2nd Chronicles 12; A Tragic Commentary on Rehoboam's Wasted Years

 

"And he did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the Lord"

2nd Chronicles 12:14

Rehoboam's reign commenced badly with a revolution and the division of the Kingdom.  Nevertheless, he showed great resolve and wisdom in leading a recovery and establishing Judah as an independent nation.  The eleventh chapter details a King who is leading the nation in the right direction both spiritually and practically.  He showed grace in listening to the Word of God, he was prepared to make changes and for three years knew a measure of the blessing of God.

An elderly servant of God who frequented our home often when I was a boy talked about the failures of God's people in old times with the comment, "Its not how you start, its how you finish".  When we come to the end of Rehoboam's reign the sad and tragic comment is that, not only did he finish poorly, he was as a man who "did evil because he prepared not his heart to seek the Lord."

Where did it all go so very badly wrong for the grandson of David and the son of Solomon?

1:    Forgetfulness in Prosperity

Chapter 12:1

After three years of progress Rehoboam forsook the law of God.  He deliberately chose to forget the Lord as he became absorbed with self.

Blessings can be dangerous times because they have the knack of leading us into proud places where we glory in self and where we neglect our need of grace.  As Moses lectured the Israelites prior to his departure we must constantly "beware lest we forget the Lord" (Deuteronomy 6:12).  

We need to fear complacency.

But Rehoboam's neglect of God began in his soul.  His heart was not right, therefore he harboured a secret rebelliousness that in time manifested itself openly.  

As Rehoboam forsook the Lord, all Israel departed with him.  Rehoboam was now becoming a power for evil in the land and sadly the faith of many was about following the King rather than God.

2:  Chastening from God

Chapter 12:2-12

Refusing to allow this situation to persist God raised up Egypt to come against Jerusalem and occupy the land.  In the short term the people were deprived of their freedom.  In the long term they became servants of the Egyptians and they lost much of the treasurer that was found in the temple.  The Chronicler is clear that that this took place because the land "had transgressed against the LORD."  The prophet Shemaiah in bringing a word from the Lord told the King "Ye have forsaken me, and therefore have I also left you in the hand of Sishak".

God never allows His people to persist in sin.  There will be interventions and there will be chastening. As in the case of Rehoboam, he sometimes hands us over to the enemy as a judgment.  The church at Corinth was commanded to hand an erring brother over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh" (1st Corinthians 5:5). 

Nor will God allow a nation to persist in a course of rebellion.  Wickedness will never prosper.  There will be a day of reaping for this season of apostasy and wilful neglect of the Word of God.

We must learn that God and His law are inseparable.  When we wilfully break God's law we are openly defying the person of God Himself!  And God is not mocked.

3:    Shallow Spirituality

Chapter 12:6-7,12, v14

As a result of the ministry of Shemaiah, at a time when the threat posed by the Egyptians was at its greatest, the King and the princes of the realm humbled themselves.  Their words are noteworthy; "The Lord is righteous".  They were huddled together waiting the final crushing blow from the Egyptian forces when God's word delivered an even more formidable blow and induced a humbling of the King and his arrogant princes.  God's Word never fails to arrive at the right moment.

This humbling saved Rehoboam's life and prevented the destruction of Jerusalem.  Judah was defeated, humiliated but saved as a result of God's goodness.

Despite this encouraging sign the postscript attached to the end of his reign was that "he did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the Lord."

His humbling was about outward external reform, a religious display but it was never about a heart that sought after God.

This explains the flop-flop nature of Rehoboam's spiritual life.  There was little depth.  As the son of Solomon he could employ the language, he knew the truth but he did not experience the reality in his soul.  His fundamental flaw was an unregenerate heart.

May God deliver us from shallow, nominal and formal Christianity!

4:    Ungodly Influences

Chapter 12:13

The inspired historian draws our attention to the mother of Rehoboam; Naamah the Ammonitess.  Therefore, this woman, one of Solomon's Gentile wives had an influence upon her son that seems to have lasted beyond the death of Solomon himself.  This may explain Rehoboam's rebellion and shallow religion.  There seems to be some significance in the mentioning of this fact as his reign came to a close.

The importance of being a godly influence for the future generation weighs heavily upon us.

 5:    Continual Weakening

Chapter 12:15

As Rehoboam's dies after seventeen years upon the throne the historian simply says "there were wars between Rehoboam and Jeroboam continually".  

The division that had festered during Solomon's reign and which caused the revolution at the start of Rehoboam's reign had weakened Israel and caused a continual state of war.  This was part of the judgement of God on account of the sins of Solomon.  

It is a happy thing when brethren dwell together in unity but with sin comes devision and with division comes weakness.

Let us take these things to heart and learn the sombre lessons. 

2nd Chronicles 11; ESTABLISHING JUDAH AS AN INDEPENDENT NATION

Studies in Chronicles

2nd Chronicles 11

 ESTABLISHING JUDAH AS AN INDEPENDENT NATION

Having lost the majority of his Kingdom almost as soon as he was crowned, Rehoboam was tasked with the rather sad duty of consolidating Judah's new position as an independent nation.  This was a responsibility he did not relish nor was it one that he chose but reality dictated that he must must face this circumstance and provide good and wise leadership.

As a result of God's judgement and providential dealings we too are called to face situations which we would have rather avoided but from which we cannot run away.  We are called to serve God and be a light in a society which has become increasingly dark and ungodly.  Like Rehoboam we must face reality and play our part for the good of our people.

1:    Listening to the Voice of God    

Verses 1-4

Rehoboam's instant reaction was to go to war.  He amassed an army of 180,000 warriors to fight against Jeroboam with a view to reclaiming the ten tribes under the headship of David's lineage.  

