1. Who do you go to for advice or help ?
Friends
Teacher
Parents

2. Who knows who is Rehoboam ?
He is the son Solomon, the son of David.
He was king of Israel a very long time ago.
He had some big decisions to make after his dad left him the kingdom.

3. After Rehoboam was crowned king, a man named Jeroboam came with everyone to the king with a request.
Jeroboam had a dispute with King Solomon when he was alive.
King Solomon was very tough on the people.

4. Jeroboam came to Rehoboam to ask him to be more kind with the people.
He didn’t want the people of Israel to suffer anymore.
Rehoboam needed some time to think.
He asked him to give him 3 days to make a decision.

5. Rehoboam went to consult the elders who stood before his father Solomon while he was alive.
He knew these people saw how his father dealt with the people.
He asked the elders for advice on how he should answer the people.
He asked; ‘‘Should I treat them like my father or lighten their burden?’’

6. The elders used their wisdom to answer him.
They told him;
‘‘If you’ll be a servant to these people today, and serve them, and answer them, and speak good words to them, then they will be your servants forever.’’

7. Unfortunately, Rehoboam rejected the advice which he elders had given him.
Instead he consulted the young men who had grown up with him.
These young men told him to answer the people saying;
“MY father chastised you with whips, but I’ll chastise you with scourges.”

8. They wanted Rehoboam to be even meaner to the people.
And Rehoboam decide to listen to his young friends.
He thought this would scare the people to listen to him.
But he was wrong, this just mad them angry against him.

9. At the end, Rehobam lost the people.
The decided to follow Jerohoam instead.
Ten out of the twelve tribes split up and formed the new kingdom, ‘‘Kingdom of Israel’’.
Rehoboam was left with the little kigdom called; ‘‘Kingdom of Judah’’.

10. What do you think Rehoboam should have done differently ?
He should have listened to the elders!
But why ?
They are much wiser and have more experience they can share.
They’re advice comes with knowledge from what they’ve learnt from their past.

11. So next time you are confused and need help…
Go see :
Abouna
You Sunday school teacher
Your parents
An adult you feel comfortable talking to
Make sure you keep reading your bible and praying; this way you’ll be sure to get GOD’s personal guide
They will be sure to give you proper advice!

12. Listen now to my voice; I will give you counsel.
Exodus 18:19