The Nation of Israel Divides (1 Kings 12 & 2 Chronicles 10)

Rehoboam was Solomon’s son who was crowned king of Israel (vs. 1). When he was approached by the people of Israel concerning their workload he turned to the elders for their advice. They recommended that Rehoboam be kind and show mercy to the people of Israel so that they would be his servants forever (vs. 7). He ignored the advice of the elders and listened to the foolish advice of the young men he grew up with, which was to increase the workload of the people, he was harsh with his people and did not listen to them (vs. 11, 13-14, 16).

The people of Israel cried out in hopelessness (vs. 16), this was quite different from 1 Kings 8:66 where they all went to their tents joyfully. They stoned Adoram who was over the forced laborers so Rehoboam fled to Jerusalem (vs. 18).

Jeroboam, Solomon’s servant from chapter 11, heard that Solomon died (vs. 2). The people of Israel called for him to return from Egypt (vs. 3). Upon his return he was made king over 10 tribes of Israel (vs. 19) Rehoboam was king of only Judah and Benjamin (vs. 19-20). Ahijah’s prophesy from 1 Kings 11:29-39 was fulfilled: that the kingdom would be torn out of Solomon’s hands and 10 tribes given to Jeroboam (vs. 15). At this is the point, Israel became a divided nation of 2 kingdoms:

1. Israel or the Northern Kingdom included the 10 tribes given to Jeroboam
2. Judah, the House of David or the Southern Kingdom included the tribe of Judah and the tribe of Benjamin. This was the linage of David to Solomon to Rehoboam

Rehoboam planned to attack the remaining 10 tribes led by Jeroboam but did not after the Lord sent word not to kill their relatives (vs. 24).

At the same time, Jeroboam’s heart filled with fear of his nation returning to be united with Judah (vs. 26-27) so he created worship that kept his people out of Jerusalem, worship of idols. He made 2 golden calves and told Israel to behold the gods that brought them out of Egypt (vs. 28) similar to what Aaron had done in Ex. 32:4,8. He made houses on high places and confirmed priests of those high places (vs. 31). He also instituted a feast on the 15th day of the 8th month where they sacrificed to the calves. A similar feast to the one the Lord established on the 15th day of the 7th month, the Feast of Tents or the Feast of the Tabernacle (vs. 32-33). All of these things were somewhat similar to the religious traditions of Israel but totally different as they were not focused on God.  As a result those who did not truly know God for themselves they were easily led astray.

Question to Ponder:  We must walk carefully and faithfully with God. Just because he blesses us does not mean that we can then venture out on our own. We should be cautious of whom we turn to for counsel; because of whom Rehoboam followed the kingdom of Israel revolted and divided. Godly wisdom, knowledge and discretion are so needed in the body of Christ today. Many believers are running to men when they should be running to the Word of God and simply obeying what He says. When you are in need of advice, where do you run?