Topical Encyclopedia IntroductionLasciviousness, often understood as lewdness or excessive indulgence in sensual pleasures, is a term that appears in various contexts within the Bible. It is generally associated with behavior that is contrary to the moral and ethical standards set forth in Scripture. In examining the life of Rehoboam, the son of Solomon and king of Judah, we find instances that reflect the consequences of lasciviousness and its impact on leadership and the spiritual state of a nation. Rehoboam's Reign Rehoboam ascended to the throne of Israel following the death of his father, Solomon. His reign is marked by a significant event that led to the division of the united kingdom into the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. This division was partly due to Rehoboam's failure to heed wise counsel and his inclination towards harshness and indulgence. Biblical Account In 1 Kings 12 and 2 Chronicles 10, we read about Rehoboam's decision to reject the advice of the elders who served his father Solomon. Instead, he chose to follow the counsel of the young men he grew up with, leading to oppressive policies that alienated the northern tribes. This decision reflects a lack of wisdom and a propensity towards self-indulgence, which can be seen as a form of lasciviousness in leadership. Spiritual and Moral Decline Rehoboam's reign is further characterized by a spiritual and moral decline in Judah. In 1 Kings 14:22-24 , it is recorded: "Judah did evil in the sight of the LORD, and by the sins they committed they provoked His jealous anger more than their fathers had done. They also built for themselves high places, sacred pillars, and Asherah poles on every high hill and under every green tree. There were even male shrine prostitutes in the land; they imitated all the abominations of the nations that the LORD had driven out before the Israelites." This passage highlights the lasciviousness that permeated the society under Rehoboam's rule. The establishment of high places and the presence of male shrine prostitutes indicate a departure from the worship of Yahweh and an embrace of pagan practices, which often included sexual immorality as part of their rituals. Consequences of Lasciviousness The consequences of Rehoboam's lasciviousness and the nation's moral decline were severe. In 1 Kings 14:25-26 , we learn that during Rehoboam's fifth year as king, Shishak, the king of Egypt, attacked Jerusalem and carried off the treasures of the house of the LORD and the royal palace. This invasion and plundering were seen as divine judgment for the nation's sins. Lessons from Rehoboam's Life Rehoboam's life serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of lasciviousness, particularly in leadership. His failure to adhere to godly wisdom and his indulgence in practices contrary to God's commandments led to the spiritual and political weakening of his kingdom. The narrative of Rehoboam underscores the importance of righteous leadership and the need for adherence to God's laws to maintain the spiritual health of a nation. Nave's Topical Index 2 Chronicles 11:21-23And Rehoboam loved Maachah the daughter of Absalom above all his wives and his concubines: (for he took eighteen wives, and three score concubines; and begat twenty and eight sons, and three score daughters.) Nave's Topical Index Resources What is lasciviousness? | GotQuestions.orgSexual Sin ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org Questions about Sin (All) | GotQuestions.org Lasciviousness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
    |