What did the elders of Israel say to Rehoboam about Solomon's kingdom?
The elders of Israel acknowledged to Rehoboam that his father Solomon had built a great and glorious kingdom, but they stressed that it was achieved at the expense of the ordinary taxpayer. They thus highlighted the cost and burden placed on the people.
Les explains that under David and Solomon, Israel reached a pinnacle of greatness, and Solomon's kingdom was glorious—the Queen of Sheba said the half had not been told. Yet Solomon ended with pagan wives and altars. After Solomon died, Rehoboam became heir apparent. The elders told him his father had built a great and glorious kingdom, but it was at the expense of the ordinary taxpayer. Les compares this to modern tax increases, noting that for every dollar raised, a dollar and 83 cents was spent.