1 Chronicles 11:1-4
Rehoboam, by bad counsel and other factors, established early on how he would rule Judah and succeed his father. From the beginning, he took up arms against his own country men because he chose to be served as a king, instead of serve as a king with a servant's heart. The Lord sent Shemaiah who, unlike Rehoboam, was listening to the voice of God. The prophet told them God wanted them to put their weapons down and go home. This division was from God.
Rehoboam had inherited the throne of David and the greatest wealth ever known to man; yet it was meaningless and powerless to hold the kingdom together. failed; a leader that people won't follow isn't a leader at all.
1 Chronicles 11:5-12
Rehoboam's reign was characterized by division and fear. They build defenses and fortified cities and strongholds. They set up troops, laid up food and provisons and prepared for war. Rehoboam had formed 'his side'(end of verse 13) instead of leading Israel to God's side.
1 Chronicles 11:13-17
At the same time Rehoboam is failing in the southern kingdom, we should remember Jereboam is not doing any better. God had made great promises to him if he would lead the people to God and be obedient to God's ways. But Jereboam went his own and led the northern kingdom to apostasy. As this was happening, the preiests and Levites left their homes in the north after being rejected by Jereboam. They were rejected because Jereboam was serving and worshiping demons and false Gods. The priest and Levites came to Jerusalem and the temple. The only apparent bright spot in the southern kingdom were the priests and Levites as they walked with the Lord. They were salt and light in a land trending the wrong way.
1 Chronicles 11:18-23
Rehoboam married close to the family. He empowered his sons and scattered them across the land to keep any idea of rebellion under control. Abijah was marked as the future king.
©2017 Doug Ford
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