Rehoboam - pt. 1

Bible Character Study  •  Sermon  •  Submitted   •  Presented   •  45:50
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Introduction

I began to name this the ‘Bible Person Study’, but chose to go with the ‘Bible Character Study’. I hesitated to name it that, as I don’t want to diminish the fact that these are real people we’ll be examining. But the reason that it’s named the Bible Character Study is because we’ll be focusing on the person’s character throughout. But don’t forget that these were real people, with real lives that made real choices that had real consequences.

I. Rehoboam’s Nature

((What is their History / Background?)
Son of Solomon
…and a Heathen Woman (1Ki. 14:21;31; 2Chr. 12:13)
Out of the 700 wives and 300 concubines, the only wife of Solomon that was named was Naamah (NAY uh muh). The other descriptor that we get of this woman is that she was an Ammonitess. This means that she was from a people who were constantly a thorn in the side of God’s people - and one who didn’t worship the God of Heaven.
The Bible tells us of Solomon: 1 Kings 11:1–2 “But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites; Of the nations concerning which the Lord said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love.”
Notice that out of all these women, no Jewish, God-fearing women are mentioned.
The heir to the throne was one that was spawned from a heathen who knew not God.
Son of Solomon & a Heathen Woman
Fourth King of Israel; First King of Judah (1Ki. 11:43; 12:16)
Technically, Solomon wasn’t the last king of the united kingdom, as Rehoboam reigned for at least 3 days - but not much more if any.
He would be the first of the divided kingdoms - what would be known as the southern tribe of Judah and the northern tribe of Israel.
Reigned for 17 years (1Ki. 14:21)
Before him was Saul, David & Solomon reigning for 40 years each, his is only 17.
He ascended the throne at 41, which has him dying at 58 years old. Not very old if you ask me…
During the time of Jeroboam, King of Israel
As we go through the kings of Israel & Judah, we’ll be sometimes lumping kings together and otherwise alone - but we always want to recognize what was going on with the entirety of the COI.
That being said,
He had Two Sisters… (1Ki. 4:11; 15)
… but No Brothers (Mentioned)
It’s amazing that for all of Solomon’s wives, only 3 siblings are mentioned in Scripture. No contesting for the throne, etc…

II. Rehoboam’s Notoriety

(What they are known for?)
His Actions Divided the Kingdom
It’s safe to say that had Rehoboam listed to the wisdom of his elder counsel, the kingdom would have continued to be united. As we read, Jeroboam did not demand, but petitioned. It’s because their petition was not only rejected, but rejected in the nasty manner it was, the people rebelled.
I wonder if Rehoboam ever looked back (as I have) at the stupidity of this decision and shake his head at how dumb he was.
His Actions Divided the Kingdom
He Fortified Many Cities (2Chr. 11:5-12)
In what can be said as maybe the only thing that Rehoboam did that was worthwhile was the fortification of cities
He was Rebuked by God with Shishak (2Chr. 12:1-12)
Shishak was the king of Egypt - a heathen by any measure. Yet God used him to rebuke the people of God.
Let me say this: Christian, we should never position ourselves to where we give just cause to the heathen to rebuke our actions.
This is a serious thing - one in which David lost a child over. 2 Samuel 12:14 “Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme, the child also that is born unto thee shall surely die.”
Notice also: God used the HEATHEN to serve His purpose.
God is able to use the actions of the Heathen to further His cause. He used the Pharisees & Pilate to bring about the crucifixion of Christ!
Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
… for the sins of Sodomy & Idolatry (1Ki. 14:22-24)
I think it important to note WHY.
This wasn’t because Rehoboam was a sodomite, but because he tolerated the sin of Sodomy in his kingdom.
“Preacher, should sodomy be outlawed?” Simply put? Yes! Back when our country was closer to God, it was outlawed - along w/ adultery. I also believe sexual assault is a hanging offence. If not for child predators, the percentage of deviant sex such as sodomy would be far lower to begin with.

