What role does prophecy play in understanding God's will in 1 Kings 12:23? Setting the Scene • 1 Kings 12:22-24 provides the backdrop. • Israel is split; Rehoboam is ready to wage war to reclaim the ten tribes. • “But the word of God came to Shemaiah the man of God: ‘Say to Rehoboam son of Solomon king of Judah, to all the house of Judah and Benjamin, and to the rest of the people, “This is what the LORD says: Do not go up to fight against your brothers the Israelites. Go home, every one of you, for this matter is from Me.” ’ So they listened to the word of the LORD and went home, as the LORD had ordered.” What Prophecy Does in 1 Kings 12:23 • Communicates God’s will directly—Shemaiah does not speculate; he recites God’s exact words. • Redirects human plans—Rehoboam’s military agenda is halted and replaced with God’s command to “go home.” • Reveals divine purpose—“This matter is from Me.” The split kingdom is not an accident; it is divinely ordained. • Protects God’s people—obeying the prophecy spares Judah and Israel from immediate bloodshed. • Tests obedience—leaders and people must choose to heed or ignore the prophetic word; their quick obedience validates true prophecy (cf. Deuteronomy 18:21-22). • Affirms God’s sovereignty—prophecy reminds everyone that Yahweh, not earthly kings, determines national destiny. Key Takeaways for Understanding God’s Will 1. God speaks with clarity. Genuine prophecy leaves no doubt about divine intent. 2. God’s will can overturn popular or politically advantageous strategies. 3. Obedience to prophetic revelation brings peace; resistance invites conflict (Proverbs 13:13; Jeremiah 26:4-6). 4. Prophecy is consistent with prior revelation—God had already warned Solomon that the kingdom would be torn away (1 Kings 11:11-13). 5. The fruit of prophecy—immediate confirmation through events—strengthens trust in all Scripture (Isaiah 55:10-11). Supporting Scriptures • Amos 3:7—“Surely the Lord GOD does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants the prophets.” • 2 Peter 1:20-21—prophecy originates with God, not human impulse. • 1 Corinthians 14:3—prophecy edifies, exhorts, and comforts; Shemaiah’s message spares lives. • Deuteronomy 18:18-19—God raises prophets so His people will know and heed His words. • Acts 11:27-30—New-Testament believers likewise adjust plans when prophecy discloses God’s will. Living the Principle Today • Measure decisions against the full counsel of Scripture; God never contradicts Himself. • Submit ambitions to God’s revealed word even when it disrupts personal agendas. • Recognize that God may use a timely scriptural word from a faithful messenger to avert disaster. • Remember that obedience, not force, advances God’s kingdom purposes. |
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