Read 2 Chronicles 10
Highlights:
Rehoboam succeeds Solomon; Jeroboam leads revolt of the 10 tribes; Rehoboam forsakes the Law of God; Shishak invades Judah
And it came to pass, when Rehoboam had established the kingdom, and had strengthened himself, he forsook the law of the LORD, and all Israel with him (2 Chr. 12:1).
The nation of Israel had become divided after the death of Solomon. They had broken off into two nations, Israel and Judah. The nations of Judah was mainly made up of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin. The nation of Israel was made up of the remaining tribes.
As it has been discussed before, there would be a long line of kings for both these nation over the course of hundreds of years. The kings of Israel were virtually all evil. Judah would have some kings that followed God and others that did not. Jeroboam the king, in a very brief time turned Israel to false gods.
After Solomon's death his son Rehoboam became King of the nation of Judah. It was his error in judgment and prophecy that brought about the division of the kingdom. The tribe of Benjamin remained with Judah as a nation. The other tribes felt oppression from the words of Rehoboam and left him to rule over Judah. All the priests of the Lord came to Judah and Jerusalem to be able to serve God. Therefore, the kingdom of Judah and Rehoboam were strengthened for following the Lord. The Lord had made an example of doing this to those that showed obedience like Joseph. And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house (Acts 7:10).
Sadly, just like many others, Rehoboam came to a point that he turned his back on God for a time. God then pronounced judgment over the nation for their sin against Him by allowing them to be overtaken by Egypt.
While they were being oppressed, the prophet of God came to Rehoboam and the other leaders to tell them of their sin. He, also explained that this was why they were being conquered by Egypt.
Rehoboam and the princes repented of their sin. The Lord heard their prayers and chose to spare them from being destroyed. They would, however, for a time have to serve Egypt. This would be the penalty for their sins. For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward (Heb.2:2).
Through this the Lord is teaching us that it is His perfect will that we live in obedience to God. However, If we do fall into sin, God wants to forgive us. We simply must turn our hearts towards Christ and repent.
And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent (Acts 17:30).
Thought for Today:
When our pride tries to lift us up above God, a fall is the next thing to come.
Christ Revealed:
Through the Golden Candlestick (Lampstand) (2 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, each separate.
Prayer Suggestion: Thank God for His mercy (Num. 12:11-14).
Optional Reading: 1 Corinthians 11
Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 119:41