III. What Makes him Noteworthy

(What Lessons we can Learn from them?)
Pride Goeth Before Destruction… (1Ki. 12:10-14)
Proverbs 16:18 “Pride goeth before destruction, And an haughty spirit before a fall.”
The problem with Rehoboam was pride. A simple sin that many scoff at today. This is one of those sins that people tend to excuse rather than condemn.
If you were to examine any sin, I believe that what you’d find at the root of it is some element of pride. Murder, lust, lying, other gods, etc…
Pride (def) Inordinate self-esteem; an unreasonable conceit of one’s own superiority in talents, beauty, wealth, accomplishments, rank or elevation in office, which manifests itself in lofty airs, distance, reserve, and often in contempt of others.
Pride says:
I’m better
I deserve it
I don’t care
I know better
I am able
I do what I want
I think (this)
I can get away with it
I thought of Samson when he desired the heathen woman to wife: Judges 14:3 “Then his father and his mother said unto him, Is there never a woman among the daughters of thy brethren, or among all my people, that thou goest to take a wife of the uncircumcised Philistines? And Samson said unto his father, Get her for me; for she pleaseth me well.”
This is why when God lists things the LORD hates, Pride is #1: Proverbs 6:16–19 “These six things doth the Lord hate: Yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, And hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, Feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, And he that soweth discord among brethren.”
Pride certainly goes before destruction
…but Humility brings Honour (1Ki. 12:7)
Proverbs 18:12 “Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, And before honour is humility.”
The counsel of the elder men says: ‘Serve them today, and they’ll serve thee for ever’.
I have no doubt this would have been true. But Rehoboam was so lifted up with pride that he couldn’t bring himself to bow down in humility just this once. HAD HE DONE SO - he would not have experienced Rebellion, but HONOUR!
We read this truth in Philippians 2:5–11 “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Jesus first humbled Himself, but now enjoys Honour evermore!
Pride brings destruction, but humility, honour
Not All Counsel is Equal (2Chr. 10:6-11)
The Bible advises us concerning getting the counsel of others:
Proverbs 11:14 “Where no counsel is, the people fall: But in the multitude of counsellers there is safety.”
Proverbs 24:6 “For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: And in multitude of counsellers there is safety.”
But understand this, that not all counsel is sound.
He rejected the counsel of the ones who had spent time with his father - the wisest man there was - and he heeded the counsel of those who knew no more than he did.
When seeking counsel:
A Multitude is advised
Experience matters
Age to a degree
Always Consult the Word of God
And if any counsel disagrees with it, then discard it!
Rehoboam’s daddy wrote about Pride, arrogancy, the fear of the LORD - and WISE counsel - had Rehoboam consulted God’s Word - things would have ended differently for him.
Not all Counsel is equal
Opportunity doesn’t Equal Results
Think for a moment if you can who (other than Solomon) had a greater opportunity in this life to do great things than Rehoboam?
Yet - the only positive thing about him was that he built some strongholds over the 17 years he was king.
(And those strong holds didn’t do much against Shishak!)
This point is a rebuke of a current ideology in our society that has grown in support over the last 50 years - the ideology of socialism / communism.
Socialism & Communism to many people are dirty and seldom-used words. However, many of our leaders today advocate for this type of society. Few likeBernie Sanders & AOC will openly praise it’s merits, but most in the current Democratic party advocate for it’s implementation under other names: Some of which are ‘Fairness’ or ‘Equality’
A Socialist / communist society advocates for an equality of outcome. You have no rich or poor - everyone is equal. (Except for the ruling class).
But there’s an inherent problem with a socialist / communist viewpoint - it assumes that all things are equal. In other words, not everyone has equal:
Intellect, Drive / Determination, Focus, Stamina, Guts, Integrity, Aptitude, Honor, Humility, Savvy - not to mention: Not everyone’s actions honor or serve the LORD - therefore, God’s blessings will be different as well.
My point is: Opportunity doesn’t equal results.
In America, everyone has the same opportunities within society. But everyone’s results will differ drastically.
Socialism says that it seeks to eliminate the poor - however, Jesus said: Matthew 26:11 “For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always.”
Socialism & it’s talking points SOUNDS good, but will never be workable. Equality in outcome will simply mean everyone is equally miserable.
