II Chronicles 9-10
Dear RTB’ers,
The Queen of Sheba’s visit and Solomon’s wealth and wisdom… God clearly delivered on His promise to Solomon. When Solomon had asked only for wisdom and knowledge to guide his people (back in 1:7-12), God had offered him also riches, possessions and honor (v. 12). We see that played out today in the Queen’s visit!
The Chronicler brings Jeroboam into his account without any introduction (v. 10:2) and a rebellion ensues. In fact, Jeroboam had been somewhat highly placed in Solomon’s reign: Now the man Jeroboam was a valiant warrior, and when Solomon saw that the young man was industrious, he appointed him over all the forced labor of the house of Joseph. (I Kings 11:28). However, God, Himself had intervened into Israel’s affairs through the prophet Ahijah when Ahijah met Jeroboam alone in a field: Behold, I am going to tear the kingdom away from the hand of Solomon and give you ten tribes … because they have abandoned Me, and have worshiped Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, Chemosh the god of Moab, and Milcom the god of the sons of Ammon; and they have not walked in My ways, doing what is right in My sight and keeping My statutes and My ordinances, as his father David did. (I Kings 11:31b, 33) Jeroboam had fled to Egypt, then returned upon Solomon’s death and, with Rehoboam taking the harsh advice from his friends, Jeroboam became the leader of Israel’s ten tribes, the Northern Kingdom. From this point on, the Chronicler has little to say about that Northern Kingdom, except where the Southern Kingdom, Judah is involved.
Also, no mention of Rehoboam seeking God’s counsel. A warning for all of us…??!!
Blessings!
Fred