2Ch 11:1-4 | KingComments | STEP | Rehoboam is the first king of Judah in the situation of a realm torn in two parts, of which he is the direct cause. As the chronicler intended, the history of Rehoboam as the descendant of David is described from the point of view of God’s grace. The emphasis is therefore on what is commendable with Rehoboam. We see that he 1. obeys the word of God which comes to him through the prophet ( ), 2. strengthens his kingdom by strengthening cities ( ), 3. becomes a refuge for priests and Levites of the ten tribes realm ( ) and 4. humbles himself before the LORD ( ). Rehoboam is not going to let the tearing exist ( ). He wants to subject Israel again to himself. For this he assembles a large and experienced army. However, the LORD addresses the word to “Shemaiah the man of God”, to speak His words against Rehoboam and all Israel that is in Judah and Benjamin ( ). A man of God is one who goes in God’s ways when the mass deviates. A man of God is the man or woman who acknowledges, maintains and displays God’s rights and features in a situation where these are not taken into account. Timothy in the New Testament is the only one so called ( ) and to whom Paul describes the general features of a man of God ( ). The word of the LORD forbids Rehoboam to go up against his brethren or to fight against them ( ). The reason for this does not seem to be so much that he should not start a civil war, but rather that he himself is the cause, the direct cause of the tearing. He cannot undo evil by force of arms. You cannot be used by the Lord to give exhortations to others if you need them yourself. Another reason is that this matter is from the LORD. He has allowed it, so that His word about it to Jeroboam has been fulfilled ( ). It shows that God is not overtaken by sin. This does not mean that God incites to sin. God cannot sin and does not incite anyone to sin ( ). We can apply the situation that has arisen in Israel to the present situation in the church. We see that there are factions. That God allows there to be factions is “that those who are approved may become evident among you” ( ). In the church we are not called to undo the factions and divisions. We are called “to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” ( ). We cannot make the unity of the Spirit, because it is an existing unity. We must preserve it and do so “with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart” ( ). Rehoboam and his men are so wise to listen to “the words of the LORD” from the mouth of the man of God. They don’t go against Jeroboam, but return home.

‏ 2 Chronicles 11:1-4

Introduction

Rehoboam is the first king of Judah in the situation of a realm torn in two parts, of which he is the direct cause. As the chronicler intended, the history of Rehoboam as the descendant of David is described from the point of view of God’s grace. The emphasis is therefore on what is commendable with Rehoboam. We see that he

1. obeys the word of God which comes to him through the prophet (2Chr 11:1-4),

2. strengthens his kingdom by strengthening cities (2Chr 11:5-12),

3. becomes a refuge for priests and Levites of the ten tribes realm (2Chr 11:13-17) and

4. humbles himself before the LORD (2Chr 12:5-12).

Prohibition to Fight Against Israel

Rehoboam is not going to let the tearing exist (2Chr 11:1). He wants to subject Israel again to himself. For this he assembles a large and experienced army. However, the LORD addresses the word to “Shemaiah the man of God”, to speak His words against Rehoboam and all Israel that is in Judah and Benjamin (2Chr 11:2-3).

A man of God is one who goes in God’s ways when the mass deviates. A man of God is the man or woman who acknowledges, maintains and displays God’s rights and features in a situation where these are not taken into account. Timothy in the New Testament is the only one so called (1Tim 6:11) and to whom Paul describes the general features of a man of God (2Tim 3:16-17).

The word of the LORD forbids Rehoboam to go up against his brethren or to fight against them (2Chr 11:4). The reason for this does not seem to be so much that he should not start a civil war, but rather that he himself is the cause, the direct cause of the tearing. He cannot undo evil by force of arms. You cannot be used by the Lord to give exhortations to others if you need them yourself.

Another reason is that this matter is from the LORD. He has allowed it, so that His word about it to Jeroboam has been fulfilled (1Kgs 11:31). It shows that God is not overtaken by sin. This does not mean that God incites to sin. God cannot sin and does not incite anyone to sin (Jam 1:13b).

We can apply the situation that has arisen in Israel to the present situation in the church. We see that there are factions. That God allows there to be factions is “that those who are approved may become evident among you” (1Cor 11:19). In the church we are not called to undo the factions and divisions. We are called “to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph 4:3). We cannot make the unity of the Spirit, because it is an existing unity. We must preserve it and do so “with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart” (2Tim 2:22).

Rehoboam and his men are so wise to listen to “the words of the LORD” from the mouth of the man of God. They don’t go against Jeroboam, but return home.