Rehoboam's 'gut' reaction seemed to be the right the thing to do, yet it was rash and thoughtless.  He did not consider the immense loss of life and the further weakening of the nation.  Above all he never considered that this division of the kingdom was part of God's plan even though it was most damaging.

Sometimes we react to situations according to what seems and feels right at a given point in time.  We do not consider the effect of our words and actions together with the long term consequences.  We can build up a logical argument as to why we are behaving appropriately yet we fail to reflect upon the will of God and how He would have us to respond.

Many people have acted and spoken in the name of God without the blessing of God, like Peter who rashly severed the servant's ear!

Rehoboam, however, was blessed with a man of God called Shemaiah who had the courage to tell the King to stop because this war was not of God.

At this point Rehoboam had the grace to accept his circumstances and the army was stood down.  This was an act of great humility which makes me think rather highly of the young king.

It is a blessing to take advice, to change course, to act with humility.  It is a blessing when God gives us a Word and when he presents us with advice, which is faithful and true, even if goes against what we are planning.

2:    Attending to the Defence of the Realm

Verses 5-12

Rather than go to war Rehoboam spent his energy, time and money fortifying the borders of Judah, therefore protecting his people against attack.

The defence of any nation is a serious business and is one one that governments dare not take lightly.

The defence of the church against backsliding, error and apostasy is a more serious nature which weighs heavily upon the spiritual leadership of the church.

For protection against backsliding and error we fervently preach the Word, attend to means of grace including the place of prayer, we exhort, rebuke, we listen to the Word by responding positively with humility and we administer fair and godly discipline. These aspects of church life are our spiritual bulwarks given to us for our protection.  Let us not tare them down.

Against the onset of apostasy we have erected the bulwark of doctrinal standards, as embodied in the Westminster Standards and our Articles of Faith.  These are statements articulating the principles and truth of Scripture which cannot be shifted.  To do so would be to render us guilty of apostasy, which is total departure from the faith.  We must gather behind these fortifications abiding within the safety of truth.

By the grace of God let us be determined to maintained these bulwarks for our spiritual protection in a wicked day.

3:    Making Jerusalem a Spiritual Centre for all Israel

Verses 13-17

Rehoboam seized an opportunity which was presented to him by the influx of Levites who came to Judah having been unable to remain in the northern territory. These priests of God populated Judah and enabled Rehoboam to establish Jerusalem as the spiritual centre of all Israel.

The Levites under the terms of settlement under Joshua were not given a specific territory.  They were rather dispersed throughout the entire nation.  

When Jeroboam, established the ten tribes as as one nation, known as Israel, he cast off the Levites and in so doing abandoned the worship of Jehovah according to the principles of the Law.  He ordained priests of his own choosing who conducted pagan worship in two centres, which revolved around the worship of golden calves.  No-one in Israel was encouraged to go to Jerusalem for worship because Jeroboam had two new very convenient temples in the north, Dan, and in the south, Bethel.

Jeoboam's unique and man-made religion was devised to create an identity for the northern kingdom which was separate from Judah.  This religion was a strange mixture between the worship of Jehovah and the pagan worship of the Gentile peoples.  It was a new way of doing things.  We must always beware of those who try to introduce new ways into the church of Christ. While we move with the times in terms of external things such as publications and broadcasting we must remain on remain on the same ground in terms of how we worship God and what we believe.  Modernism within the church has been a apostate curse.

Ultimately Jeroboam, afraid lest the lure of Jerusalem and the prestige of the temple would draw the people back to Rehoboam, employed this religious tactic for the preservation of his new kingdom.  Similarly within the evangelical church there are some who believe we must provide the innovations of unreliable translations of Scripture and of modern man-centred music and song into the church to appeal to the culture of this age.  I even heard the simple plain preaching of the Gospel described on one occasion as a 'hard sell'.  Let us never ever sacrifice truth for the sake of popularity! 

The Levites, however, being the spiritual cream of Israel, recognised these innovations as being an apostate religion of convenience. Being bereft of their ministry and purpose they made the journey in their thousands to Judah where Rehoboam welcomed them.   These exiled Levites teach us today regarding the importance of separating from error and putting our faith in God and our loyalty to His kingdom before all other affiliations.

I would suggest also, that these Levites, as a people who naturally had their affiliation  throughout the entire territories of the Hebrew people, were a spiritual bridge that joined the hearts of the faithful in the two nations.

Therefore in Rehobam's early years Jerusalem was established as the spiritual home of the entire nation.  Verse 16 records that many followed these Levites, coming to Jerusalem to offering sacrifices.  This remnant from the ten tribes had a positive effect upon Rehoboam's kingdom in the early years.  

In the following centuries, although there were days of backsliding and apostasy, the fact that the temple remained at the heart of true worship for everyone would in itself be a symbol of unity and a basis for the great revivals that periodically occurred.  This is a most encouraging outcome of the division of the kingdom - a token for good that God in wrath does not forget to be merciful. 

4:    Acting Wisely for his People

v18-23

The final verses of the chapter comment that Rehoboam acted with wisdom in his early administration of the kingdom.  Perhaps he learned the harsh lesson when he dealt so aggressively with the men of Israel at his coronation.  He learned never to take his supporters for granted.  It is a lesson that every leader must learn; that support is borrowed and never claimed as a right.  

Therefore Rehoboam rewarded those who supported him in those difficult days when Jerobam seized his kingdom such as his son Abijah the son of Maachah.  In so doing he prepared Abijah for the throne as his successor.  Although Rehoboam was only forty years of age on becoming King, he acted with considerable foresight considering the welfare of his kingdom.

