Topical Encyclopedia Rehoboam, the son of Solomon and grandson of David, is a significant figure in the history of Israel, primarily known for his role in the division of the united monarchy into the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. His reign is marked by political turmoil and spiritual decline, which are often attributed to his failure to adhere to the covenantal laws established by God for the kings of Israel.Background and Reign Rehoboam ascended to the throne following the death of his father, Solomon. His mother was Naamah, an Ammonite woman (1 Kings 14:21). The beginning of Rehoboam's reign was characterized by a critical decision that led to the division of the kingdom. When the people of Israel, led by Jeroboam, requested that Rehoboam lighten the heavy burdens imposed by Solomon, Rehoboam rejected the counsel of the elders and instead followed the advice of his peers, resulting in the secession of the ten northern tribes (1 Kings 12:1-19). Incestuous Practices and Idolatry While the Bible does not explicitly state that Rehoboam himself engaged in incest, his reign is noted for the proliferation of practices that were contrary to the laws given to Israel, including those related to sexual morality. The period of Rehoboam's rule saw a significant increase in idolatry and the adoption of pagan customs, which often included incestuous practices as part of their religious rites. The influence of his mother, an Ammonite, may have contributed to the introduction of these foreign practices, as the Ammonites were known for their idolatrous worship, which sometimes included sexual immorality. Rehoboam's failure to remove the high places and his tolerance of idolatry led to spiritual corruption in Judah. The Bible records that "Judah did evil in the sight of the LORD. By the sins they committed, they provoked His jealous anger more than their fathers had done" (1 Kings 14:22). This period of moral decline included the establishment of male shrine prostitutes, which were associated with the Canaanite religious practices that often involved sexual immorality, including incestuous acts (1 Kings 14:24). Consequences and Legacy The spiritual and moral failures during Rehoboam's reign had lasting consequences for the kingdom of Judah. The introduction and tolerance of idolatrous practices, including those that may have involved incest, led to divine judgment. The Bible recounts that in the fifth year of Rehoboam's reign, Shishak, king of Egypt, attacked Jerusalem and carried off the treasures of the temple and the royal palace (1 Kings 14:25-26). This invasion was seen as a direct consequence of Judah's unfaithfulness to the covenant with God. Rehoboam's legacy is a cautionary tale of the dangers of departing from God's commandments and the societal decay that can result from the acceptance of pagan practices. His reign serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to biblical principles, particularly those concerning sexual morality, to maintain the spiritual integrity of God's people. Nave's Topical Index 2 Chronicles 11:18And Rehoboam took him Mahalath the daughter of Jerimoth the son of David to wife, and Abihail the daughter of Eliab the son of Jesse; Nave's Topical Index Library The Nations of the South-East The Historical Books. Of a Private Fast. The Instrumentality of the Wicked Employed by God, While He ... Prov. 22:06 the Duties of Parents Resources Why did God allow incest in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about abortion? | GotQuestions.org Is it wrong to have a relationship with a close relative? | GotQuestions.org Incest: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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