TODAY’S READING: I KINGS 12-15
OVERVIEW:
Rehoboam becomes king; the kingdom is divided; Jeroboam is made king of Israel and institutes false worship; the prophet of God rebukes Jeroboam; God judges Jeroboam’s house; the temple looted under Rehoboam’s reign; the reigns of Abijam and Asa in Judah; the reign of Nadab and Baasha in Israel.
HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:
Rehoboam, Solomon’s son, takes the throne after Solomon’s death. He has the opportunity to unify the people, but instead chooses foolish counsel over wise counsel. Ten tribes rebel and become known asIsrael. The tribes of Judah and Benjamin stay loyal to Rehoboam, and they are calledJudah. Jeroboam is made king ofIsrael(the ten tribes). In11:38, God promised to bless Jeroboam if he walked after God. However, instead of trusting God, Jeroboam trusts his own heart. He establishes a false system of worship and actually brings back the golden calf.
God sends a prophet to rebuke Jeroboam for this idolatry. In one of the more bizarre stories in the Bible, the prophet, on his way home, is deceived by an older prophet and has supper in the old prophets home. God chastises the young prophet for not obeying His Word, and takes the life of the young prophet. As we have seen throughout our study, God says what He means, and means what He says!
God also judges Jeroboam and takes the life of his child. Isn’t it interesting though, how he first tries to use God’s prophet in the midst of crisis, but nothing ever really changes in Jeroboam’s heart. Rehoboam, reigning inJudah, is no better. He builds the false gods and the false places of worship. The price is still being paid for Solomon’s departure from the Word of God. Our sin does not just affect us. It can have an impact far into the future and to other generations. This is also seen in the life of Jeroboam and his other son, Nadab. Nadab is killed by Baasha, so Baasha can become king. Baasha also killed all the house of Jeroboam. The price of sin is high.
Abijam is Rehoboam’s son and he is evil like his father. Asa, Abijam’s son, does what is right in the eyes of God. We must not forget that sin is an individual choice. In spite of my past, my circumstances, my family – I can choose to follow God. There is never an excuse.
CHRIST IS REVEALED:
In the PROPHECY OF JOSIAH. Another child shall come that shall judge the false gods and false worship of this world. – I Kings 13:2 (II Thess. 1:7-10; Rev. 18:1-2, 10, 21).