Read 2 Chronicles 10
Highlights:
After Solomon's death, Rehoboam succeeds him and Jeroboam leads a revolt and becomes king over northern Israel; continuous war between the north and the south; apostasy and judgment. When Rehoboam dies his son Abijah (known also as Abijam) becomes king; war continues; Jeroboam dies; After a three-year reign, Abijah dies.
Rehoboam permitted the worship of Ashtoreth, images of Baal, and other heathen abominations to exist in his kingdom. Then came Shemaiah the prophet to Rehoboam, and to the princes of Judah, that were gathered together to Jerusalem because of Shishak. . . . (who) took away the treasures of the House of the Lord, and the treasures of the king's house; he took all: he carried away also the shields of gold which Solomon had made (II Chr. 12:5,9). Similar shields were made of inferior metal to replace the splendor of the gold. How foolish for Rehoboam to carry shields of brass in his traditional procession! Brass represents judgment. Vain and proud, he was anxious not to appear degraded by the absence of the shields.
This severe loss of wealth was the price of sin and backsliding. Accordingly, the Lord said: I . . . left you in the hand of Shishak (12:5). For the first time since the Exodus, Judah was once again threatened with Egyptian bondage.
A person whom God forsakes (Jer. 23:33-40; Matt. 7:21-23) is unable to resist sin (James 4:6-8), and is given over to the control of the enemy (Rom. 1:21-28). We do know there is a satanic power that controls this present world system of things. In times past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience (Eph. 2:2). Rehoboam's life can be summed up as one who lived in disobedience instead of one who sought the True Counsel from Jehovah. In striking contrast to the ones who turn to Christ, Rehoboam did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the Lord (II Chr. 12:14).
Of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord (I Cor. 1:30-31).
God the Holy Spirit is dwelling within all who have received Him (Jesus), to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His Name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God (John 1:12-13).
Thought for Today:
O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the Rock of our salvation (Ps. 95:1).
Christ Revealed:
Through the Golden Candlestick (Lampstand) (II Chr. 13:11). Jesus is the Light of the world (John 9:5).
Word Studies:
10:4 yoke grievous heavy, severe burdens; 10:10 loins waist; 11:12 every several, separate.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts in honor of Linda Kennon • Staff: Michael Moore • Government Officials: Rep. Stephen Cohen (TN), Rep. Charlie Dent (PA), and Rep. Doug Lamborn (CO) • Country: Honduras (6 million) in Central America • Major languages: Spanish and Indian dialects • Religious freedom • 86% Roman Catholic; 10% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Thank God in prayer for His faithfulness to His Word and His desire that all come to repentance (II Pet. 3:9).
Optional Reading: 1 Corinthians 11
Memory Verse for the Week: John 15:10
