Here are three characters, each with a major defect before God. First there is King Jeroboam, steeped in idolatry worshiping at an illegitimate altar in the city of Bethel. Then there is the man of God sent by God to pronounce one of the most remarkable prophecies in history, naming a King Josiah three hundred years before his birth and detailing his actions, but this man of God failed to heed God’s instructions and was killed by a lion. Finally there is the old prophet of Bethel who lied him the man of God which lead to his death.
The Migraine Committee
Solomon’s son Rehoboam goes to Shechem to be crowned king of all Israel. The tribal elders from the ten northern tribes request that he lessen their taxes to which Rehoboam consults his father’s advisors who advise him to grant their request. Then Rehoboam asks his childhood friends who counsel as fools, resulting in the split up of the kingdom. The abject stupidity of Rehoboam and his friends gives any rational person a migraine. Then the new king of the northern tribes implements idolatry to keep his people from Jerusalem
Solomon’s End
Again the anger of the Lord over Solomon’s idolatrous ways is stated. God sends three enemies to menace the kingdom. An Edomite from the south, a Syrian from the north, and a Hebrew from within. The later is given the opportunity to be a great king in Israel, and God sends the prophet Ahijah to tell him. Also in this section, King David is repeatedly honored by God and the death of Solomon is recorded.
Trampling the First Commandment
The greater sins of Solomon are published in this chapter. Solomon outright disobeyed not only the first of the Ten Commandments but also the commandments given to kings in Dt 17. He not only married idolaters, but went so far as to import and subsidize idol worship for these foreign wives. He was the wisest fool.
The Deceitfulness of Riches
The Queen of Sheba had heard of Solomon’s fame but doubted that it was true. So she decided to go see for herself, along with a very large entourage. What she saw and experienced literally took her breath away. But was Yahweh truly glorified, did she come away with truth? Nothing from Solomon’s wealth has survived.