Day #176

Sermon - Audio
2 Chronicles 10-12 - Audio
2 Chronicles 10-12 - Reading

Daily Insights - Please Comment

• 2 Chronicles 10.1: The Chronicler points out that the default mode of all Israel was to make Rehoboam king. The position was not his to gain, it was his to lose.

• 10.4: This encounter will be a test of wisdom. Will Rehoboam be like his father who ruled the people with justice and righteousness or will he be a fool and seek to rule them as a petty dictator. The writer begins to show us the difference between a godly king of the covenant and an ungodly or foolish king in these verses.

• 10.8: In the understanding of the scriptures, Rehoboam abandons wisdom and goes with fools and foolishness.

• 10.15: This verse is an interesting insertion. It references the incident recorded in 1 Kings 11.29-39 which speaks of Solomon’s failures, as the reason the kingdom will be divided. The Chronicler reminds his readers not only that this division is God’s doing, he also reminds them that his picture of Solomon’s reign was not complete.

• 10.17: The Chronicler’s desire that the Davidic dynasty be seen as ruling over all of Israel is again seen here. The promise of God for the people of Israel will come through David’s throne, not some other.

• Chronicles 11.1-17: After a shaky start, Rehoboam listens to God, building his kingdom and finds a time of security. Sadly, this time will last only three years.

• 11.2: Already in this verse we find that Rehoboam rules over people from all the tribes or all Israel. There is never a time when a descendent of David rules over only the people of Judah.

• 11.4: God reminds the king that those he would fight against were his own flesh and blood. In a strong contrast to the foolishness of his first actions, we find a wise king who listens to the word of the LORD.

• 11.5-12: The cities that are built protect Judah from the east, west, and south—but not from the north. It is an indication that the Chronicler sees the Northern tribes not as a threat but as part of a broken family. The cities that are built serve as protection from Egypt. It might be that Rehoboam feared an attack when word reached Egypt of the national split.

• 11.13-16: The kingdom of Judah is strengthened by the coming of faithful priests from the North. As we come to the end of these verses we basically have a mini-Israel represented in the land of Judah. We also have a full number of faithful Levities who can carry out the temple duties. This is an important thing to the Chronicler who puts a strong emphasis on worship.

• 11.17: A summary statement that reflects the wholeness and hope of the kingdom as the people followed God. But the use of the number three tells us that something is about to happen/change.

• Chronicles 12.1: We will see this pattern over and over again in the book of Chronicles. Good years blessed by God lead kings to pride and an abandoning of God.

• 12.1: “and all Israel with him” These words tell us that Rehoboam is ruling over people from every tribe. The Davidic dynasty remains responsible for the faithfulness of all the tribes.

• 12.2-4: All the strength of the cities that Rehoboam has built up means nothing because God has sent a nation to punish Judah. Judah’s strength finally does not come from arms, but from God. Rehoboam forgot this truth.

• 12.5: God has given his people over for punishment in accord with the stipulations of the covenant. Such punishment is not intended, however, to simply make people pay for their wrong. Rather, punishment is intended to draw people back to God. Punishment or discipline in the church is to reflect the same goal. We discipline in order to draw people back to God.

• 12.9: While God had blessed and given the people wonderful gifts, the king of Egypt takes things away. It is a powerful contrast.

• 12.10: Rehoboam has to settle for cheap imitations. His rebellion against God has bankrupted him. Such a bankrupting reflects the original loss that happens in the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve give up the riches of God.