What other biblical examples show nations rebelling due to a leader's unfaithfulness? The Pattern Introduced in 2 Chronicles 21:10 “Edom has been in rebellion against the authority of Judah to this day. Libnah also rebelled at that time, because Jehoram had abandoned the LORD, the God of his fathers.” (2 Chronicles 21:10) Jehoram’s apostasy opened the door for subject peoples to break free. Scripture repeats this pattern in several other scenes. Solomon’s Drift Invites Rival Powers • 1 Kings 11:11, 14 – “So the LORD said to Solomon, ‘Since you have done this … I will surely tear the kingdom away from you….’ Then the LORD raised up against Solomon an adversary, Hadad the Edomite.” • 1 Kings 11:23 – “God also raised up Rezon son of Eliada as an adversary against Solomon.” • 1 Kings 11:26 – “Jeroboam son of Nebat … rebelled against the king.” Solomon’s idolatry produced multiple insurrections: foreign attacks (Hadad, Rezon) and an internal revolt (Jeroboam) that birthed the northern kingdom. The Great Split under Rehoboam • 1 Kings 12:19 – “So to this day Israel has been in rebellion against the house of David.” Though Rehoboam’s harsh response was the flash point, the prophet had already explained that the split came “because they have forsaken Me” (1 Kings 11:33). The king’s and nation’s unfaithfulness severed ten tribes from David’s line. Moab Shakes Off Israel after Ahab • 2 Kings 1:1 – “After the death of Ahab, Moab rebelled against Israel.” Ahab’s reign was marked by Baal worship and murderous injustice (1 Kings 16:30–33; 21:17–19). As soon as he dies, a long-subjugated vassal state walks away. Egypt Strikes during Rehoboam’s Backsliding • 2 Chronicles 12:2 – “In the fifth year of Rehoboam, because they had been unfaithful to the LORD, Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem.” Rehoboam abandoned the law (12:1); God let Egypt strip the temple’s treasures—a foreign “rebellion” against Judah’s previous dominance under Solomon. Aram and Israel Attack an Apostate Ahaz • 2 Chronicles 28:19 – “For the LORD humbled Judah because Ahaz king of Israel had promoted wickedness in Judah and had been most unfaithful to the LORD.” Verses 5–8 describe Aram and the northern kingdom inflicting heavy casualties and taking captives—uprisings triggered by Ahaz’s idolatry and closed-temple policy. What Ties These Stories Together? • A leader forsakes the LORD. • God withdraws His shielding hand. • Formerly subdued nations (or tribes) seize the moment to revolt, invade, or plunder. The accounts show a consistent biblical principle: unfaithfulness at the top affects the fortunes of the whole realm, and God often uses surrounding peoples to discipline wayward leaders and call them back to covenant faithfulness. |
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