A kingdom divided

1 Kings Chapter 12

After Solomon's death the northern tribes revolt, forming two nations and each nation has evil kings.

Rehoboam(Solomon's successor) went to Shechem where all of Israel made him king. When Jeroboam, son of Nebat heard of Solomon's death, he return to Egypt. The leaders of Israel sent for him and the whole assembly of Israel spoke to Rehoboam asking him to lighten the load of harsh labor and heavy taxes that Solomon had imposed on them. Rehoboam did not know how to answer so he discussed this with his father's counselors and they replied that he should give them a favorable answer and thus have loyal subjects. But Rehoboam rejected their advice and instead asked the opinion of younger men advisers. They told him to tell the people that Rehoboam would be even harsher than his father. They said to say that instead of whips, he would use scorpions on them.

Three days later, Jeroboam returned to hear Rehoboam's decision, but Rehoboam spoke harshly to the people and followed the advice of the younger advisers. He paid no attention to the people's demands and this turn of events was the will of the Lord for it fulfilled the message through the prophet Ahijah to Jeroboam.

When Israel realized the king had rejected their request, they were angry and shouted, "Down with David's dynasty!" But Rehoboam continued to rule over the Israelites who lived in Judah. He sent Adoniram, who had been in charge of the labor force, to restore order, but all Israel stoned him to death. When Rehoboam heard this news, he fled to Jerusalem. When the people heard he had fled, they made Jeroboam king over all Israel. Only the tribe of Judah remained loyal to the family of David.

When Rehoboam arrived in Jerusalem, he mobilized the armies of Judah and Benjamin to restore the kingdom to himself. But God told Shemaiah, the man of God, to tell Rehoboam and all the people of Judah and Benjamin to not fight against their relatives and to go home because this was all the doing of the Lord and they obeyed as God commanded.

Jeroboam built up the city of Shechem in Ephraim and it became his capital.He realized that if people continued to go the Temple in Jerusalem to offer sacrifices, they might be tempted to give their allegiance to Rehoboam. So he made two gold calves and asked his people to worship the calves at the southern and northern ends of Israel in Bethel and in Dan. This became a great sin, for the people worshiped them. Jeroboam also built shrines at the pagan high places and ordained priests, men who were not from the priestly tribe of Levi. He also had a religious festival in Bethel held on a day in midautumn, like the Festival of Shelters in Judah. And at Bethel he offered sacrifices to the calves he had made.

BIBLE NOTES SHOW: Rehoboam was smart enough to not be crowned in Jerusalem where he saw trouble brewing. He went north to maintain good relations with the northern tribes. Shechem was probably chosen because it was an ancient location for making covenants.

Rehoboam asked his advisors for advice, but didn't evaluate what he was told. The older, more experienced counselors gave good advice. Both Rehoboam and Jeroboam did what was good for themselves, not their peopel. Both of them failed in their tricks. Jeroboam established a new place to worship but turned his people from God. Rehoboam was harsh and did not listen to his people and this divided the nation.

This chapter marks the beginning of the division of the kingdom that lasted for centuries. Ten tribles followed Jeroboam and called themselves Israel. The other two tribes remained loyal to Rehoboam and called their nation Judah.

HOW DOES THIS CHAPTER RELATE TO US TODAY? One lesson to take from this chapter is that if Rehoboam had taken the advice of the elder advisors, it could have changed the course of history.If you have a problem to work out, be sure to ask counself from those who are more experienced and wiser. Rehoboam did not bother to ask if the elder's answers were realistic, workable and consistent with God's law. You need to give all problems a positive solution. Remember that advice is only helpful if it is consistent with God's standards. Keep the welfare of others in mind when you make decisions.

Yours in Christ,
Mary

Prayer Requests are needed for:
HEALTH: Gabe, Wanda, Janice Long’s parents, and Arlene’s nephew David. Pray for my neighbor Al who is nearing the end of his life. Pray for Carolyn’s brother Ronald who has cancer. Pray for our friend Michelle who was diagnosed with MS. Pray for Cyndi Sullivan who was given 14 months to live with cancer, but has made it six years. The pain has returned and she needs our prayers.
UPDATE on Barb who went in for back surgery and had a heart attack and stroke, she has 90 percent of her speech back and is home from the hospital and having rehab for the paralysis on one side of her body. Continue to pray for her recovery.
Pray for Robert Sargent with lung cancer and Marthaline Sargent with serious health issues. Update on Stella: She has shed the feeding tube and is taking formula on her own! But breathing problems are still with her, though improving all the time. She continues to have a long road, so prayers are still needed. She has been moved to a St. Louis hospital.
Pray for Carolyn’s friend Margaret and her husband who were in a car accident. As elderly drivers they may face a life change which may cost them their independence. Let’s all raise our voices to God to hear our prayers.
SPIRITUAL UPLIFTING: Gail, Mary
RESTORATION OF FAITH: Al, John
LOVE AND SUPPORT: Claire, Hunter, Brian
SUPPORT: Haiti, Chile, survivors of Japan’s earthquake,those who need jobs, those who are about to lose or have lost their homes. Pray too, for our country’s leaders and our military people who die each day for our freedom.