1 Kings 12-22 – The Folly of Selfishness

1 Kings 12 begins the period of Old Testament history known as the Divided Kingdom. Solomon, the son of David, is dead. It had been prophesied during Solomon’s life (cf. 1 Kings 11:29-39) that his kingdom would be divided. As we get into the reading, we discover that the “straw that broke the camel’s back,” for the people, at least, was selfishness. But that was not the only display of selfishness.

Rehoboam was presented with a golden opportunity. When he became king, the people came to him to request that he lighten their taxes. Rehoboam could have chosen to grant this request; if he had done so, the people may well have served him to the ends of the earth. But Rehoboam didn’t. Rather, he chose the selfish route, to increase the tax load and thus increase his own coffers. The result? The kingdom divided that day.

On the other hand, the man the people went on to make king, Jeroboam, was equally selfish. After being made king of the northern tribes, he began to consider what would happen if the people continued to worship in Jerusalem (it was the place commanded by God, so why not?). Jeroboam reckoned that if the people continued to worship in Jerusalem, they would eventually seek reunification with the southern tribes; if that happened, Jeroboam would be out of a job, or worse. To prevent this, Jeroboam established his own religion, setting up idols in the northern and southern ends of the country, so that the people would not have to go to Jerusalem (1 Kings 12:26-33). What was the result for Jeroboam? His line was eventually cut off anyway. What happened to the people (who went along willingly?). Their nation was led off into captivity well before the southern kingdom.

When we act selfishly, the outcome will not be the best one possible. Selfish motives appeal to our pride, not to our needs. Only by living selflessly can we accomplish what God would have us to do.