Of the four kings mentioned in this chapter only one (Asa) did not turn to idols and reject God. Yet even Asa, with all that he did, in the end he stubbornly resisted Yahweh, even jailed a prophet for rebuking him. This chapter gives us the conflict between King Asa in Judah and King Baasha in Israel. Asa, instead of turning to Yahweh for help went to the king of Syria and while he gained victory with men God was displeased.
Heedless Kings
The son of the idolatrous King Jeroboam became sick and instead of repenting and petitioning Yahweh, he had his wife disguise herself and go to the prophet Ahijah to seek help. The prophet saw through her disguise, said that the child was the only good on in their house and that God would take him, then he sent her home. The death of Jeroboam is then posted as well as King Rehoboam, both preferred false gods.
City of Defects
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.
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