Like Father, Like Son (2Chr. 11:21)
One of the bad traits that Solomon had Rehoboam mimicked.
Bad habits tend to be generational.
This is why it’s important for parents to live Holy, Godly lives before their children.
SOCIETY IS GETTING WORSE - can we all agree on that? Because of that, our children are more inundated & susceptible to greater wickedness than we were. As society waxes worse, we must shine brighter if we hope for our children to shine in theirs!
Like Father, Like Son
Leadership Matters (2Chr. 11:13-17)
As Israel setup Idol worship, the Levites migrated to Judah - who still worshipped the LORD.
The Levites - the Spiritual leaders of the day migrating held the COI in Judah to God - for a time.
Church let me say this: Leadership matters.
We see this truth playing out all throughout the history of the COI - through this time of the kingdoms, and in past in times of the Judges and on through to the time of Christ.
Do you know why America is where it is today Spiritually? Because the church was infiltrated by wolves in sheep’s clothing. It begat a people not interested in sound doctrine from the Word of God, but rather a ‘puffing up’.
Paul spoke of this to Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:2–4 “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.”
Leadership Matters
Prosperity Often Brings a Forsaking (2Chr. 12:1)
Oftentimes when prosperity comes, pride (which Rehoboam was filled with) takes root and God is forsaken. Man becomes unconsciously a god unto themselves and decide they don’t need God.
I don’t know about you - but since I’ve been saved, I haven’t ever desired to be a millionaire. My mind is one found in: Proverbs 30:8–9 “Remove far from me vanity and lies: Give me neither poverty nor riches; Feed me with food convenient for me: Lest I be full, and deny thee, And say, Who is the Lord? Or lest I be poor, and steal, And take the name of my God in vain.”
We must be mindful of the flesh when prosperity comes - lest we forget the source from where our prosperity has come!
Prosperity often brings a forsaking
Little Sin Goes a Long Way (1Ki. 12:1-15; 25-33)
That little sin of pride led an entire nation astray Spiritually.
Little sins can MOST CERTAINLY have BIG CONSEQUENCES!
I think it prudent for you and I to have this mindset:
Question: What sin is safe? The only ones you don’t commit!
Little sin goes a long way
You can’t Fight Against God and Win
Rehoboam fortified the cites BEFORE Shishak came against him.
They fortified cities mattered not because Shishak was used of God to rebuke Rehoboam.
I thought that it was interesting to see the chain of events: God blessed & prospered the nation - even after Rehoboam’s stupid pride - while they honored God. But afterwards, they were humbled in a mighty way regardless of their preparation.
Church, if you go against God, you’re going to lose! You simply cannot fight against God and Win!
You can choose Separation, or Separation - but you’ll have One or the Other
This point speaks more for the life of Solomon than Rehoboam, in a sense: But in truth, Rehoboam is more the product than the cause.
What I mean is that you can either be separated from the world, or suffer separation from God.
(Look back to 1Ki. 11:1-2)
Rehoboam was brought up in a house divided. Which I will never understand why anyone would subject their kids to that.
Separation is another one of those doctrines that if you spend a year at 90% of churches, you’d hear very little on - but separation is coming one way or another - either as a CAUSE or an EFFECT.
YOU CAN EITHER CHOOSE (CAUSE) yourself to be separated from the world, or you BY EFFECT will suffer separation from God.
Isaiah 59:1–2 “Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; Neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, And your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.”
Malachi 2:11–13 “Judah hath dealt treacherously, And an abomination is committed in Israel and in Jerusalem; For Judah hath profaned the holiness of the Lord which he loved, And hath married the daughter of a strange god. The Lord will cut off the man that doeth this, the master and the scholar, Out of the tabernacles of Jacob, And him that offereth an offering unto the Lord of hosts. And this have ye done again, Covering the altar of the Lord with tears, with weeping, and with crying out, Insomuch that he regardeth not the offering any more, Or receiveth it with good will at your hand.”
Isaiah 50:1 “Thus saith the Lord, Where is the bill of your mother’s divorcement, whom I have put away? Or which of my creditors is it to whom I have sold you? Behold, for your iniquities have ye sold yourselves, And for your transgressions is your mother put away.”
Which Separation will you choose?

Conclusion

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