I Kings 14:21-16:20; II Chronicles 10-11
We now have a divided kingdom. As I mentioned yesterday, Chronicles focuses on the southern kingdom of Judah and mostly ignores the northern kingdom of Israel. But Chronicles cannot ignore Israel entirely because what happens there often affects Judah, too. We see that today in II Chronicles 11:13-17, where we learn that Jeroboam not only allows non-Levites to be (false) priests (I Kings 12:31), but he actively casts out the Levites from being priests. As a result, all the Levites leave their cities scattered across the territory of Israel and move to Judah. Furthermore, those from all the other tribes who desire to remain faithful to the LORD likewise come to Jerusalem to sacrifice. (Whether they permanently relocate or simply visit Jerusalem to sacrifice is unclear to me, but I lean toward permanent relocation.) All those faithful people help Rehoboam go the right direction for a few years. (II Chr. 11:17)
Unfortunately, that is not enough, and Rehoboam falls away from the LORD, as we see in our reading in Kings. Like his father Solomon (and like Jeroboam), Rehoboam turns to idolatry, building high places and pillars and Asherim on every high hill and under every green tree, practicing cult prostitution, and acting according to all the abominations of the nations that the LORD drove out before the people of Israel. (I Kings 14:23-24) In short order, Rehoboam loses the wealth that Solomon had amassed and is forced to substitute bronze for gold. (I Kings 14:25-27) His son, Abijam (or Abijah), continues in sin, but Abijam’s son, Asa, turns things around. We’ll see more of Asa tomorrow.
Meanwhile, back in Israel, Jeroboam reigns for 22 years and is followed by his son, Nadab, who reigns for only 2 years. Then, Baasha rises up and kills Nadab and the rest of Jeroboam’s descendants in accordance with the LORD’s judgment against Jeroboam. (I Kings 15:27-30) One would hope that Baasha might then point Israel back to the LORD, but he does not; he continues Jeroboam’s idolatry. So the LORD pronounces the same judgment against Baasha that He spoke against Jeroboam. (I Kings 16:1-4) After Baasha reigns 24 years, followed by his son, Elah, for 2 years, Zimri fulfills the LORD’s judgment against Baasha, striking down his entire house. (I Kings 16:8-13) But he reigns for only seven days and is replaced by Omri. Will he do better? Well, let’s just say that we should get used to this pattern.
Are we paying attention? Do we remember that the LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness? (Ex. 34:6) Do we see that the LORD is giving Israel plenty of time and opportunity to repent? Do we see the horrendous natural consequences of turning away from Him? Do we see that bronze might be a bit shiny, but it is no real substitute for gold?
Let’s learn from the history of Judah and Israel. Let’s not follow the world. Let’s humble ourselves, bow down before the LORD, and follow the One True King.