The North begins to revolt

2 Chronicles Chapter 10

Rehoboam went to Shechem where all of Israel went to make him king. Jeroboam son of Nebat heard of Solomon's death and returned from Egypt where he had fled to escape King Solomon. The leaders of Israel sent for Jeroboam and he and all Israel went to speak to Rehoboam. They said Solomon had been a hard master and they requested a lighter labor load and an easing in taxes from Rehoboam and in return, they would be loyal subjects. But Rehoboam told them to come back in three days for his answer.

Rehoboam went to discuss this matter with older men who had counseled his father. And the counselors told him if he was good to his people and showed them kindness, they would be loyal to him. But Rehoboam rejected the advice and asked the opinion of the younger men who had grown up with him. They told him to be harder on them than was his father. To tell them his father used whips but he would use scorpions.

Three days later, Jeroboam and all the people returned to hear Rehoboam's decision, but the king spoke harshly to them and followed the counsel of his younger advisors. So the king paid no attention to the people's demands. This turn of events was the will of God and fulfilled the prophecy of the Lord spoken to Jeroboam son of Nebat by the prophet Ahijah from Shiloh.

When all of Israel realized that the king had rejected their request, they shouted threats at Rehoboam and returned home. Then Rehoboam sent for Adoniron, who was in charge of the labor force, to restore order, but the Israelites stoned him to death. When Rehoboam heard of this, he fled to Jerusalem.

BIBLE NOTES SHOW: Rehoboam chose Shechem as the place for his crowning instead of Jerusalem, because he saw the possibility of trouble from the north.

Rehoboam made two errors in seeking advice: 1. He did not give consideration to the suggestions of those who knew the situation better than he. 2. He did not ask God for wisdom or help.

Ahijah the prophet(1 Kings 11: 26-40) had predicted that Israel would be split in two and that Jeroboam would be king of the northern section. This is the beginning of the divided kingdom.

HOW DOES THIS CHAPTER RELATE TO US TODAY? Why do you suppose Rehoboam had such an unbalanced view of leadership? Maybe he was very young and unexperienced. Maybe his father Solomon only mentioned the harsher aspects of ruling. This is why in today's world you need to be sure your children see not only complaints in responsibility, but aso the joy. We must take care to not sour our children's attitudes toward the work we do and those we serve.

Also, Rehoboam was motivated by greed. He wanted to have it all! How many people today have that same attitude? But selfishness and control in the wrong hands often ends up with having little to nothing. Only in talking to God can decisions be made with effectiveness. Ask him and he will answer!

Yours in Christ,
Mary

Prayer Requests are needed for:
HEALTH:
Update on my niece Suzanne, she is healing but her leg was crushed and will take many months of doctoring. She is in a nursing home for rehab care. Pray for her healing. Also Gabe, Wanda, Janice Long’s parents. especially her mother whose cancer has returned, 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 , but continues to have a problem with one arm and hand. She will require long therapy and insurance may soon be a problem since her job was not held for her.
Pray for Robert Sargent with lung cancer and Marthaline Sargent with serious health issues..
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.
Pray for the speedy recovery of Sandy in Minnesota who underwent successful brain surgery for a tumor recently.
SPIRITUAL UPLIFTING: Gail, Mary
RESTORATION OF FAITH: Al, John
LOVE AND SUPPORT: Claire, Hunter, Brian
SUPPORT: Haiti, Chile, survivors of Japan’s earthquake, survivors of the devastating tornadoes in our southernmost states and Joplin, Missouri. Pray too, for our country’s leaders and our military people who die each day for our freedom.