He also dispersed his family throughout the nation in an effort to make the ruling family friendly and relevant to the people.  In so doing he promoted the unity of his nation.  We must cherish, consolidate and promote the unity of the church, ever fearing the tragic consequences of disunity.

Another example of Rehoboam's wisdom was his choice of wives.  Choosing brides from the House of David he took a different course than that which his father took in marrying Gentile women.  The very reason why the nation was divided was because of the influence of Solomon's brides.  Therefore, it seems that a lesson had been learned, to some degree.

Nevertheless, although Rehoboam learned from his father's sad choice of wives he did follow his father's example in the practice of polygamy.  Such immorality would never enjoy the blessing of God.

For three years Rehoboam did well, acted wisely and laid a decent foundation for future blessings.  But the corrupting influences were never far away.

So it is for each of us individually and collectively.  Let us be aware of our sin and our need of grace.

2nd Chronicles 10; Rehoboam’s Hour of Crisis

                                                                     Studies in Chronicles

2nd Chronicles 10

REHOBOAM’S HOUR OF CRISIS

The shoes of leaders who have been powerful and dominant over a prolonged period of time are exceptionally difficult to fill.  This is true in every walk of life whether that be soccer management, business ownership and political authority as well as in church affairs.  Very often the one who follows immediately after a successful and good leader is destined for failure because the comparisons will prove to be his or her undoing.  

Rehoboam wasn’t  exactly a failure as king, his reign had some commendable aspects particularly in the early years.  History, however, has the habit of judging leaders on one incident  which will be seen as the definition their tenure.  

Rehoboam’s crisis moment came early in his reign.  He was challenged almost soon as he was  crowned.  This challenge would require an incredible amount of diplomatic skill on the part of the young king.  This was Rehoboam’s hour of crisis.  

Times of crisis visit everyone in their journey through life.  

They are defining points along the journey which test us and depending upon our response, we will stand justified or condemned for posterity.

1:  A Providential Crisis

The crisis that Rehoboam as presented with was a problem, which like most problems, had been brewing for some time.  Last week we noted the relevance of the ministry of Ahijah and his message of judgement that Solomon’s family would lose a portion of the kingdom to Jeroboam the son of Nebat who at one time was Solomon’s trusted advisor.  This loss would be the outcome of Solomon’s sin in failing to withstand the  encroachments of idolatry into the kingdom and compromising with the religions of his wives.   Therefore, it was determined by the providence of God that Rehoboam would face this moment. 

Every crisis we face in life is providential.  While we would much rather life did not involve challenges and tests they are part of the fabric of humanity and society.  They strike us personally as well as in our domestic, business, social and church affairs.  But ultimately God is in control and we must accept that he is unfolding a purpose in the darkest of circumstances.

Our society presently is passing through a crisis.  While it is not for us to guess the intentions of God in afflicting the world at this time we must be alive to the fact that we deserve judgement as a society and that we deserve collectively a judgement greater than Covid-19.  At the very least the speaking voice of God must be heard through this plague of suffering.

Tragically such is the manner in which our society is intoxicated with evil and wickedness the voice of God is unrecognised.  The liberal agenda continues to move ahead with its plans to implement abortion and further promote the LGBT agenda in our schools.  There seems to be no end to the depths of depravity to which our society is willing to plummet.  This deluge of evil is a greater judgement, however, than the virus which has caused such mayhem because it feels like the restraining hand of God has been removed.

(Please read this post which I have written this week upon this very subject:

https://cvfpc.blogspot.com/2021/03/depraved-contradictions.html )

We are in days of mounting crisis and the indications are that the darkness is encroaching...but we are called and chosen by God to face this time.

We need wisdom, we require spiritual discernment and we must have an understanding of these very challenging times -  because the Church has a most important role for these times in which we find ourselves.

2:  An Opportune Crisis

 The crisis faced by Rehoboam presented him with an opportunity to deal with the grievances that had been festering in the nation.  Solomon, in order to finance his great and ambitious schemes had imposed a significant tax burden on the people.  This situation could not continue.  When Jeroboam came out of hiding he challenged the king on this very issue.  Rehoboam could have averted the crisis by listening to the wise old men of Israel who understood the grievances.  They encouraged the young king to negotiate, to compromise, to win the heart of the nation by promising a fairer fiscal system.  Such an approach would without doubt have taken the wind from Jeroboam’s sails and enabled the kingdom to remain as one unit.

Crises are opportunities for us to make the correct judgement calls.  On occasions we are called to stand firmly on the side of truth while on other occasions standing for God means wisdom and discretion.  Beyond doubt the older men brought a message of hope based on their long experience.  The capacity to listen to others, to think about the voice of reason and experience is of great benefit in the time of trouble.  God in providence gives us others that we can lean on and consult who can help us through days of turmoil.  Let us not neglect wise counsel.

3:  A Tragic Crisis 

But the younger men fuelled by pride and a sense of self persuaded Rehoboam to impose a stricter regime and tax the nation even more.  These were men with whom the young King was most familiar.  They were ambitious and they feared lest Rehoboam would begin his reign by looking weak.  Their arguments won the heart of Rehoboam and they had tragic consequences that would forever define his monarchy.

They warn us against a proud spirit and an ambitious attitude which fails to assess the situation aright.  Rehoboam’s error was one of pride and shortsightedness which did not listen to the considered voice of reason and experience.  It led to a civil war, loss of life and a divided kingdom with Jeroboam ruling over ten tribes.

Bad decisions have bad consequences.  Let us learn to face our challenges and our crises in a considered way with prayer that God would show us His mind.

