In 1 Kings 12 we read about Rehoboam being made king over Israel. Rehoboam was asked by many of the tribes to make their lives easier than his father had. Rehoboam consulted with the old men who had counseled Solomon his father. They told him to be a servant to the people. He did not like their counsel. So, he asked counsel of men his own age. They told him to be hard on the people.
Rehoboam then goes to the people and tells them that he is going to be very hard on them. In verse 11, he says, “And now, whereas my father did lade you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke: my father hath chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.”
There are several things that Rehoboam could mean by scorpions. This Hebrew word was used to reference the animal scorpion. This animal has a stinger on its tail that can inflict a very hurtful wound. The word was also used in reference to a thicket bush that had very long needles. These needles could also inflict a severe wound. Sometimes people were disciplined by being flogged with these bushes.
Another thing the word referenced was a special whip. This whip had lead balls tied into the ends of the leather straps. This whip would not only cause welts but would also severely bruise the skin. It could also tear the skin after several strikes.
Rehoboam made a big mistake in saying these things. The majority of the people decided they would not stay under his reign. Instead, they chose to be ruled by Jeroboam.
God rules us with love. He has great mercy and grace. I am thankful that we have a loving God. But we must also remember that God is just. He will punish us in the Judgment if we have not obeyed his will. Rehoboam’s hard rule was not just. But God’s punishment will be just. And God’s punishment will be much worse than a scorpion’s sting, or a needle prick, or even a flogging.
Read your Bible. Study it. And if any of this is hard to understand, ask an adult to help you.
