified nation Rehoboam had sought to maintain at the beginning of his reign, was lost in three days because he listened to bad advice. The counsel of the old men was for him to be like David, his grandfather, and show kindness, mercy and empathy toward the people of God which was a condition for unity to be maintained. It is a wise person who listens to, and acts upon, the advice of those who know what is needed better than you because of their years of experience. Also, whenever we are called upon to make a decision, ask God for wisdom, understanding and needed grace to carry out a God-given task.
Peers often feel the same about a situation as we do, and we take their advice because it is what we want to hear. The problem with that is their view, and ours, may be very limited because of our inexperience in that particular matter. Experience is a good teacher and helps us see the big picture including both the issue at hand and the results that will follow. In Rehoboam's case, just after he became king, he succumbed to peer pressure. Self-importance and insolence overcame his insecurity, and led to a very foolish decision. It may seem like this has little spiritual application to it, but this new king ignored God. He did not ask for divine wisdom. He did not listen nor heed the advice of the old men who had seen the trend of the nation due to a failing leadership. He did pay attention to those ambitious people who lived just for the moment.
Solomon did not practice a balanced leadership. The outward trappings of success and glory do not make a solid infrastructure for a nation, an assembly, a family or one's own personal life. Trying to gain everything may lead to losing everything both for yourself and those who come behind you. Solomon could be harsh in his role as leader. He saw the common people only as a source of income rather than the people of God. As he got older, he saw his own life as the center of importance rather than the people of God who he had wanted to serve in his youth when he asked for wisdom from God. Selfishness and spiritual discernment are opposites.
By forsaking the counsel of the old men and acting on the advice of novices, immature counselors, who said he should tell the people he had greater power in his little finger and greater punishment by scorpions than Solomon had, they opened the door to the disaster of a divided kingdom and divided people. Rehoboam apparently saw leadership as a difficulty instead of an opportunity. Difficulties temper the causes of joy and satisfaction so the result is wisdom in action. Those who follow us learn by observation. Solomon had not left a good example to his son.
It is sad but true, sin affects us in serious negative ways, and it will do the same in those who follow us. Disobedience to God will bring disaster. God's ways and His will when acted upon, will bring positive results even when He uses difficulties to bring about His desired results. God's grace is demonstrated to His people even when they fail. He responds to humbling of pride and confession of sin by extending true forgiveness in an act of 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, one 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, he was too late to stop the division. The sad consequences followed and remained. Perhaps the ones who returned from exile and saw the devastated land, the influx of immigrants who became known as Samaritans, and the changes that had occurred, could have been dismayed and discouraged.
We need to remember that no matter how different present reality is from what divine intention is, God does not change. He is gracious and full of mercy. He is ready and willing to forgive the repentant sinner. Our Lord Jesus Christ is "the same yesterday, and today, and forever."