Read 2 Chronicles 11:1-23
Our last reading had Rehoboam running for the safety of Jerusalem. We pick up here with what Rehoboam did when he got to Jerusalem. He got prepared for war, to defend his kingdom. Rehoboam must have had some idea he would be unpopular if he did what he threatened to do.
Rehoboam did what he thought was wise by fortifying certain cities and locations. He was cautioned against aggression against Jeroboam and the ten other tribes of his people. Thankfully, he listened, at least for now, and bloodshed was averted thanks to God’s message through the prophet, Shemaiah.
We can’t forget that we’re talking about relative fighting relative if that battle had taken place. How comforting it must have been to hear from the Lord directly! How reassuring it was to know that what was happening was what God wanted to happen!
The good news was traveling about what was happening in Judah in terms of following the law of Moses and liturgy of David. We’re told Jeroboam and his sons were not allowing some of the priests and Levites “to serve the Lord as priests.” That’s what God had called them to do. They had no other choice but to leave their homes and continue following God.
Sometimes we leave behind or give up things we no longer need. Perhaps, if it’s a person, they no longer need us. The older I get, the more I look back and see how there were seasons of life. People say it, now I believe it! Some seasons are better than others (still don’t miss a harsh and snowy Iowa winter!). But every single person I’ve ever met is special in my eyes whether we are still in contact or not.
For three years things are going to go well for Rehoboam we’re told. We’ll have to wait and find out what’s coming up next. For now, it appears Rehoboam is fortifying himself to be prepared. He had not been promised a peaceful reign like his father had. Already, his land had split apart. He needed to be strong.
Just to call out the elephant in the room (at least for me), was anyone else bothered by all the wives and concubines? I wonder why the Chronicler included that when he was silent about the same type of arrangements his father, Solomon had had. You may know that Solomon, the king the Chronicler painted as a “perfect” king to follow in David’s footsteps, had many, many wives. If we’re bothered by Rehoboam and what he’s providing for his sons, we must remember it’s not a “new” thing.
In our day, the “norm” is to have one spouse. Up to now, society had taught us that if one of the spouses has an outside relationship, that was bad. Was it? Isn’t it the same as having a concubine, too? I don’t want to get lost on a “bunny trail” with this reflection, so that’s all for now.
The Bible challenges us sometimes, and I think that’s a good thing. It’s fortifying us for life. I can just imagine that God loves it when something resonates (or not) and we go to him with our questions and observations. God loves the conversation. Just like God wanted the Israelites to follow and love him, he wants that from us. God loves when his children reach out.
Let’s pray. LORD, you are my strength and my shield. Nothing can separate me from your love. Those are such powerful promises. You are an amazing God. I love how your Spirit fortifying me every day to do the work I need to do. I marvel at the little miracles around me each day. Continue to strengthen me to serve you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
