The Kings Of Judah - Rehoboam (931-913 B.C.)

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                         "THE KINGS OF JUDAH"

                        Rehoboam (931-913 B.C.)

INTRODUCTION

1. Though Christians live under the NT, the OT is of great value...
   a. It was written for our learning - Ro 15:4
   b. It was written for our admonition - 1Co 10:11

2. This is certainly true regarding the history of the kings of
   Judah...
   a. The line of kings descended from David and Solomon
   b. Who ruled the southern kingdom of Judah from 931-586 B.C.
   c. A mixture of good and evil kings, with life lessons suitable for
      all

3. This series of lessons will focus on their history as recorded in
   2nd Chronicles...
   a. Unlike 2nd Kings, it does not switch back and forth with Israel's
      kings
   b. But focuses more on the religious implications of Judah's kings
   c. Perhaps because as traditionally understood it was written by
      Ezra the priest

[Due to idolatry that arose during the reign of Solomon, the united
kingdom of Israel was split into two: Israel and Judah (1Ki 11:1-13). 
The split occurred during the reign of Solomon's son, Rehoboam...]

I. LIFE OF REHOBOAM

   A. HIS PARENTAGE...
      1. His father was Solomon - 2Ch 9:31
      2. His mother was Naamah, an Ammonitess, who may have influenced
         Solomon and Israel to worship Milcom the abomination of the 
         Ammonites  - cf. 2Ch 12:13; 1Ki 11:1,5; 14:21-24

   B. THE BEGINNING OF HIS REIGN...
      1. He was 41 when he began to reign - cf. 2Ch 12:13
      2. Went to Shechem to become king of all Israel - 2Ch 10:1
      3. Arrogance and foolish advice led to a rebellion by Jeroboam 
         - 2Ch 10:2-19
      4. Prevented by the Lord from reuniting Israel, he built up Judah
         - 2Ch 11:1-12
      5. Priests and Levites from all Israel came to Jerusalem,
         strengthening Rehoboam for three years as they walked in the 
         ways of David and Solomon - 2Ch 11:13-17
      6. He had 18 wives, 60 concubines, 28 sons and 60 daughters - 2Ch
         11:18-21
      7. His son Abijah was prepared to be his successor, other sons
         cared for - 2Ch 11:22-23

   C. HIS FALL AND PARTIAL RESTORATION...
      1. Established and strong, Rehoboam and Israel forsook the Lord 
         - 2Ch 12:1
      2. Shishak king of Egypt took the fortified cities of Judah and
         came up against Jerusalem (925 B.C.) - 2Ch 12:2-4
      3. Shemaiah the prophet explains it was because they forsook the
         Lord - 2Ch 12:5
      4. The leaders of Israel and Rehoboam humble themselves - 2Ch
         12:6
      5. The Lord acknowledges their humility, but grants only partial
         deliverance - 2Ch 12:7-12

   D. THE END OF HIS REIGN...
      1. He reigned 17 years in Jerusalem - 2Ch 12:13
      2. He did evil because he did not prepare his heart to seek the
         Lord - 2Ch 12:14
      3. There was constant war between Rehoboam (Judah) and Jeroboam
         (Israel) - 2Ch 12:15
      4. Buried in the City of David, his son Abijah reigned in his
         place - 2Ch 12:16

[As one looks back and reflects on the life and reign of Rehoboam, there
are lessons to be learned...]

II. LESSONS FROM REHOBOAM

   A. HEEDING ADVICE...
      1. Rehoboam followed the advice of his younger counselors - 2Ch
         10:13-14
      2. Rehoboam was 41 when he became king, so his friends were
         likely the same age
      3. Even so, Rehoboam rejected the counsel of more aged,
         experienced men

   B. HUMAN WILL AND GOD'S WILL...
      1. Rehoboam's decision actually contributed to God's plan - 2Ch
         10:15
      2. Amid all the human decisions, God's decision is being carried
         through, as was the case with the hardening of Pharaoh's heart
         (Exo 4:21; 7:3-4,13) - ESV SB
      3. God can use man's sinful desires to accomplish His own will 
         - e.g., Ac 2:23

   C. THE VALUE OF SERVING GOD...
      1. Rehoboam and Judah grew strong for three years - 2Ch 11:17
      2. The reason?  They served God, like David and Solomon had
      3. Jesus promised God's providential care if we put Him first 
         - cf. Mt 6:33

   D. THE ARROGANCE OF SUCCESS...
      1. His success led Rehoboam to forsake God - 2Ch 12:1
      2. For this reason God brought Shishak of Egypt against Israel 
         - 2Ch 12:2,5
      3. When we are successful, we should not be arrogant - cf. 1Ti
         6:17-19

   E. THE VALUE OF HUMILITY...
      1. Rehoboam and the leaders of Israel humbled themselves - 2Ch
         12:6
      2. Their humility led to deliverance - 2Ch 12:7
      3. God gives grace to those who humble themselves - 1Pe 5:5-7

   F. THE CONSEQUENCES OF SIN...
      1. Rehoboam and Israel found deliverance, but with limitations 
         - 2Ch 12:8-12,15
      2. We can find forgiveness, but sometimes suffer consequences
         (e.g., STDs, alcoholism)

CONCLUSION

1. So begins our study of the kings of Judah...
   a. Rehoboam demonstrated both good and bad qualities
   b. When he did evil, it was because he did not prepare his heart to
      seek the Lord - 2Ch 12:14

2. Will we learn anything from our study of the kings of Judah...?
   a. We have seen already there is much that can be learned
   b. But we must prepare our own hearts to seek the Lord to truly
      benefit from this study!
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