2 Chronicles 12:13

Thus King Rehoboam established himself in Jerusalem. He was forty-one years old when he became king, and he reigned seventeen years in Jerusalem, the city the LORD had chosen from all the tribes of Israel in which to put His Name. His mother's name was Naamah the Ammonite.

Study Bible

Thus King Rehoboam established himself in Jerusalem and reigned.
Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, became king after Solomon's death. His reign marked the beginning of the divided kingdom, as the ten northern tribes broke away to form Israel under Jeroboam. Jerusalem, the capital of Judah, remained the center of Rehoboam's rule. The phrase "established himself" suggests a period of consolidation and securing his position, despite the initial rebellion and loss of the northern tribes.

He was forty-one years old when he became king,
Rehoboam's age at ascension indicates a level of maturity and experience, yet his early decisions, particularly his harsh response to the people's request for lighter burdens, led to the division of the kingdom. His age contrasts with the youthful inexperience often associated with poor leadership decisions, highlighting the complexity of his character and reign.

and he reigned seventeen years in Jerusalem,
Rehoboam's seventeen-year reign was marked by conflict and instability, including invasions by Egypt under Pharaoh Shishak. Despite these challenges, he maintained control over Judah and Benjamin. The duration of his reign reflects a period of relative stability in Jerusalem, even as the kingdom faced external threats and internal strife.

the city the LORD had chosen from all the tribes of Israel in which to put His Name.
Jerusalem holds a special place in biblical history as the city chosen by God for His temple, symbolizing His presence among His people. This divine selection underscores the city's spiritual significance and the centrality of worship in the life of Israel. The temple in Jerusalem was a focal point for the Israelites, representing God's covenant and His dwelling among them.

His mother’s name was Naamah the Ammonite.
Naamah's identity as an Ammonite highlights the complex intermarriages within the royal family, which sometimes led to the introduction of foreign influences and idolatry. The Ammonites were descendants of Lot and often in conflict with Israel. Her presence in the royal lineage reflects the broader cultural and political interactions between Israel and its neighbors, as well as the potential for religious syncretism.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Rehoboam
The son of Solomon and king of Judah, known for his role in the division of the united kingdom of Israel.

2. Jerusalem
The city chosen by God to place His Name, serving as the political and spiritual center of Israel.

3. Naamah the Ammonite
Rehoboam's mother, highlighting the influence of foreign alliances and marriages in Israel's history.

4. The LORD's Choice
God's selection of Jerusalem as the city for His Name, emphasizing divine sovereignty and purpose.

5. Rehoboam's Reign
His reign lasted seventeen years, marked by challenges and the need for strengthening his position.

Teaching Points

Divine Sovereignty and Human Leadership
Recognize that God’s choice of Jerusalem reflects His sovereign will and purpose. Leaders should seek to align with God's plans rather than their own ambitions.

The Influence of Family and Heritage
Rehoboam's background, including his mother’s identity, reminds us of the lasting impact of family and heritage. We should be mindful of the influences we allow into our lives and families.

Strengthening Our Position in Faith
Just as Rehoboam needed to strengthen his position, believers are called to fortify their faith through prayer, study, and community.

The Importance of Obedience to God’s Choice
Jerusalem was chosen by God, and obedience to His choice is crucial. We should seek to honor God’s decisions in our lives, trusting His wisdom.

Learning from Past Mistakes
Rehoboam’s reign was marked by challenges due to earlier decisions. We should learn from past mistakes and seek God’s guidance to avoid repeating them.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the choice of Jerusalem as the city for God's Name influence our understanding of God's plans for His people?

2. In what ways can we strengthen our spiritual position, similar to how Rehoboam strengthened his position in Jerusalem?

3. How does the influence of family and heritage play a role in our spiritual journey, as seen in Rehoboam's life?

4. What lessons can we learn from Rehoboam's reign about the importance of aligning our leadership and decisions with God's will?

5. How can we apply the principle of learning from past mistakes in our own lives, drawing from Rehoboam's experiences?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 11:36
This verse highlights God's promise to maintain a lamp for David's lineage in Jerusalem, connecting to the divine choice of the city.

Deuteronomy 12:5
This passage speaks of God's choice of a place for His Name, reinforcing the significance of Jerusalem.

1 Kings 14:21
Provides additional context on Rehoboam's reign and his mother's identity, linking to the broader account of his kingship.

Psalm 132:13-14
Expresses God's love for Zion (Jerusalem) and His desire to dwell there, underscoring the city's spiritual importance.