Fear No Fear

(All scripture from Lexham English Bible, Copyright 2012 Logos Bible Software)

“Then Rehoboam went to Shechem, for all Israel had come to Shechem to make him king. And it happened that when Jeroboam the son of Nebat heard it—now he was in Egypt, where he had fled from the presence of King Solomon—Jeroboam returned from Egypt. And they sent and called him. Then Jeroboam and all Israel went, and they spoke to Rehoboam, saying, “Your father made our yoke heavy. Now, therefore, lighten the hard service of your father and his heavy yoke which he put upon us, and we will serve you.”” (2 Chronicles 10:1-4).

Chapter 10 shows how easily led Rehoboam was. Forty years of building programs and the people wanted a break. They wanted it a little easier. Rehoboam listened to his youthful friends, not his aged counsellors and promised the people MORE work, MORE service. They rebelled and the nation split. Israel went its own way and Judah stayed with the House of David.

Chapter 11 starts with Rehoboam about to invade Israel and force them back into the fold, but the Lord tells him not to and he obeys. He secures his kingdom, building siege cities along the border. The Levites and priests from all over Israel came to Judah so they could continue serving God. It also lists Rehoboam’s family.

Chapter 12 shows that Rehoboam and the people abandoned the Law of Moses. They stopped seeking the Lord. So the Lord let Egypt attack Jerusalem because they had been unfaithful – just as He warned them would happen. The Lord sent a prophet to make sure they knew why it was happening. They repented before the Lord and He delivered them. Rehoboam reigned for seventeen years, having taken the throne at the age of forty-one. He was buried in Jerusalem. He had acted evilly because he had not set his heart to seek out the Lord. His son Abijah took the throne.

Chapter 13 is the record of the war between Israel and Judah. Abijah was king for three years. In that time Israel attacked. But Abijah followed the Lord and led the people in following the Lord. Not only did Israel not take Judah, but Judah took some of Israel’s territory. Judah relied on the Lord and because of THAT they were strong. Abijah did well.

Summary

Key Players: God, Rehoboam, the Jews.

Key Verse(s): 2 Chronicles 10:16-17; 11:16-17; 12:1-5; 13:18