REHOBOAM'S ARROGANCE ALIENATES ISRAEL (1 KINGS 12:1). The elders of Israel came together with a view to anointing Rehoboam as king on condition that he would guarantee them a somewhat easier lifestyle, but he was too arrogant to take advantage of the offer, and instead listened to the advice of you... [ Continue Reading ]
THE KINGDOM IN CRISIS AND THE COLLAPSE OF AN EMPIRE (1 KINGS 12:1 TO 1 KINGS 14:31). The death of Solomon, as always with the death of a king who had ruled powerfully for a long time and had been somewhat autocratic, resulted in hopes being raised among the people that things might now be made bette... [ Continue Reading ]
“ Your father made our yoke grievous. Now therefore you make the grievous service of your father, and his heavy yoke which he put on us, lighter, and we will serve you.” The Israelites then sent a deputation to put their requirements to Rehoboam, which no doubt included Jeroboam. Their terms were v... [ Continue Reading ]
REHOBOAM SEEKS TO WHIP ISRAEL INTO LINE BUT IS PREVENTED BY YHWH WHILST JEROBOAM IS MADE KING OVER ALL ISRAEL (1 KINGS 12:17). Rehoboam still had total control over all who dwelt in the cities of Judah, including Jerusalem, and, we learn, also part of Benjamin. These had never been as much affected... [ Continue Reading ]
INSTEAD OF CHOOSING WHOLLY TO FOLLOW YHWH ON THE BASIS OF THE COVENANT MADE WITH HIM, JEROBOAM THE NEW KING OF ISRAEL CHOOSES THE WAY OF DISASTER (1 KINGS 12:25). But things were not going well in Israel, for sadly, on coming to the throne of Israel as YHWH had promised him through Ahijah, Jeroboam... [ Continue Reading ]