But even though the nation was divided God was in control...working out all events in spite of man’s incompetence.

Where we fail...God never fails...let us be comforted by that thought today.

1st Chronicles 6; THE PRIESTS OF GOD

 Studies in the Books of Chronicles

Part 6 - I Chronicles Chapter 6; 

Levi – The Priests of God

The inspired historian now turns his attention to Levi, the priestly tribe.  As Israel existed, primarily as a people who had a special relationship with God through the mediation of the priests it is of no surprise that considerable space is given to Levi and the purpose that his sons fulfilled throughout their history.  Chronicles is principally a spiritual history of Israel. Therefore, it follows that the genealogy of the tribe which was at the spiritual heart of Israel should be of the utmost importance.  This instantly draws our attention to Christ, our great high priest, who is at the heart of the church, the Israel of God in this new Testament age.

1:         Their Preservation

This chapter firstly shows us that God preserved the priesthood throughout the long years of history.  From v3-15 the Holy Ghost inspired author traces the lineage of the High Priests from Aaron to Jehozadak, who served when Jerusalem fell to Babylon.  The German expositors Keil and Delizsch, computed that this spanned a period covering 863 years.  The family of Eli, which included Eli and Abiathar, are notable by their absence.  This was because they came from the line of Ithamar (v3).  God, however, promised that he would cut off the house of Eli, because he would not restrain his wicked sons, Hophni and Phineas (1^st Samuel 2:31-33, 3:12-14).  While the line that stemmed from Eli did indeed perish, God preserved the lineage of the high priests through Aaron’s son Eleazar.  This was the family set apart to perform this necessary ministry for all Israel.  While Eleazar and his son Phineas, were high priests, the office for an unknown reason passed to the family of Ithamar. It was not until the reign of Solomon that Eleazar’s family was restored to its privileged position with the anointing of Zadok.  

It is striking that even within the high priestly family there is sin and judgment. Yet the dominant theme is preservation.  God preserved the holy seed so that Israel would not be without a mediator, yet the work that was done was only a shadow of that which was to come.  Today we have one high priest, our Great High Priest, who preserves, through His endless life, our access to God.

2:         Their Personalities

Within this record of the priests exist some of the greatest figures in Hebrew history, whose lives were a blessing within their generation and for their posterity:

Aaron – The first of the High Priests after whom the Aaronic blessing is named (Numbers 6:22-27).

Moses – The giver of the law and the greatest of the prophets (Deuteronomy 34:10).

Phinehas – He distinguished himself in the role he played resisting the influence of the Moabites among the children of Israel (Numbers 25:10-13) and went on to become a significant figure in the settlement of Canaan (Joshua 22:30).

Azariah – Not a well-known name by any means but a great hero in his generation and the strongest advocate for separation between church and state. When King Uzziah entered the sanctuary approaching the altar, seizing the incense he was stopped by Azariah, and as the King resisted the priest of God the leprosy appeared on his body.

Samuel – the lineage of this pivotal leader, the last of the judges is traced.

Heman – recorded as a singer (v33) who composed at least one inspired Psalm (Psalm 88).

Asaph – This was Heman’s brother who had similar gifts and was also a composer of Psalms (Psalms 50, 73, 75, 76, 77, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83).

3:         Their Purpose

As the priestly tribe, all the Levites had work to fulfil in the administration of the worship of God. The families of Levi’s three sons, Gershon, Kohath and Merari were all given distinct roles. Kohath’s sons were responsible for the tent of witness and for all the furniture within the holy place and the holy of holies.  The Gershonites looked after, dismantled and carried all of the curtains and the coverings.  The sons of Merari had duties pertaining to the boards, bars pillars and sockets (Numbers 4).  The practical work within the tabernacle was carefully regulated.  Even the ages when the priests were deemed suitable to serve to established, from 30 to 50. Therefore, we are taught that in God’s work we have differing roles, that practical work is not only spiritual but necessary and that organisation is glorifying to God.

The primary role of Levi was a to lead and protect the worship of God.  Therefore, when Nadab and Abihu, Aaron’s sons offered strange fire they were slain by God, which must have brought terrible grief to their father Aaron.  

In v. 31,33 and 39 the role of the Levites in leading the singing within the tabernacle and subsequently the temple, was recognised.  In v.49 the role of the high priest at the altar is emphasised., this is where atonement was procured.

Through the purpose of the sons of Levi we see the work of the church of Christ in offering up the sacrifices of praise to God (1^st Peter 2:9, Hebrews 13:15).

4:         Their Provision

From v.54-81 the dwellings of the Levites are described.  Levi did not count among the 12 political tribes of Israel, in that they did not receive an assigned territory. Rather they were dispersed throughout Israel, given specific cities and had their needs provided.  The way God provides for all who serve Him is set forth as is our responsibility to dwell in world as salt and light.

 

2nd Chronicles 10:15; WHEN GOD DIVIDES A NATION

STUDIES IN CHRONICLES

2 Chronicles 10:15 (1st Kings 11)

THE TIMES OF AHIJAH THE SHILONITE

When God Divides a Nation

2nd Chronicles 10 leads us into the reign of Rehoboam and the disastrous division within the nation which led to Israel being divided into two kingdoms; Israel and Judah.  

While Rehoboam contributed in some measure to the split, the fundamental reason why the nation was divided lay with Solomon. 

He was a great King in so many ways, the wisest and most successful ruler that Israel ever enjoyed would be no underestimate.  

