Yesterday, we saw that Solomon allowed his heart to be turned away from God to idols in order to please his many foreign wives. He thus made himself liable to God’s proclaimed judgment if he failed to have a heart that was fully devoted to God (1 Kings 9:3–7). Although the kingdom was not divided before Solomon’s death for David’s sake, the seeds of anarchy and division were beginning to grow (1 Kings 11:26).
When Solomon died, his son Rehoboam took the throne but failed to seek advice from God. Instead, he took counsel with some of the young men who apparently had no thought of seeking God’s guidance either. As a result of his harsh response to the people, the kingdom of Israel was divided. Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, became king of the 10 northern tribes of Israel leaving only Judah and Benjamin for Rehoboam. He failed to keep the people of Judah under control and allowed them to worship foreign gods and institute vile practices, including having shrine prostitutes thus incurring God’s wrath.
In today’s reading, we also have the account of the evil rule of Jeroboam who cast two golden calves and set up altars for the 10 northern tribes to worship. Because of this, God sent him a message saying: “You have done more evil than all who lived before you. You have made for yourself other gods, idols made of metal; you have aroused my anger and turned your back on me.” God continues with a message of judgment: “Because of this, I am going to bring disaster on the house of Jeroboam. I will cut off from Jeroboam every last male in Israel — slave or free. I will burn up the house of Jeroboam as one burns dung, until it is all gone” (1 Kings 14:9–10).
The Scripture is clear — God has not changed — he will judge our sin. If we have a divided heart and do not follow God wholeheartedly we are liable before God and will be judged by him.
“Teach me your way, LORD, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name” (Psalm 86:11, NIV).
Rev. Bill Monroe
Extended Scripture: 1 Kings 12–14 (NIV)
