King Solomon's son, Rehoboam, became the next king of Israel. The people complained about the high taxes that Solomon had required. Older wise men, called elders, advised Rehoboam to lower the taxes and earn the loyalty of the people, but he did not listen. Instead, he followed bad advice from his young friends and made the taxes even higher. The people rebelled, and God took away most of the kingdom before Rehoboam had time to do anything really bad. Most of the people followed Jeroboam and made him their king. Rehoboam was left with only the tribes of Judah and Levi. Rehoboam's biggest mistake, though, was not being a good king for the people who stayed loyal to him. He turned to idols and abandoned God. The people of Rehoboam's kingdom followed him because he was their leader. As their leader, he was responsible for them. He had the chance to lead the people to follow God but did not. We should pray that when we have the chance for leadership that we won't be weak and foolish like Rehoboam. Let us pray that we will always obey God and follow His teachings.

1. Who was Jeroboam?
   
   
   
2. Who was Rehoboam?
   
   
   
3. Since Rehoboam was a prince, did he understand what it was like to be poor?
   
   
   
4. What were the people unhappy about?
   
   
   
5. What did the old wise men tell Rehoboam to do?
   
   
   
6. What did Rehoboam's rich, young friends tell him to do?
   
   
   
7. Who did Rehoboam listen to?
   
   
   
8. Who did the people want for their king?
   
   
   

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