Despite this, he would leave behind a legacy of division which his son would suffer from.  Therefore during the curse of the debates and discussions that eventually lead to revolution the chronicler makes this remark:

“…for the cause was of God, that the Lord might perform His word, which He spake by the hand of Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam the son of Nebat”

Therefore at this stage we must step away from 2nd Chronicles and turn to 1st Kings to learn a little more about the background to these momentous times.  Although in sequence of events Solomon has died we cannot understand 2nd Chronicles 10 without returning to his life and times.

Ahijah the Shilonite may be one of the lesser known characters in Scripture but he was a mighty man of God, not afraid of unpopularity who brought a message of God’s judgement in the days of Solomon and tragically it does not appear that the warning was heeded.

THE TIMES OF AHIJAH

The Spiritual Climate

1st Kings 11:1-8

This is a passage of unspeakable tragedy.  Under the influence of his foreign wives Solomon not only facilitated their desire to worship their false gods but he actually joined with them. With seven hundred wives and three hundred concubines, Solomon had certainly indulged himself to such a degree that his thinking became warped and distorted.  

This was the spiritual climate of Ahijah’s times.  

The glory days when the temple was erected and the great revival that took place were now a distant memory.  

Apostasy had set in.  

A salutary warning to the Church in every generation!

The Divine Visitation

1st Kings 11:9-13

The ninth verse records that God was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned away from the Lord “which had appeared unto him twice”.  The tragedy here is that Solomon had been privileged with two supernatural visitations from God as are recorded in 2nd Chronicles 1 (at the start of his reign) and in 2nd Chronicles 7 (after he had completed the temple and the erection of his own palace).  In the one he prayed for wisdom while in the second visitation God laid down promises and warnings, which would resonate throughout all Jewish and Church history.  

But Solomon at the end of his life totally disregarded and forgot about these seasons when God came to him. 

He was neither wise nor did he consider the warnings that he had received.

Therefore God was angry with His servant.  

We should pause and reflect upon a God who is angry and grieved with the sins of his Church and of her leaders. 

When we fail to act wisely, when we disregard the warnings of God, when we fail to listen to his Word and when our hearts are turned by the spirit of the world God is angry with us.

Therefore God came again, on one final occasion to Solomon and told him that the Kingdom would be given to his servant in the days of his son.  This would not occur in Solomon’s time because of the promises God made to David.  Nor would the kingdom be entirely lost as Jerusalem would remain under the the control of the house of David but the nation would be divided.

Therefore Solomon, who had taken Israel to the zenith of her greatness would leave a legacy of judgement that his children would suffer from.

We need to take great care with the legacy that we leave our children!

We can sow with seeds of backsliding and failure and they will reap what we have sown.

The Troublesome Chastening

1st Kings 11:14-25

While Solomon would not lose the Kingdom personally days of trouble afflicted him during his closing years.  

God raised up a man called Hadad, a surviving member of the Edmonites, the family of Esau.  Fleeing to Egypt, marrying into the royal family of Pharaoh this man gained much foreign influence and would return to be a thorn in Solomon’s side.

A Syrian was raised up by God in the form of Rezon, who challenged the supremacy of Solomon, with his army of warriors.

It was apparent that this trouble was connected with Solomon’s sin.  God is not mocked.  Those whom He loves He chastens.  He never turns a blind eyes to our rebelliousness.

THE ACTIONS OF AHIJAH

The Lord’s Messenger

1st Kings 11:29

Now let us turn our attention to the contribution made by Ahijah in these troublesome times.  The first important observation about this man is that he was a prophet.  He was a man with a message from God.  For every age and generation God has a message.  There are times the message is one of blessing but in other times the message is one of judgement.  In truth - throughout every generation the message is generally a mixture of both because both mercy and judgement are woven in the fabric of human history.

The Church and her preachers must always be prepared to bring the message that is age appropriate - God’s Word for their own particular generation.  This is where we make the impact regardless of whether the message is popular or unpopular. 

A Talented Recipient

Ist Kings 11:26-29

The message of Ahijah was directed personally to Jeroboam. This was a young man identified by Solomon for his unusual skills and so Solomon made him ruler over the northern part of his Kingdom, known as the house of Joseph.

Solomon did not realise it…but Jeroboam would be the servant who would take his kingdom.  The instrument of judgement was hand picked by himself and working within the royal offices. 

A Graphic Metaphor

1st Kings 11:30-37

Ahijah meeting with Jeroboam caught his new garment, removed it, tore it into twelve pieces and gave the official ten pieces.  The lesson was clear and Ahjah would expound upon it.  Jeroboam would reign over ten tribes and the house of David would keep only two tribes; Judah and Benjamin.  The Kingdom would be divided.  

No nation had a unity to be treasured more than Israel yet it was God’s purpose to bring about a revolution.

In the providence of God He has intervened in the affairs of nations and empires permitting revolts, revolutions and even border changes in His administration of the world.  We must never assume that the status quo will always be maintained.  We have no divine right to expect that this United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland will never be fractured.  If God decided to break up Israel as a judgement He could well decide to impact our nation with a similar judgement.  Particularly as we also nationally have forsaken the God of our fathers.  

A Personal Challenge

1st Kings 11:38-39

Jeroboam was challenged by the prophet to walk in the ways of the Lord, to be a godly ruler to secure favour from God.

This is a promise for every nation, for every family and especially for every congregation and denomination within the Church of Christ.

Tragically, Jeroboam consumed with power would not listen to this part of the prophet’s message becoming the man who would make Israel to sin.

There are many like Jeroboam who take what is suitable out of God’s Word and reject what they do not appreciate.

