Read 2 Chronicles 10:1-19
Solomon’s son, Rehoboam became the new king. Very quickly, it seems, his kingdom shrank to only two of the twelve tribes. Realizing that the revolt had to happen according to God’s will makes it a little easier to accept.
What’s hard for me is that the name of the king God chose for the northern tribes was Jeroboam. Couldn’t his name have been a little less similar? If you’re curious about how God called Jeroboam, you can read about that in 1 Kings 11:26-40.
From a battle standpoint, Solomon’s reign had been peaceful during the building projects. However, from the sounds of it, Solomon’s subjects were less than thrilled by the harsh working conditions. When the new king, Rehoboam refused to lessen the load, the king lost many people from his kingdom.
After discounting the elder’s recommendation, Rehoboam chose to follow his young advisor’s plan instead. It seems Rehoboam was not giving in to becoming a “people pleaser” as the elder advisors had suggested, but rather a bully. Do you think Rehoboam expected the people to revolt? Was that the outcome he intended?
What surprises me is that in the Chronicler’s account of Solomon’s reign and building projects, it doesn’t appear that the Israelites were being used in ruthless ways. The Chronicler led us to believe that Solomon used the help of foreign workers, and his own people were in positions of authority and supervision. Apparently, Solomon’s reign wasn’t all sunshine and roses.
This reading begins the final section of 2 Chronicles depicting a divided kingdom. The Chronicler will spend very little time with the northern tribes unless interactions occur with Judah and Benjamin, the southern kingdom.
What did you think of Rehoboam’s retreat to Jerusalem? I wonder if he was questioning his proclamations about being stricter than his father. Can you think of a time in your life or ministry when you retreated when the going was getting rough?
Even Jesus found times to slip away and be secluded. We can only imagine those times were meant for communing with his Father to recharge himself in prayer. We should take heed of such behavior. We don’t have wait until we’re afraid to retreat and seek God.
Let’s pray. Heavenly Father, creator of all things, I come to you in humility. Forgive me for those times I have listened to the wrong source in my decision making. You know I always seek to follow your will. In this passage, it states very clearly what your will was in that moment. Make your will known to me as well. Help me to slow down and wait for you, listen for your voice, and follow your lead. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
