daily bible readings

Satan’s plan of divide and conquer has worked for many millennia. Even today he used the same strategy to conquer churches and to reduce their gospel effectiveness to almost zero.

Divide and conquer seemed to work in ancient Israel as well. It is somewhat clear that God is with the Southern tribes and not with the Northern tribes. Rehoboam engages in a building and strengthening program that is common for those kings that have the blessing of the Lord.

The Chronicler lists the building and enforcement program of Rehoboam, indicating that the Lord was with him. 2 Chronicles 11:5–12, “Rehoboam lived in Jerusalem and built up towns for defense in Judah: 6 Bethlehem, Etam, Tekoa, 7 Beth Zur, Soco, Adullam, 8 Gath, Mareshah, Ziph, 9 Adoraim, Lachish, Azekah, 10 Zorah, Aijalon and Hebron. These were fortified cities in Judah and Benjamin. 11 He strengthened their defences and put commanders in them, with supplies of food, olive oil and wine. 12 He put shields and spears in all the cities, and made them very strong. So Judah and Benjamin were his.“

The text is very pro-Rehoboam and makes only a passing comment on Jeroboam. The pro-Rehoboam stance is clearly seen in the actions of the priests. We read in 2 Chronicles 11:13–17, “The priests and Levites from all their districts throughout Israel sided with him. 14 The Levites even abandoned their pasturelands and property, and came to Judah and Jerusalem because Jeroboam and his sons had rejected them as priests of the Lord. … 6 Those from every tribe of Israel who set their hearts on seeking the Lord, the God of Israel, followed the Levites to Jerusalem to offer sacrifices to the Lord, the God of their fathers. 17 They strengthened the kingdom of Judah and supported Rehoboam son of Solomon three years, walking in the ways of David and Solomon during this time.”

The astute reader would have noticed very quickly that verse 15 was omitted. The verses printed are clearly pro-Jerusalem and pro Judah. Verse 15 is pro Judah only in as much as it is anti-Northern Israel. Verse 15 speaks of evil of the Northern tribes. 2 Chronicles 11:15 “And he appointed his own priests for the high places and for the goat and calf idols he had made.”

Again, the astute reader will see many heinous sins listed in this one, almost throw-away verse. Jeroboam appointed his own priests. Rather than following the Law of Yahweh and appointing priests from the tribe of the Levites, Jeroboam appointed the priests as he saw fit. He rejected the standard of God and did as he pleased.

Even worse, Jeroboam appointed another place of worship other than Jerusalem and built golden calves and goats for the people to bow down to and worship. Jeroboam simply continued the sin of the people that God had warned the against so regularly in the past. Jeroboam wilfully led his people down the pathway of sin and idolatry.

The two kingdoms were a part of God’s plan. From the Southern Kingdom of Judah, the Saviour would come. The Lamb of God would be born to the house of Judah. The Saviour of the world would come from the Southern tribes.

Satan’s plan of divide and conquer was at work in ancient Israel. But, ultimately, God’s plan was fulfilled. No plan of God’s can be thwarted by human or spiritual agencies. Even today, as the church lives in a foreign and somewhat hostile culture, the plans of God cannot be thwarted even though the evil one is seeking to divide and conquer. 

Prayer: 

Adoration:

• Adore God that He is so sovereign and so powerful that no plan of His can be thwarted.
• Adore God that He is totally in control of all events, both big and small, and that He works all things for the good of those who love Him.

Confession:

• Take time to confess your sins to the Lord and to ask for His forgiveness.

Thanks:

• Thank God that the evil one’s plan of divide and conquer will never succeed.
• Thank God that He loves you and works what is best for you in all things.

Supplication:

• Pray that our youth would grow strong in Christ and that they would be faithful in all things.
• Pray for growth in the youth group as they share their faith and seek to make disciples of all nations.

Discussion Questions

1. What in the text tells you that God was with Rehoboam and not with Jeroboam?
2. Why does the Chronicler report on the actions of the priests and Levites?
3. What do you learn about God in these verses?