A Poignant Conclusion

1st Kings 11:40-43

And so the times of Solomon stuttered to a conclusion, a man who had sinned, leaving a broken legacy for his son to try to mend.  He spent his final years in fear attempting to thwart the oncoming judgement.  It is a tragic portrait of how great men can fall and fail.

May God give us the grace to hear and take heed.

2nd Chronicles 8-9; A GREATER THAN SOLOMON IS HERE

                                                                  Studies in Chronicles

A GREATER THAN SOLOMON IS HERE

2nd Chronicles 8 - 9

Through these two chapters the inspired chronicler records the splendour and majesty of Solomon’s remarkable reign.  Writing for the benefit of the remnant who were resettling Judaea after the Babylonian exile, the historian wanted his readership to be clear that these tremendous records were neither myths nor exaggerations.  Therefore he identified the sources from whence this information could be gleaned.  These sources would trace their information back to eye witness accounts of these wondrous times:

 "Now the rest of the acts of Solomon, first and last, are they not written in the book of Nathan the prophet, and in the prophecy of Ahijah the Shilonite, and in the visions of Iddo the seer against Jeroboam the son of Nebat?"  (2Ch 9:29)

To understand these times from the perspective of a New Testament Christian, however, we need go no further than Christ, the great interpreter:

“The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.” (Matthew 12:42)

Solomon throughout Hebrew history was the example of what is possible when a people chose first to honour God and when a ruler accepts that righteousness alone will exalt a nation.  But even Solomon in all of his genius and godliness was flawed.  Solomon would die and with his passing a golden age disappeared never to return.

But Christ is greater than Solomon.  

The splendour of this ancient King and the greatness of his reign is a shadow, a faint shadow through which we can trace the glories of another King who will never die and whose glories cannot fade.  

Solomon directs our attention away from men and their failings to the one who can never fail because a greater than Solomon is here.

1:  HIS PROSPERITY

In 2nd Chronicles 9:13-28 Solomon’s extensive wealth is described.  

While his gold is described, particular attention is given to the throne, which was intended to create a sense of awe among his subjects:

“Moreover the king made a great throne of ivory, and overlaid it with pure gold. And there were six steps to the throne, with a footstool of gold, which were fastened to the throne, and stays on each side of the sitting place, and two lions standing by the stays: And twelve lions stood there on the one side and on the other upon the six steps. There was not the like made in any kingdom.” (2nd Chronicles 9:17-19).

The lions, identified the royal line of Judah with the number twelve symbolising his rule over the entire nation.  Ivory and gold emphasised that this was a throne of righteousness and justice.

This throne, which was unlike any other throne in the world illustrates the authority and righteousness of Christ’s throne the one who reigns forever and ever:

"Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre”.  (Psalm 45:6)

Let us stand in His presence with a sense of awe and wonder; our Shepherd, Priest and King.

The chronicler also relates the means by which Solomon acquired wealth though trading with other nations and receiving the gifts that they brought.  

This reminds us of Christ who from across the world has received the gifts of precious souls, who are His inheritance according to the terms of the Covenant of Grace.  His elect people are the gemstones set in the breastplate of his heart and they are the jewels whom He will gather together, in the last day, and not one will be lost.  All of this reminds us of the riches of grace and of glory which are also the enjoyment of all of God’s people in Christ:

“...that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints” (Ephesians 1:18).

2:  HIS POWER

Much is made in these chapters of Solomon’s power in terms of the cities he built, the peoples he subjugated and the fortifications which he erected.  The most astonishing aspect of his power is the manner by which he established Israel as the most significant middle eastern empire of his generation.  Ancient historians are agreed that this was a period when the traditional of powers of Babylon and Assyria did not assert themselves leaving a power vacuum which Solomon under God, certainly exploited.  Solomon’s empire reached to the north, as far as the Euphrates in modern Syria and Turkey, with his southern frontier in modern Egypt.  His influence extended further still among states which depended upon him for trade.  He had a particularly close relationship with Tyre and Sidon, modern Lebanon, whose ships carried trade throughout the Mediterranean into Asia, Africa and Europe.

"And he reigned over all the kings from the river even unto the land of the Philistines, and to the border of Egypt." (2 Chronicles  9:26)

Solomon, under God, established this extensive Kingdom for Israel and her people.  Yet this was a fleeting moment as this empire declined becoming just a memory.  

Christ, however, as our King declares that He has all power in heaven and in earth.  With this power He establishes the Church, His kingdom on earth, which He promises to build and maintain.

All peoples flow into this Kingdom as the Gospel is extended throughout the world, far beyond Solomon’s sphere of influence.

“But the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it. And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.” (Micah 4:1-2)

In 2nd Chronicles 8, however, the seeds of Israel’s demise are identified through Solomon’s marriage with an Egyptian princess.  While she was not permitted within the precincts of the temple she brought an influence, along with the other Gentile wives that Solomon wed, which would affect him as an old man and would ultimately bring disaster in future years.

While this warns us of the consequences of sin, it also reminds us of the Saviour, our heavenly bridegroom whose kingdom is everlasting because He never fails.  

How encouraging that a greater than Solomon is here!

3:  HIS PREEMINENCE

Solomon as king was preeminent in his generation.

“And king Solomon passed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom.  And all the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon, to hear his wisdom, that God had put in his heart.” (2nd Chronicles 9:22-23).

The story about the visit by the Queen of Sheba, probably from modern Yemen in the south of the Arabian Peninsula, illustrates this prominence.  She was astonished beyond measure on seeing Solomon’s wealth and buildings and on hearing his wisdom.  The description of the effect that Solomon had upon her is full of Gospel application:

“...when she was come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was in her heart.  And Solomon told her all her questions: and there was nothing hid from Solomon which he told her not...And she said to the king, It was a true report which I heard in mine own land of thine acts, and of thy wisdom: Howbeit I believed not their words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it: and, behold, the one half of the greatness of thy wisdom was not told me: for thou exceedest the fame that I heard. Happy are thy men, and happy are these thy servants, which stand continually before thee, and hear thy wisdom.”

