What can we learn about obedience from Rehoboam's actions in this chapter? Setting the Scene • 2 Chronicles 11 opens with Rehoboam preparing to wage civil war to regain the northern tribes. • God intervenes through the prophet Shemaiah, redirecting the king and the army (vv. 1-4). • Verse 7 lists one of the fortified cities—“Beth-zur, Soco, Adullam,”—reminding readers that the chapter shifts from aggression to strategic defense. The Lord’s Clear Command • “This is what the LORD says: You are not to march up and fight against your brothers… for this matter is from Me.” (2 Chronicles 11:4) • God frames the situation as His sovereign plan; obedience means accepting His purpose even when it overturns personal ambition. • 1 Samuel 15:22 echoes the priority: “Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice…”. Immediate Obedience Demonstrated • “So they listened to the words of the LORD and turned back” (2 Chronicles 11:4). • Rehoboam calls off 180,000 warriors. This sudden pivot shows: – Humility: yielding royal pride to divine direction. – Trust: believing God’s word over military logic. – Unity: valuing fellow Israelites as brothers, not enemies. • John 14:15 affirms the principle: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments”. Constructive Actions that Follow Obedience • Instead of fighting, Rehoboam fortifies Judah’s cities (vv. 5-12). Verse 7’s mention of Beth-zur, Soco, and Adullam illustrates wise stewardship after obedience. • He supplies these strongholds with food, oil, wine, shields, and spears (vv. 11-12). Obedience often opens creative alternatives that build stability rather than destroy relationships. • Priests and Levites migrate south, strengthening true worship (vv. 13-17). Obedience to God invites others who honor the same Lord. Blessings Tied to Obedience • “So they strengthened the kingdom of Judah and supported Rehoboam… for three years” (v. 17). Security and unity mark this season. • Deuteronomy 28:1-2 lays out the pattern: diligent obedience brings blessing. • James 1:25 reinforces the link: “the one who… is an effective doer… will be blessed in what he does”. Timeless Principles for Today • Obedience begins with hearing God’s word and recognizing its authority. • True obedience may require abandoning seemingly reasonable plans. • God often redirects energy from conflict toward constructive, peace-preserving work. • Obedience benefits more than the individual; it strengthens communities and upholds pure worship. • Continual obedience guards blessing, as illustrated by the three stable years that followed Rehoboam’s initial submission. • Proverbs 3:5-6 underscores the lifestyle: trusting the Lord, not personal understanding, leads to straight paths. |