1 Kings 12: Group Study Handout

How to use: read 1 Kings 12 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Rehoboam went to Shechem, where all Israel gathered to make him king (vv. 1-2). Jeroboam, who had fled to Egypt, returned and asked Rehoboam to lighten the burdens imposed by his father Solomon (vv. 3-4). Rehoboam requested three days to consider their plea (v. 5). He sought counsel from older advisors, who advised him to serve the people kindly (vv. 6-7). Instead, he followed the advice of younger men, responding harshly and threatening to increase their burdens (vv. 8-11).

Key verse

“and spoke to them according to the counsel of the young men, saying, “My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add to your yoke. My father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.”
1 Kings 12:14 (WEB)

Outline

1 Kings 12:1–5 Israel Assembles at Shechem
1 Kings 12:6–11 Counsel from Elders and Youth
1 Kings 12:12–15 Rehoboam's Harsh Response
1 Kings 12:16–19 Israel's Rebellion
1 Kings 12:20–24 Jeroboam Becomes King
1 Kings 12:25–33 Jeroboam's Idolatry

Discussion questions

In v4, what do the people ask Rehoboam regarding the burden imposed by his father?
In v14, what exact words does Rehoboam use to respond to the people's request?
Rehoboam's decision in vv. 8-9: how does his choice of advisors impact the kingdom's fate?
In v15, what does it mean that this situation was 'brought about from Yahweh'?
When have you faced a decision where seeking wise counsel might have changed the outcome?

Go deeper

Passages that echo 1 Kings 12: 1 Kings 11, 2 Chronicles 10, 2 Kings 17.

Before next time: read 1 Kings 13.