In Today's Scripture Reading:
Solomon's death; ten tribes revolt; Jeroboam rebuked by an unnamed prophet; death of the disobedient prophet
King Solomon was buried in the city of David his father (I Kings 11:43). His son Rehoboam inherited power and a treasury full of wealth; however, Solomon left the kingdom morally and spiritually bankrupt. Jeroboam and all the congregation of Israel came, and spake unto Rehoboam, saying, Thy father made our yoke grievous (harsh, hard): now therefore make . . . his heavy yoke which he put upon us, lighter, and we will serve thee (12:3-4).
King Rehoboam consulted with the old men . . . and said, How do ye advise that I may answer this people? And they spake unto him, saying, If thou . . . this day . . . speak good words to them, then they will be thy servants for ever. But he forsook the counsel of the old men, which they had given him, and consulted with the young men that were grown up with him, and which stood before (served) him (12:6-8).
Note that Rehoboam said to the wise old men: How do ye advise? But, he said to his newly-appointed cabinet of young friends: What counsel (advice) give ye that we may answer this people? (12:9). Taking the young men's counsel, Rehoboam foolishly threatened the nation with additional taxes and even more cruel treatment. This blunder caused the people to rebel and declare a new king: And it came to pass. . . . all Israel . . . made him (Jeroboam) king (12:19-20).
Jeroboam provided his new northern kingdom with two more convenient places of worship located at Bethel in the south and Dan in the north. This violated the Word of God that clearly commanded that all worship sacrifices must be conducted at the Temple in Jerusalem. And He shall give Israel up because of the sins of Jeroboam, who did sin, and who made Israel to sin (14:16).
A similar departure from the fundamental doctrines of the Word of God is prevalent today. Pitiful as this is, some people neglect to read His Word and simply do not know the difference between God's truth and religious traditions or political correctness. Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening (greedy) wolves. . . . Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven (Matthew 7:15,21).
Word Studies:
12:14 scorpions =courges with sharp points; 12:32 high places =agan shrines; 13:6 intreat =lead in prayer; 13:32 cried =houted, declared.
Christ Portrayed:
Through Shemaiah who spoke for the Lord (I Kings 12:22). Jesus spoke only what the Father told Him. All things that I have heard of My Father I have made known unto you (John 15:15).
Prayer Needs:
Pray for The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by Mr. & Mr. V.R. Stuebing, Jr. Staff: Benjamin Wallace Country: Oman (2 million) on the southeastern coast of Arabia Major languages: Arabic and English Fewer restrictions on Christian activity than most of its neighbors 97% Muslim; .5% Christian Prayer Suggestion: Pray that your life will always be pleasing to God (John 8:29).
Optional Reading: Acts 27
Memory Verse for the Week: I John 2:4