37 lines
2.8 KiB
Markdown
37 lines
2.8 KiB
Markdown
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title = "2 Chronicles 11:1–23"
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date = "2024-12-31"
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### [Read the passage.](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/2Chronicles11.1-23)
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In the face of Jeroboam's rebellion, Rehoboam does what we would expect a king to do: gather an army to take back what he sees as rightfully his.
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After all, he did make claims that he would be able to rule more harshly than his father, so he intends to make good on his words.
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However, the Lord sends the prophet Shemaiah to stop the civil war before it begins.
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The message is in two parts: 1. you are not to go attack your relatives, and 2. this situation is caused by Me (that is, the Lord).
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Those loyal to David's throne are reminded that they are related to all of the other tribes.
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Furthermore, God has brought about this situation through the actions of Jeroboam and Rehoboam, and they can not change it.
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Oftentimes when trials come upon us, we get worked up in trying to deal with it and fix the issue, but God has a different plan for us, and all of our efforts to end the trial are frustrated.
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This isn't always the case, so we will need discernment.
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Be in the Word and walk closely with the Lord so that you will know what He wants you to do.
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While the kingdom of Judah did not go to war with Israel immediately, there was still the chance that it could happen, so Rehoboam set up fortified cities throughout the land.
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The cities listed are not only on the northern border, but throughout Judah.
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While Solomon had peace on all sides, a new king with a divided kingdom may invite incursions from its neighbors.
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While the Chronicler doesn't focus on the details of what happens in the northern kingdom, we do get told about events there that affect the southern kingdom.
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Because of Jeroboam's religious revolution of setting up idols for his subjects to worship at instead of the temple in Jerusalem, the priests and the lay Israelites who do not compromise their faith immigrate to Judah.
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As the relations between the kingdoms deteriorate, travel between them would be restricted, especially for the pilgrimages to Jerusalem.
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So, the returned exiles are reminded that civil prosperity is linked to devotion to Yahweh.
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Rehoboam follows in his father's footsteps by taking multiple wives and concubines.
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However, he avoids the problems his grandfather David had with his sons by appointing Abijah to be his heir, but giving his other sons positions of authority and responsibility throughout the kingdom.
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He does not leave them idle, nor does he give them a reason to revolt or be discontent with their lot.
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Though he started off poorly, Rehoboam did not do everything completely wrong as king.
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As we will see, faithfulness to the Lord brings blessings to His people and their land.
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But the opposite is true as well.
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* * *
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Teach us to follow You, and make us more teachable.
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