This reflects our Saviour who listens to us, who reveals his will and wisdom, who is so remarkable that words cannot relate the half and whose servants are the happiest people on earth.

As Solomon was at the heart of Israel’s greatness and of the world’s trade so Christ is preeminent in the world.  No-one can be compared to Him...ultimately when we reach glory and see Him face to face we will say the half hath not been told because a greater than Solomon is here.

1st Chronicles 5; THE EAST BANK

 Studies in the Books of Chronicles

The East Bank of Jordan

1st Chronicles 5

Having used considerable space tracing the lineage Judah (Chapter 2 to Chapter 4:23), and less time on Simeon (whose people dwelt with the tribe of Judah), the inspired historian now spends one chapter only on the tribes which made up the east bank settlement; Rueben, Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh. 

As the majority of those who returned from Babylon were from the tribe of Judah, this was where their chief interest lay. Therefore, while the history of these tribes received some mention, minute details were unnecessary. Nevertheless, there are important lessons for us to learn from this settlement which occupied the east bank of Jordan, both with respect to bible history and practical application.

1: The Formation to the East Bank Settlement

The area to the east of Jordan was sometimes known as Gilead and remained in the possession of Israel until the Assyrian captivity. This region, however, did not play a huge role in Jewish history. This probably due to its more remote location on the periphery of the nation, across the Jordan. The most famous person to arise from the territory was Elijah, as his village it is believed, came from the territory of Gilead. 

Arthur Pink’s description of Gilead helps us to not only understand the character of this place but also the uncouth unsophisticated manner of Elijah:

“Gilead lay east of the Jordan: it was wild and rugged; its hills were covered with shaggy forests; its awful solitudes were only broken by the dash of mountain streams; its valleys were the haunt of fierce wild beasts.”

In later years a considerable Jewish population would continue to inhabit this region. Perea, known as the land beyond the Jordan in the Gospels which included the town Ceasaera Philippi, was under the direct control of King Herod, as was Galilee.

It rather striking that Rueben occupied this territory that was not within the natural boundaries of the Promised Land. This was the fulfilment of Jacob’s prediction concerning this tribe:

“Unstable as water, thou shalt not excel”  (Genesis 49:4).

This is the likely reason why the Holy Ghost prompted writer begins this chapter with an explanation for this side-lining of Rueben, the eldest son of Jacob. Rueben was passed over because of the moral sin which stained his character and affected his family forever. 

Therefore, “Judah prevailed and of him came the chief ruler…”. This is another nugget from these genealogies revealing Christ, the chief among ten thousand, the lion of the tribe of Judah.

 Concerning Rueben, however, Jacob’s words proved prophetic because five paltry verses trace the ancestry of Rueben’s family (5:3-8). In truth, he did not excel!

The history of the east bank settlement goes back to the time when the children of Israel were passing through this region as they neared the borders of the Promised Land  Numbers 32). Rueben and Gad, especially, enjoyed immense material prosperity possessing a vast multitude of cattle. They, therefore, asked for the land east of Jordan because of its suitability. Moses granted their request on condition that they assist the children of Israel in their conquest of Canaan. Joshua eventually released these tribes to return across the Jordan after they had fulfilled their obligations (Joshua 22).

2: The Battle for the East Bank Settlement

While these tribes were on the periphery, they were not unimportant in the sight of God. While they did not enjoy a place of prominence they continued to enjoy a purpose according to divine providence. The chronicler is especially interested in a battle which 

the east bank settlement fought in the days of King Saul which he mentions in v10 and then describes with more detail in v18-22. 

Whether we are prominent in the eyes of men or not, is of little consequence. Like Rueben we may even be marginalised fairly because of our failings, yet God will continue to fulfil His purpose in our lives. We likewise will continue to have spiritual battles until the day when we rise to our heavenly rest.

The description of the battle fought is most instructive. The warriors of Rueben, Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh were certainly skilled and brave and while these qualities were important the true reason for their success lay in the confidence that they had in God:

“…they cried to God in the battle, and he was intreated of them: because they out their trust in him.”

This reads like a spiritual revival in a day of terrible conflict. As the forces of atheism, humanism, secularism and liberalism are arrayed against the church today we need to be skilled in the word but ultimately, we must renew our confidence in the God of our fathers. The victory was won “because the war was of God.” It is not God’s will for us to surrender the Word of God and our Gospel heritage. We must stand for truth against the world, the flesh and the devil, this battle will always be the Lord’s.

3: The Collapse of the East Bank Settlement

V25-26 describe another day, a black day, when the east bank descended into apostasy going after other gods. After the division of the kingdom in the days of Rehoboam, this territory formed part of the northern kingdom which became spiritually apostate. Jeroboam 1st established the golden calves in Bethel and Dan. In the centuries that followed the departure from God continued unabated until the God sent the Assyrian King to conquer and take Israel into captivity. The words at the close of the chapter are telling; “unto this day”. 

After the tribe of Judah returned to Jerusalem to re-establish themselves as a people Rueben, Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh were still in the land of bondage. A society had collapsed because of sin. 

A salutary warning indeed!

