The relationship between leaders and people has always been a central issue in the life of the nation and faith. In the biblical tradition, leaders are not appointed to be lords who rule arbitrarily, but to listen, care and serve their people. When leaders turn a deaf ear to the voice of the people, oppression will give birth to resistance. This phenomenon is not only found in the history of modern nations, but also in the biblical story, particularly the breakup of the kingdom of Israel at the time of Rehoboam (1 Kings 12:1–24).

 

Background

The story of the breakup of the kingdom of Israel cannot be separated from the context of Solomon's reign. Although remembered as a wise king who brought Israel glory (1 Kings 10), Solomon also created a sharp socio-economic divide. On the one hand, the royal court enjoyed luxury, wealth and hedonistic living. On the other hand, the people were burdened by heavy taxes and forced labor (1 Kings 4:7–19; 5:13–14). Even the term “forced labor” used parallel to the term slavery in Egypt in the book of Exodus, signifies a form of structural exploitation that made Israel experience ‘the new Egypt” in its own land.”

 

Criticism of Solomon's lifestyle and policies did not surface openly during his reign because he was so powerful and anti-criticism. However, the seeds of the people's disappointment were like a time bomb that exploded after Solomon died. The momentum came when Rehoboam ascended the throne. The people led by Jeroboam came with a simple demand, "Your father has made our yoke heavy. Now, lighten the heavy work of your father and the heavy yoke he has put on us, and we will serve you" (1 Kings 12:4). Unfortunately, Rehoboam chose to reject the advice of the elders who encouraged servant leadership, and instead followed the advice of young men his own age who emphasized the arrogance of power. Rehoboam responded harshly, "Now my father has put a heavy yoke on you, but I will make your yoke heavier; my father has chastised you with a whip, but I will chastise you with a whip of iron spikes" (1 Kings 12:11). It was this rejection of the people's criticism that triggered the splitting of the kingdom into Northern Israel and Judah.

 

Form of Popular Resistance

According to the biblical narrative, the people of Israel expressed resistance in two forms:

• Passive resistance (public disobedience) 🡪 in the form of refusing to submit to authority, returning to their tents (1 Kings 12:16), refusing to pay taxes, and refusing to undergo forced labor.

• Active resistance 🡪 in the form of violent actions that lead to physical violence, such as the stoning of Adoram, the chief forced laborer, to death (1 Kings 12:18).

 

These two forms of resistance show that when spaces for criticism are silenced, the people find ways to uphold justice, even if it means taking radical paths.

 

Theological Implications

The story of Israel's rebellion against Rehoboam contains important theological messages. First, true leadership in Israel's faith perspective is not domination, but service. This was affirmed by the elders, "If you will be the servant of the people today, serve them, and answer them with kind words, then they will be your servants all the days of your life" (1 Kings 12:7). Leaders are called to serve, not rule.

 

Secondly, the Bible warns of the dangers of social inequality and concentration of power. When power is used to enrich oneself and perpetuate hegemony, while the people are squeezed, then political destruction is inevitable. The division of the kingdom of Israel into Judah and Israel was a consequence of structural injustice.

 

Third, there is a prophetic dimension to popular resistance. Their actions reflect a conscience that demands justice. Rebellion is not just a political reaction, but a theological expression that God is on the side of the oppressed and against the arrogance of power.

 

Contextual Reflection

The biblical narrative of oppression and popular resistance confirms a recurring dynamic in the history of nations, including Indonesia. The Israelites' rejection of oppressive taxes and forced labor parallels the various forms of civil resistance in Indonesia when social justice is denied. Demonstrations, boycotts, and acts of public disobedience are expressions of dissatisfaction with leaders who fail to carry out the people's mandate.

 

The events of 1 Kings 12 make it clear that ruling arrogance is the path to ruin. Rehoboam chose to listen to counsel that reinforced dominance, rather than voices that encouraged service. The result was the division of the kingdom and loss of legitimacy. Theological reflection on this story confirms that true leadership should not be understood as a "master" who weighs down the "yoke of the people", but rather as a servant who lightens their load (see 1 Kings 12:7).

 

Criticism of the lifestyle of Solomon and his successors is actually stated earlier in Deuteronomy 17:16 –17, “Only the king shall not multiply the number of his horses, nor shall he bring the people back to Egypt for horses; for the LORD has said to you, 'Never again shall you return by this way'. And he shall not multiply his wives, lest his heart depart from him. Nor shall he multiply his gold and silver.” This text set a theological benchmark that the king of Israel should not fall into hedonism, wealth accumulation and military domination, but live in simplicity and obedience to God's law. When this principle is ignored, the relationship between the ruler and the people turns into a relationship of oppression that ultimately triggers resistance.

 

For the Indonesian context, this text presents a prophetic warning: power that ignores the voice of the people will face social resistance that undermines the order. Conversely, leaders who are humble, listen to criticism, and are committed to social justice will strengthen the stability and unity of the nation. Thus, the path of leadership that God intends is one of service, not domination.