Healing Relationships – The Kings’ Tale

Week 2: Fractured Kingdom

During this study, we will be doing a ‘deep dive’ into a scriptural passage. It is strongly encouraged that you study the passage and entire chapter ahead of the study. Also be prepared with your research tools, for example Google or your study Bible, as you will need to reference it during the study. Spend time answering and discussing each question with the intention to gain sufficient understanding to help your own private Bible study as you further explore these topics.

Study Chapters: 1 Kings 12–16

Pilot text

1 Kgs -12:13-14
13 Then the king answered the people roughly, and rejected the advice which the elders had given him; 14 and he spoke to them according to the advice of the young men, saying, “My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add to your yoke; my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scourges!”
12:20 Now it came to pass when all Israel heard that Jeroboam had come back, they sent for him and called him to the congregation, and made him king over all Israel. There was none who followed the house of David, but the tribe of Judah only.
12:26-28 And Jeroboam said in his heart, “Now the kingdom may return to the house of David: 27 If these people go up to offer sacrifices in the house of the Lord at Jerusalem, then the heart of this people will turn back to their lord, Rehoboam king of Judah, and they will kill me and go back to Rehoboam king of Judah.” 28 Therefore the king asked advice, made two calves of gold, and said to the people, “It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem. Here are your gods, O Israel, which brought you up from the land of Egypt!”
15: 29: And it was so, when he became king, that he [Baasha] killed all the house of Jeroboam. He did not leave to Jeroboam anyone that breathed, until he had destroyed him, according to the word of the Lord which He had spoken by His servant Ahijah the Shilonite
16:11 Then it came to pass, when he [Zimri] began to reign, as soon as he was seated on his throne, that he killed all the household of Baasha; he did not leave him one male, neither of his relatives nor of his friends.
16:18 And it happened, when Zimri saw that the city was taken, that he went into the citadel of the king’s house and burned the king’s house down upon himself with fire, and died
16:25 Omri did evil in the eyes of the Lord, and did worse than all who were before him.
16:28: So Omri rested with his fathers and was buried in Samaria. Then Ahab his son reigned in his place.
16:33 And Ahab made a wooden image. Ahab did more to provoke the Lord God of Israel to anger than all the kings of Israel who were before him.

Introduction:
In these chapters, relational breakdown expands from leadership tension into national fracture. Rehoboam’s pride and refusal to listen turn a moment for healing into permanent division, while Jeroboam entrenches the split by reshaping worship to protect his position. Fear and self-preservation replace trust in God, leading to idolatry through multiple generations. The repeated failure of Israel’s kings highlights the need for a ruler who listens, serves, and is a true shepherds of God’s people.

Discussion Point

• Where do we see Christ? Rehoboam’s harsh leadership contrasts with Christ’s gentle kingship (Matt 11:28–30). How does He work differently in people’s lives?
• Where do we see salvation? The failure of human kings points to the need for a Shepherd-King (Ezek 34:23-24; John 10:11-12).
• Where do we see ourselves? How should we as believers identify pride, fear, or refusal to listen in our own lives? How can we ensure that we keep these traits under subjection (1 Cor 9:24-27)?

Closing thoughts:

The division of the kingdom reveals how unresolved relational issues quickly become spiritual crises. Rehoboam is offered an opportunity to heal relationships through humility and wisdom, yet pride hardens his heart. His decision fractures the nation and introduces enduring division.
Christ stands in stark contrast. Where Rehoboam ruled with heaviness, Jesus leads with gentleness and compassion. His authority restores rather than divides (Matt 11:28–30). The repeated failures of Israel’s kings reveal why salvation cannot come through human leadership alone. Instead, salvation is foreshadowed in longing for a good shepherd. Jesus fulfils this longing as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His people (John 10:11). His kingdom is built not on fear or control but on righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Rom 14:17).
Many relational fractures today follow the same pattern. Fear of loss, refusal to listen, and desire for control damage families and communities. Healing begins with humility and restored trust in Christ’s leadership. As Christ’s people who are filled with the Holy Spirit, it is our duty to ensure that we continually discipline (disciple) ourselves to manifest the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22-23), making no room for the flesh.

Application Questions (use scriptures to support your position):

• You’re watching a friend push away the wisdom of people who genuinely care for them, insisting that being firm and uncompromising is the only way to stay in control. How might Rehoboam’s mistake help them see the cost of that approach in their personal relationships?
• Your colleague confides in you about his deteriorating relationship with the family and asks for your advice. You realise that he often uses pressure, guilt, and ultimatums to manipulate those around him. What advice might you give him, in the light of this week’s study?