THEMES FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT (a) Narrate the circumstances that led to the rejection of Rehoboam as a king of Israel ( 9 marks ) (b) What three factors can...

(a) The circumstances that led to the rejection of Rehoboam as king (1 Kings 12:1-20)

After the death of Solomon, his son Rehoboam went to Shechem, where all Israel had gathered to make him king. Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who had fled to Egypt from Solomon, was recalled, and with the whole assembly of Israel he came to Rehoboam with a petition, saying, "Your father made our yoke heavy. Now therefore lighten the hard service of your father and his heavy yoke upon us, and we will serve you."

Rehoboam asked them to return after three days while he sought advice:

• He first consulted the old men who had stood before Solomon his father. They advised him, "If you will be a servant to this people today and serve them, and speak good words to them, they will be your servants for ever."
• But Rehoboam forsook this counsel and consulted the young men who had grown up with him. They advised him to answer harshly, saying, "My little finger is thicker than my father's loins. My father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions."

When the people returned, Rehoboam followed the foolish advice of the young men and answered them harshly, refusing to lighten their burden. So when all Israel saw that the king would not listen, they answered, "What portion have we in David? To your tents, O Israel! Look now to your own house, David." When Rehoboam sent Adoram, who was over the forced labour, the people stoned him to death, and Rehoboam fled to Jerusalem. Thus the ten northern tribes rejected the house of David and made Jeroboam king, and only the tribe of Judah (with Benjamin) remained loyal to Rehoboam. The kingdom was divided.

(b) Three factors that can lead to the rejection of a political leader

1. Oppression and harsh, insensitive rule: imposing heavy taxes and burdens and refusing to listen to the people's grievances.
2. Pride, arrogance and poor advice: despising wise counsel and relying on immature or self-serving advisers.
3. Injustice, tyranny and failure to serve the people: when a leader is corrupt, wicked or uncaring and does not promote the welfare of the citizens.