How does Rehoboam's reign in Jerusalem reflect God's sovereignty in 2 Chronicles 12:13? Setting the Scene “King Rehoboam strengthened himself in Jerusalem and reigned. Rehoboam was forty-one years old when he became king, and he reigned seventeen years in Jerusalem, the city the LORD had chosen out of all the tribes of Israel to put His Name there.” (2 Chronicles 12:13) God’s Sovereign Choice of a Place • Jerusalem is deliberately highlighted: “the city the LORD had chosen.” • This choice fulfills earlier revelation: – Deuteronomy 12:5 — God would choose “a place” for His Name. – Psalm 132:13 — “The LORD has chosen Zion; He has desired it for His dwelling.” • Rehoboam’s reign occurs where God has already placed His Name, underlining that kings rule on territory first claimed by God. God’s Sovereign Control of a Throne • Rehoboam “strengthened himself,” yet the chronicler makes clear that any stability he enjoyed was possible only because God allowed it. • Daniel 2:21: “He changes times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them.” • Romans 13:1: “There is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” • Even after the kingdom split, the Davidic line in Judah continues—God honoring His covenant in 2 Samuel 7:12-16 despite human failure. God’s Sovereign Discipline within Rehoboam’s Reign • Chapters 10–12 record Rehoboam’s folly, the revolt of the ten tribes, and Shishak’s invasion. Each event shows the Lord’s hand: – 10:15 — “The turn of events was from God.” – 12:5 — “Thus says the LORD… ‘You abandoned Me; therefore I abandon you.’” • Yet God also limits judgment (12:7-8). Sovereignty includes both justice and mercy. • Rehoboam’s seventeen-year rule, though reduced, demonstrates God’s measured discipline rather than annihilation. Lessons for Today • God’s sovereign choice stands, even when leaders falter. • Human effort (“strengthened himself”) never overrides divine purpose. • The same God who raises up authorities also corrects them—assuring believers that history is never out of His hands (Proverbs 21:1). |
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