Stump of Jesse–From Fallen Kings To the Eternal King
And when all Israel saw that the king did not listen to them, the people answered the king, “What portion do we have in David? We have no inheritance in the son of Jesse. To your tents, O Israel! Look now to your own house, David.” So Israel went to their tents. 1 Kings 12:16 (ESV)
We’ve all heard the expression, “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” It’s an expression that is sometimes used to illustrate how children inherit their parents’ characteristics, be they physical or personality traits. The next king to rise from David’s family was born to Solomon and was named Rehoboam. In the case of Rehoboam, he illustrated his father’s foolishness, not his wisdom.
There were many capital improvements during Solomon’s reign, paid for by taxes imposed by King Solomon. When the Israelites petitioned the new King Rehoboam to lower the taxes, he consulted the elders who had advised his father. They urged him to lighten the tax load.
Reheboam was full of pride based on his new found authority and consulted his friends. He took the advice of his ‘greenhorn’ peers and was disrespectful, threatening still higher taxes. The result was a divided kingdom. Rehoboam, son of David was arrogant and foolish. On the other hand, the Eternal King, our Lord Jesus, did not come to demand anything of His subjects, but to become poor for the sake of His people. He humbled Himself and became obedient to death, so that we might have a place in the Father’s house.
To this vale of tears He comes, Here to serve in sadness,
That with Him in heav’ns fair homes We may reign in gladness.
We are rich for He was poor; Is not this a wonder?
Therefore praise God evermore Here on earth and yonder.
The Lutheran Hymnal 97:2-3