2nd Chronicles 7:11-22; MY PEOPLE

 Studies in Chronicles

My People

2nd Chronicles 7:11-22

This very famous passage contains the words which God brought to Solomon after he had completed both the construction of the Lord’s house and of his own palace.  According to 1st Kings 7:1 Solomon spent 13 years building his own house after he erected the temple.  Therefore the Lord came to Solomon after these twenty years of building works were completed with the words recorded in  2nd Chronicles 7.

This was the second occasion when God visited Solomon in a very personal way.  At the beginning of his reign God visited His servant in Gibeon at the beginning of his reign.  On that occasion Solomon asked for wisdom (2nd Chronicles 1:7-12).  Now twenty years God came again; on this occasion with warnings and promises.

Solomon was now at the height of his success and prosperity.  He had achieved much in twenty years and had taken Israel to a place of influence and power that she would never again experience.  Therefore, these words were necessary in order that Solomon and all Israel might understand that the God who blesses can withhold that same blessing, that years of achievement are no guarantee that success will continue and that the ground that is gained can so easily be lost.

We too must hear these words within a New Testament context:

Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall        1st Corinthians 10:12

In these last weeks the evangelical church across the world has been rocked by the findings of a report into the promiscuous and abusive behaviour of a very well known Christian apologist, who passed away within the past year.  This is a solemn reminder of sin and its lethal consequences in the lives of God’s people; the good that we do can even be eroded by hidden sins that come to light even after we die - but we are all fragile prone to wandering and failure.  Let no-one say that this is not relevant for us.  Christians backslide and churches drift into apostasy.  We must be watchful.  The tragedy is - Solomon himself fell into this same pit that the Lord was warning him about in this place.

These words which God presented to Solomon were an answer to prayer (v12) yet this answer was a warning.  Solemn and serious words when they come from God are in themselves a gracious response to the cries of God’s people.  We ought always to be grateful when God speaks, especially if His words come with convicting and challenging power.

These words from God centre around the 14th verse, which has inspired Christians for generations.  They dominate the spiritual history of Israel and continue to bless and  challenge the church in this modern age.

God’s words to Solomon focused upon those whom He described as 

my people.

1:  A Chosen People

...my people which are called by my name...(V14)

Israel’s identity was bound up in the choice of God.  He called Abraham out of Ur of the Chaldees.  He chose Isaac and Jacob to be the recipients of the covenant promises, which were always seen in terms of sovereign grace:

And because he loved thy fathers, therefore he chose their seed after them, and brought thee out in his sight with his mighty power out of Egypt 

Deuteronomy 4:37

Likewise today, we are Christians because of God’s choice; He has decided that we would be honoured by His name:

According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will...

Ephesians 1:4-5

2:  A Chastened People

But if ye turn away, and forsake my statutes and my commandments, which I have set before you, and shall go and serve other gods, and worship them; Then will I pluck them up by the roots out of my land which I have given them; and this house, which I have sanctified for my name, will I cast out of my sight, and will make it to be a proverb and a byword among all nations And this house, which is high, shall be an astonishment to every one that passeth by it; so that he shall say, Why hath the LORD done thus unto this land, and unto this house And it shall be answered, Because they forsook the LORD God of their fathers, which brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, and laid hold on other gods, and worshipped them, and served them: therefore hath he brought all this evil upon them. (V19-22)

Setting before Solomon the very real possibility and probability of Israel’s forsaking the commandments and pursuing idolatry, God warned that He would permit the temple to be destroyed.  The frightful apostasy of later years, particularly during the reigns of Ahaz and Manasseh would seal the doom of the temple, bringing this tragic warning to pass.

The history of Israel teaches us that God is not mocked and He will take the sins of His people particularly seriously. With a high calling comes high responsibility.  When we dishonour God He will not fail to apply the chastening rod.  The consequences of sin should never fail to alarm and bring fear into the hearts of God’s people.

3:  A Crying People

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. (V14)

This famous verse describes a people in prayer when God has stopped the rain or commanded the locusts to devour the crops.  In such a time of fearful visitation the people of God must cry with tears of repentance that God would heal their broken nation.  Such praying must be accompanied with humility and repentance if a change is to take place.  

God, however,  instructed the people to pray in the temple or towards the temple:

Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place.  For now have I chosen and sanctified this house, that my name may be there for ever: and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually.                  

  (2nd Chronicles 7:14-15)

In like manner we direct our cries towards Christ, to whom this temple directs us.  As the one in whom all the fullness of God resides, who is the embodiment of the sacrifices and the mercy seat we cry unto Him as our Great High Priest.

4:  A Covenanted People

For now have I chosen and sanctified this house, that my name may be there for ever: and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually. And as for thee, if thou wilt walk before me, as David thy father walked, and do according to all that I have commanded thee, and shalt observe my statutes and my judgments; Then will I stablish the throne of thy kingdom, according as I have covenanted with David thy father, saying, There shall not fail thee a man to be ruler in Israel. ( v 16-18)

While God never turns a blind eye to sin He will not forget His covenanted people.  The healing of the land is based on this fact; God is bound to His Word.

These words would be a help in later times when sin and judgement afflicted the land.  They drew the ungodly Manasseh to faith when in captivity, they inspired the revivals in the days of Hezekiah and Josiah and they certainly comforted Daniel and others when in Babylon.  They provided the evidence that however dark the situation God would not turn away from the cries of His people to whom He is bound.

These words encourage us to pray in the darkest of times, believing that God will always respond to His people.

But ultimately, as God would respond to Israel because of the promises that He had made concerning the temple, so all of our blessings and prayers are bound up in the person of Christ, the anti-type of the temple.

Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days? But he spake of the temple of his body. When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.                          John 2:19-22

On account of His death and resurrection God looks with favour towards His people. 

For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. 

2nd Corinthians 1:20