November 20, 2025

The way you treat people matters. Not only should you treat the people over you with kindness and respect, but your subordinates should also receive your due regard and appreciation. After King Solomon died, Rehoboam reigned in his place. However, when Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, who had served King Solomon for many years but had fled to Egypt because Solomon placed a heavy burden on him and his people, came to the newly crowned King Rehoboam to plead for mercy and to lighten their burden. Rehoboam sought counsel with the elders, who told him to lighten their load, but when he consulted the younger men, they told him to increase their burden. He took the younger men's advice. The people were shocked by how he was treated, and they left Jerusalem; the ten tribes of the northern kingdom parted ways with Benjamin and Judah and crowned Jeroboam king. Israel was the northern kingdom, and Judah was the southern kingdom. A prophet had told Jeroboam that he would reign over ten tribes, and this is how God brought that prediction to fruition. 

Kindness is essential! You never know how your actions will impact your future. As for Rehoboam, he lost the support of a significant portion of the kingdom, which had likely significantly contributed to Jerusalem's wealth. Also, if things don't seem to be going your way, wait and don't get too bent out of shape; sometimes it is God's plan falling into place.  

And Israel rebelled against the house of David unto this day. 2 Chronicles 10:19