Rehoboam
Takes Counsel from the Old and Young Counselors
5th century, with
medieval and modern restorations
Mosaic
Nave,
Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome
This is the story of how the Davidic kingdom came to be divided.
Rehoboam, heir of Solomon, asks his counselors how he should deal with
the protests of Jeroboam and his men. The old advise gentle diplomacy
to keep Jeroboam in the kingdom; the young advise an assertive
challenge. Rehoboam listens to the young and loses most of his kingdom.
See 1
Kings
12:1-14 (cached).
This
is part of the
extensive series of Old Testament scenes portrayed in mosaics along the
two walls of the nave. Click here for
links to several of the others.
Photographed at the
site by Richard Stracke