What lessons can we learn from Rehoboam's failure to "resist them"? Background Snapshot – Solomon’s son Rehoboam inherited a united, prosperous kingdom (1 Kings 11:43–12:1). – Almost immediately he faced pressure: the people asked for lighter labor demands, advisers offered conflicting counsel, and foreign nations eyed Judah’s wealth. – 2 Chronicles 12:1 captures the tragic pivot: “After Rehoboam had established his sovereignty and royal power, he and all Israel with him abandoned the law of the LORD.” – Because he “abandoned” God, he could not “resist” the cascading threats—first bad counsel, then civil division, finally the invasion of Egypt’s Shishak (2 Chronicles 12:2–5). The Verse in Focus 2 Chronicles 12:5 – “This is what the LORD says: ‘You have abandoned Me; therefore, I have abandoned you to Shishak.’” What Went Wrong • Pride grew once the throne felt secure (12:1). • Spiritual neglect opened the door to compromise (“abandoned the law”). • He accepted the culture’s pressure instead of resisting it; peer advice trumped godly wisdom (1 Kings 12:8). • Without God’s covering, even his fortified cities fell (2 Chronicles 12:4). Timeless Lessons • Spiritual complacency makes resistance impossible – Staying close to God is the only sure defense (James 4:7). • Bad company corrupts critical decisions – “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character’” (1 Corinthians 15:33). • Power apart from obedience is fragile – Rehoboam’s military buildup (2 Chronicles 11:11–12) couldn’t save him once God withdrew protection. • Humility can lessen discipline but cannot erase all consequences – When Rehoboam humbled himself, God limited the damage (12:6–7), yet the shields of gold were still replaced with bronze (12:9–11)—a lasting reminder of loss. • Leadership choices ripple outward – “He and all Israel with him” (12:1) shows how one leader’s drift pulls many with him (cf. Romans 14:7). Living It Out Today – Guard the heart the moment success arrives; worship and Scripture intake must increase, not decrease (Proverbs 4:23). – Weigh every voice against God’s Word; polite pressure is still pressure to be resisted if it conflicts with truth. – Measure security by obedience, not resources; spiritual fidelity outlasts gold shields and fortified cities. – Practice quick repentance; humility shortens the season of divine discipline. |
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