Things Fall Apart
Ch 11 v1-13
I almost titled the theme of this chapter study “Solomon’s End” and I saw that the scripture had already done that by titling it “Solomon’s Wives.” It’s sad to see the author give a direct reference to God’s decree against marrying women from those countries (v2). It leaves no doubt that Solomon knew he was doing something wrong. I thought this guy was supposed to be wise…
Before I pass a bunch of judgment, don’t we all do things we know, without a doubt, are wrong? We see evidence in the upcoming chapters of the punishment that comes down on Israel, Solomon, and more. Don’t we deserve the same? Before agreeing wholeheartedly, think about the things you do that hurt God. It’s hard but we all need to make changes to avoid Solomon’s folly and follow God’s desires.
Verses 3 and 4 should not be interpreted as misogynic, much like we shouldn’t blame Eve for leading Adam to eat the forbidden fruit. We all have the sole responsibility of doing the right thing. None of it can be another’s responsibility. Take this opportunity to steel your hearts against anyone that may influence you or lead you against what God wants from you.
And lastly, we see that God is faithful in his promises. David’s family will continue to reign, even if it is in a lesser role. This is so important to our faith, for we count on God’s promise of forgiveness and grace for our salvation.
v14-25
Israel has become powerful and prosperous in the relative past. Its enemies are chomping at the bit to get some revenge/riches/power/you name it. God merely opens the gate to the pasture. Verse 23 says “God raised up…another adversary” but also “Rezon was Israel’s adversary as long as Solomon lived” so God didn’t even have to create any enemies. He just quit protecting Israel. Sometimes I’ve felt that loss of protection, and I hate it.
v26-43
“Jeroboam Rebels Against Solomon” titles this passage in my bible. Really it’s more that “Jeroboam Unites With God When Solomon Made a Mess of Things.” Also, don’t all the power plays in Israel through the last few books come from God through prophets? Those guys have the real power. Just a thought.
Ch 12 v1-24
Rehoboam becomes King and Jeroboam knows it’s his role. He goes about claiming the throne in an interesting way: by requesting to serve Rehoboam (as long as he can be just and fair). So Rehoboam takes the advice (ill advice) of his high school buddies, refuses that offer, and it eventually causes 10 of the tribes to split away under King Jeroboam. IRONY ALERT. God definitely has a sense of humor. This could have gone down countless ways, but this way humiliates Rehoboam and serves God’s will. Also: fun.
I’m not sure why Rehoboam ends up obeying God in verse 24. It seems different from his previous M.O.
v25-33
Jeroboam had it all going for him: the backing of a prophet, God’s desire for his reign, the hearts of the people, and then he goes and does THIS. These golden calf idols and his new nation’s religion are a serious kick of dirt in the face of God.
A lot of advice and influence is portioned out in these previous chapters. Some of it was good, most of it was bad. It’s okay to take advice, but we all need to make sure the advice giver has a good frame of reference (God and His desires) and avoid a sinful heart’s desires of power, wealth, etc. I hope the upcoming chapters turn out better for God’s people, because these two sent it down in a bad way.