“But he forsook the counsel of the elders which they had given him, and consulted with the young men who grew up with him and served him.” 1 Kings 12:8
How Tragic! The oldest son of the smartest man that ever lived, rejects his father’s counselors and follows his friends instead! I’m sure Solomon failed to be the father he needed to be at times, but if you’ve read thru Proverbs, you know Rehoboam was on the receiving end of Tremendous Wisdom. This is another of those Jaw Dropping Stories in the Bible!
But consider this. All Mankind is at Enmity with God. He does not want to obey Him, including Rehoboam, and alas, our children too! Hatred of the 5th Commandment is at the root of this story. He Would Not Obey his father, or his God. Bottom Line!!! Such an important Lesson to learn as Parents, …and as Children. May God give us Grace!