daily bible readings

Children were seen as a blessing from the Lord. The entire OT is built upon the idea that man’s role was to fill the earth and subdue it (Genesis 1:28)

Even more so for kings and rulers. Having many children was a strategic move that gave the king stability and continuity. Rehoboam, like his father Solomon, had many sons. He strategically placed Abijah as chief prince among his brothers with a view to his becoming king. He placed other sons throughout the districts of Judah and Benjamin and to the fortified cities. Such a move of having sons all across the region would strengthen his own position and would guard against potential disloyalty. The risk of a coup d'état would be greatly minimised if the king’s sons were within ear shot.

The text regarding Rehoboam began in chapter 10 with him acting unwisely and rejecting the counsel of the elders who served with his father Solomon. Now he is pictured as wise. The text even goes so far as to say, in verse 23, that ‘he acted wisely’. Perhaps Rehoboam has learned his lesson. Perhaps he has turned the corner and is now seeking to be wise and godly. Perhaps, he has seen the need to follow Yahweh and walk in his footsteps.

God is a god who loves repentance and righteousness. He is “the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin.” Exodus 34:6–7. We can be assured that had Rehoboam changed his ways, God would have received him and loved him.

Ezekiel 18:21–24 makes this exceedingly clear. “But if a wicked man turns away from all the sins he has committed and keeps all my decrees and does what is just and right, he will surely live; he will not die. 22 None of the offenses he has committed will be remembered against him. Because of the righteous things he has done, he will live. 23 Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Sovereign Lord. Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live? 24 “But if a righteous man turns from his righteousness and commits sin and does the same detestable things the wicked man does, will he live? None of the righteous things he has done will be remembered. Because of the unfaithfulness he is guilty of and because of the sins he has committed, he will die. Again, in Ezekiel 33:12–16 we read a similar teaching. “Therefore, son of man, say to your countrymen, ‘The righteousness of the righteous man will not save him when he disobeys, and the wickedness of the wicked man will not cause him to fall when he turns from it. The righteous man, if he sins, will not be allowed to live because of his former righteousness.’ 13 If I tell the righteous man that he will surely live, but then he trusts in his righteousness and does evil, none of the righteous things he has done will be remembered; he will die for the evil he has done. 14 And if I say to the wicked man, ‘You will surely die,’ but he then turns away from his sin and does what is just and right— 15 if he gives back what he took in pledge for a loan, returns what he has stolen, follows the decrees that give life, and does no evil, he will surely live; he will not die. 16 None of the sins he has committed will be remembered against him. He has done what is just and right; he will surely live.”

Had Rehoboam learned his lesson? Has he changed for the better? Unfortunately, we read in 2 Chronicles 12:1–2, “After Rehoboam’s position as king was established and he had become strong, he and all Israel with him abandoned the law of the Lord. 2 Because they had been unfaithful to the Lord, Shishak king of Egypt attacked Jerusalem in the fifth year of King Rehoboam.”

Prayer: 

Adoration:

• Adore God that He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love and faithfulness.
• Adore God that He takes no delight in the death of the wicked.

Confession:

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

Thanks:

• Thank God that He guides and leads us through His indwelling Spirit.
• Thank God that the Word of God is available for us so readily, to teach and guide us and to keep us on the right path.

Supplication:

• Pray for the worship service tomorrow, that the Lord Almighty would be powerfully present and that He would teach us, lead us and guide us in paths of righteousness for His names’ sake.
• Pray that the Word of God would be powerful and active among us.

Discussion Questions

1. How can you explain Rehoboam’s ups and downs re humility and wisdom?
2. Considering his whole reign, what did he do that was good? What did he do that was evil?