We now read of how the kingdom came to be divided. The reasons for the division of the kingdom can be looked at on two levels. The immediate reason is the events described here. Rehoboam was given two conflicting bits of advice. One was to go easy on the people. They had endured much in building the temple and palace, now they needed a break. The other was to be even tougher on the people. The elders suggested the "go easy" advice, and were much wiser. This would have won the hearts of the people and enabled Rehoboam to rule over the whole kingdom. The young men gave the foolish advice. Rehoboam chose the foolish advice and the nation rebelled against him.
The other reason is the culmination of the sins of Solomon. When we encounter a difficult situation of some sort the matter can often be looked at from two angles, the immediate cause and the underlying cause. We need to be aware of both.
The writer of Chronicles has said little about Solomon's failings, so his emphasis can be taken to be on the immediate cause. So perhaps his purpose was to say that while much rebuilding needed to be done it was important not to place too heavy a burden on the people.
We may think the advice of the young companions of the king was ridiculously stupid, but look around you. Organisation after organisation, company after company, seeks to impose ever harsher conditions on its workers. This is actually foolish, not macho. In fact it is a Biblical principle that we should not seek to squeeze the last drop of efficiency out of people or natural resources.
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