2 Chronicles 10:1-19
Q.1. Why did the people want an easing of the burdens? What do you think of King Rehoboam’s strategy after he ascended the throne of Solomon? – (2 Chr.10:1-14)
Solomon had brought Israel to its Zenith. However, building and fortifying the cities had been extremely demanding on the people. With the passing of Solomon, they longed to be able to enjoy the fruits of their labours. There was unrest in the outlining tribes. Jeroboam stepped into the breach to broker a better deal for these tribes, in order to serve Rehoboam (2 Chr.10:3-4). He then sought the advice of two groups – the elders who advised him to ease the burdens on the people, and also his young friends who gave opposing advice – 10 … Thus you shall say to the people who spoke to you, saying, Your father made our yoke heavy, but you make it lighter for us …My little finger is thicker than my father’s loins! 11 Whereas my father loaded you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke; my father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions.’ (2 Chr.10:10-11). Not surprisingly, most of Israel rebelled. Unfortunately, Rehoboam’s power caused him to be proud, and – … he forsook the counsel of the elders which they had given him … (2 Chr.10:8).
Q.2. What was behind the harsh ruling of Rehoboam? What was the result of the consultation? Who was Ahijah, and who was Jeroboam? – (2 Chr.10:15-19 c.f. 2 Chr.9:29; 1 Kgs. 11:26-40)
We err when we fail the see the hand of God in the attitudes, actions, and reactions of those around us, The writer informed us – So the king did not listen to the people, for it was a turn of events from God that the Lord might establish His word, which He spoke through Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam the son of Nebat (2 Chr.10:15). Beyond what people do, God is achieving His over-arching purpose for us all. Because Solomon had turned from the Lord, God had informed him – 11 … “Because you have done this, and you have not kept My covenant and My statutes, which I have commanded you, I will surely tear the kingdom from you, and will give it to your servant. 12 Nevertheless I will not do it in your days for the sake of your father David, but I will tear it out of the hand of your son. 13 However, I will not tear away all the kingdom, but I will give one tribe to your son for the sake of My servant David and for the sake of Jerusalem which I have chosen.”(1 Kgs.11:11-13). This was repeated by the prophet Ahijah to Jeroboam, who had rebelled against Solomon (1 Kgs.11:29-36). He was offered a lasting dynasty like that of David – 37 I will take you, and you shall reign over whatever you desire, and you shall be king over Israel. 38 Then it will be, that if you listen to all that I command you and walk in My ways and do what is right in My sight by observing My statutes and My commandments, as My servant David did, then I will be with you and build you an enduring house as I built for David, and I will give Israel to you (1 Kgs 11:37-38). Sadly, Jeroboam would lead the nation in a downward spiral away from the Lord to a degree from which the nine and a half northern tribes would never recover.