Let me summarize what is going to happen in the rest of 1 Kings and 2 Kings because 1 Kings 12 begins a new era: The era of the divided kingdom, with Israel in the north retaining 10 tribes and Judah in the south, with 2 tribes (Judah and Benjamin.)
The divide sets the stage for ongoing conflict, rebellion, decline and captivity. The crux of all we will read is right their in the center…
Conflict Division Rebellion Decline Captivity
- There will be Conflict amongst God’s people.
- There will be a Division in the nation of Israel.
- God’s people will Rebel against God.
- Both kingdoms will Decline without God.
- The people will be carried off into captivity.
Rebellion is the heart of Israel’s decline. Each of the 2 kingdom’s will rebel. The northern kingdom of Israel’s will be taken captive by the Assyrians in 2 Kings 17. The southern kingdom of Judah will be taken captive by the Babylonians in 2 Kings 24.
When we finish the books of kings, the kings will have led God’s people right back where they started: Into slavery. And very much in need of a savior.
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The ultimate sin in Israel’s journey from conflict to division to rebellion to decline to captivity — was a lack of repentance. Israel could have turned, but they didn’t. As a result, there were consequences. The lesson for us is that, rebellion without repentance leads to captivity. It may not look like the kind of captivity Israel experienced, but it will be devastating just the same.
If you think about it, there are probably people in your life right now being held captive, spiritually or emotionally in guilt or unworthiness. Or physically captive in substance abuse or pornography. Or relationally captive, isolated, and alone. Captivity is still very much the plan of the Enemy.
In this episode, we will begin the rotation of the first two kings in the North and South. This episode will focus on Rehoboam, Solomon’s son, as king over Judah, the southern kingdom. And Jeroboam, from the tribe of Ephraim, king over the new Israel or northern kingdom.
Scene 1: The Conflict Between Rehoboam and Jeroboam
Scene 2: The Division Between Israel and Judah
In Scene 3: The Northern Kingdom’s First King Jeroboam Sets the Precedent for Doing Evil
Verses Mentioned:
- Joshua 8: 32-35
- Matthew 11:28-29
- John 1:29
- Revelation 11:15
- Genesis 3:15
- Genesis 22:15-18
- 2 Samuel 7
Show Notes Mentioned:
Kings of Israel
The author of this article is Hayley Mowatt, producer of Bible Book Club podcast.
