The Kings of Israel
The Kings of Israel was taught by Dr. James Modlish

Lesson Fourteen
Rehoboam
(I Kings 12)

Introduction:
Rehoboam follows his father Solomon as the designated king. It is during his reign that the kingdom is divided with Judah and Benjamin comprising the southern kingdom and the remainder of the tribes rebelling and forming a northern confederacy.

I. The folly of youthful counsel – I Kings 12:1-19

Rehoboam gathered the old men together and asked their advice which was essentially “lighten up” and reduce taxes. He then turned to the young men he had grown up with, and they suggested that he raise taxes and put a very heavy load on the people. Rehoboam accepted their recommendation, but this led to the rebellion of the majority of Israel. (vs. 19)

II. A civil war is averted – I Kings 12:21-24

The prophet Shemaiah warned Rehoboam to have his assembled army to stand down. To his credit he obeyed the voice of God in this occasion. (Luke 14:31)

III. The former glory is lost – I Kings 14:21-28

Because of idolatry (vs.23) and a loose toleration of sodomy (vs.24), God allowed the Egyptians to come and take away the treasures of the temple and the palace. This included the shields of gold which Solomon had made. (vs.26) Rehoboam replaced them with shields of brass.


The parallels to the modern church are many:

The church has fallen in love with the things of the world; therefore, the world (Egypt) is allowed to steal the former glory of the church.

When the gold is gone the attempt is to replace it with something that is flashy but has no real value. No wonder the counsel to the Laodicean church is to buy of God some gold. (Rev. 3:18)

Because things continue to “go well” economically (II Chron. 12:12), the modern church assumes they are living in the center of God’s will. (II Tim. 6:9-10)

The only solution is to humble ourselves. (II Chron. 12:12)

-Page Navigation-

Lessons: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21