Topical Bible: Government: God In in Dividing the Jewish Nation Into Two Different Countries

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The division of the Jewish nation into two separate kingdoms, Israel and Judah, is a significant event in biblical history, illustrating God's sovereignty and judgment. This division occurred during the reign of Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, and is recorded in the books of 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles.

Background and Context

The united monarchy of Israel reached its zenith under King Solomon, who was renowned for his wisdom, wealth, and extensive building projects, including the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. However, Solomon's later years were marked by idolatry and disobedience to God's commandments, as he allowed the worship of foreign gods introduced by his many wives (1 Kings 11:1-8). This apostasy led to God's pronouncement of judgment upon Solomon's house.

Divine Judgment and Prophecy

God's decision to divide the kingdom was communicated through the prophet Ahijah to Jeroboam, a servant of Solomon. Ahijah tore a new garment into twelve pieces, symbolizing the twelve tribes of Israel, and gave ten pieces to Jeroboam, signifying that he would rule over ten tribes (1 Kings 11:29-31). This act was a direct consequence of Solomon's failure to remain faithful to God. The Lord declared, "I will do this because they have forsaken Me and worshiped Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, Chemosh the god of Moab, and Molech the god of the Ammonites" (1 Kings 11:33).

The Division of the Kingdom

Upon Solomon's death, his son Rehoboam ascended to the throne. The people of Israel, burdened by heavy taxation and forced labor under Solomon, requested relief from Rehoboam. Ignoring the counsel of the elders, Rehoboam chose to follow the advice of his peers, responding harshly to the people's plea (1 Kings 12:13-14). This decision led to the rebellion of the northern tribes, who declared, "What portion do we have in David? We have no inheritance in the son of Jesse" (1 Kings 12:16). Consequently, the kingdom was divided, with Jeroboam ruling over the northern kingdom of Israel and Rehoboam retaining control over the southern kingdom of Judah.

God's Sovereignty and Purpose

The division of the kingdom was not merely a political or social upheaval but a fulfillment of God's sovereign will. The Lord affirmed this through the prophet Shemaiah, who instructed Rehoboam not to fight against the northern tribes, stating, "This is My doing" (1 Kings 12:24). This division served as a means of divine discipline, highlighting the consequences of disobedience and idolatry.

Theological Implications

The division of Israel into two kingdoms underscores several theological themes. It demonstrates God's faithfulness to His covenant, as He preserved the line of David in Judah despite the nation's unfaithfulness. It also illustrates the principle of divine retribution, where national sin leads to national consequences. Furthermore, the division set the stage for the prophetic ministries that would arise in both kingdoms, calling the people back to covenant faithfulness.

In summary, the division of the Jewish nation into Israel and Judah was a pivotal moment orchestrated by God, reflecting His justice, sovereignty, and ongoing redemptive plan for His people.

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1 Kings 11:13
However, I will not rend away all the kingdom; but will give one tribe to your son for David my servant's sake, and for Jerusalem's sake which I have chosen.
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1 Kings 12:1-24
And Rehoboam went to Shechem: for all Israel were come to Shechem to make him king.
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2 Chronicles 10:15
So the king listened not to the people: for the cause was of God, that the LORD might perform his word, which he spoke by the hand of Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam the son of Nebat.
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2 Chronicles 11:4
Thus said the LORD, You shall not go up, nor fight against your brothers: return every man to his house: for this thing is done of me. And they obeyed the words of the LORD, and returned from going against Jeroboam.
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2 Chronicles 22:7
And the destruction of Ahaziah was of God by coming to Joram: for when he was come, he went out with Jehoram against Jehu the son of Nimshi, whom the LORD had anointed to cut off the house of Ahab.
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Library

A Clearing-Up Storm in the Realm
... active taking of the reins of government has intensified ... Constantinople sits on the
dividing line between East ... Such is God's gracious patience and longsuffering ...
/.../vi a clearing-up storm in the.htm

The Fourth vision "In Heaven"
... do not go beyond the question of the Government of the ... We thus see what come of not
"rightly dividing the word ... on the catching up of the child to God and His ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the fourth vision in heaven.htm

Egypt
... BC1503-1449) made Canaan an Egyptian province, dividing it into ... In the south the
government was practically in the ... the odours of Punt." And the god is finally ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter v egypt.htm

Analysis of the Westminster Confession.
... subject of the independence and self-government of the ... Several members were opposed
to dividing the one, all ... Declaring first from what things God would have us ...
/.../creeds of christendom with a history and critical notes/ 95 analysis of the.htm

Seances Historiques De Geneve --The National Church.
... of institutions and methods of government connected, or ... in the earth, even to the
dividing families, two ... proved consentaneous to the Word of God' according to ...
/.../seances historiques de genevethe national.htm

On the Interpretation of Scripture
... or knowledge; it has nothing to do with the Roman government or the Jewish priesthood,
or with ... of them are often made, and the kingdom of God becomes the ...
/.../on the interpretation of scripture.htm

A Traveler's Note-Book
... will on public affairs, especially on the government of the ... the religious and patriotic
scruples of his Jewish subject ... devotion to the Law of their God, and had ...
/.../merriam/the chief end of man/iii a travelers note-book.htm

The First vision "On Earth"
... Romanism, not rightly dividing the Dispensations, presses such Scriptures as ... shall
Jerusalem be the centre of God's presence and government, and glory ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the first vision on earth.htm

Ancient Chaldaea
... come before us, as forming one single nation, imbued with ... that by an order of the
god, Xisuthros, before ... of the ark has passed into Jewish tradition concerning ...
/.../chapter iancient chaldaea.htm

Fifthly, as this Revelation, to the Judgment of Right and Sober ...
... itself, and with the state of the Jewish and Christian ... ever, and of the increase
of whose government and peace ... Christ proved himself to be sent of God gave him ...
/.../xiv proposition xiv fifthly as.htm