Leaders are made or unmade based on how they handle power. What is the best way to insulate yourself from the destructive nature of power and instead use it for the good of people? Rehoboam's story is a great lesson in growing as a wise leader.
Story of an unwise leader
By the mid 10th century BC, King Solomon’s fame had spread to all corners of the world. He was known for his wisdom. His father David had consolidated the Kingdom of Israel after fighting wars for many decades. Now, Solomon had begun to enter into trade and marriage alliances with the neighboring Kingdoms. Peace and prosperity prevailed. This made it possible for King Solomon to undertake mammoth construction projects, which required the large-scale mobilization of slave labor. His own needs of grandeur were paramount, while the people’s needs were subservient. As the state oppression increased, signs of unrest began to appear. Jeroboam, Solomon’s labor supervisor, was suspected to be an instigator. On being accused, Jeroboam takes refuge in Egypt.
After Solomon’s death, his son Rehoboam becomes the new King of Israel and inherits Solomon's kingdom and its wealth. Jeroboam returns to Israel hoping to improve the condition of his people. He and his people say to Rehoboam, ‘lighten the harsh labor and the heavy yoke …and we will serve you.’ Rehoboam asks for three days to answer. Rehoboam asks his father’s counselors for advice. They suggest that Rehoboam ease their harsh labor conditions and treat people well so that they continue to serve him. But when Rehoboam asks his young friends for advice, they tell him to say - ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist. My father laid on you a heavy yoke. I will make it even heavier. My father scourged you with whips; I will scourge you with scorpions.’
On hearing this, Jeroboam unites the northern tribes; rebellion intensifies, and the Kingdom splits into two. From then on it is a downhill ​story for both the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah, till both go into exile and the Kingdom of Israel ceases to exist.
This pivotal incidence marks the beginning of the end for Israel. Holbein, the painter, portrays the symbol of Rehoboam’s arrogance - his little finger pointing at Jeroboam and his people. This artwork is a fragment of the wall painting at the Great Council Chamber at Basel Town Hall in Switzerland. Was Holbein trying to warn the leaders of the town on the pitfalls of power?
What is Rehoboam's thinking when he points his little finger at those who came to negotiate with him? He grew up in a palace where everything was in plenty. He is immune to the needs of others. Surrounded by opulence, he does not understand where his father and grandfather, David, came from; he does not understand the reason for all the prosperity; he does not understand the unmerited blessing he has had. He is self-possessed. And he is arrogant.
Consequences of power
The chief danger of power is amnesia. You forget where you come from, where you are going and what your end is. You forget that all your accomplishments, positions, and your very breath are blessings that you have received as a gift from God.
Amnesia breeds autonomy. Autonomy is a deceptive belief that you are not answerable to anyone. Autonomy gives birth to arrogance. At this point, you have a pathological need to control and manipulate people. When you reach this stage, you are unable to perceive reality. Facts are distorted, and consequences get masked. The result is folly in judgment and decision making.
The one thing you can do to offset consequences of 'power'
If you are in a position of power, the only way to counter this is to, intentionally develop a system of accountability. Being accountable to another person or a group is the only way protect yourself from self-destruction. Rehoboam had a group of his peers to whom he went for advice. But they were as arrogant as him and pushed him further along the ruinous path.
The ideal accountability group should not be in thrall to the leader but be committed to the more profound purposes of leadership.
To be accountable is to make yourself vulnerable. It means that you are not threatened when your colleagues and friends dispute or disagree with your decisions. This requires courage.
If you are afraid to make yourself receptive to others, beware! You are in a self-destruct mode. But if you have the courage and the fortitude to be open, you will be a wise leader.
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2. Image source: Wikimedia Commons