Just like in this life that we live in, even in 2020, there are certain rulers over countries that we don’t agree with. This was also happening in the times of Rehoboam. You see, he was made king after Solomon, his father died. Solomon thought he would be the right person for the job, but as you will see in 2 Chronicles 10 and onward, he did not make the right choices, for his heart was not in the right place with God. Many people actually despised him because of how he treated them. He did not think of the wellbeing of the people, but him alone. You can think of men like Hitler, Stalin, and Mao Zedong, who were also like this, but much worse. These wicked rulers caused people to wake up terrified and afraid of their lives. My friends, if Rehoboam would have just listened to the right people, and more importantly God, he may have ended up being a good king, however, he hearkened to the wrong people. Therefore, he caused more pain to be inflicted upon the workers in Israel, which made them very upset and even start a revolt. And here is how it began… It is recorded that 1“Rehoboam went to Shechem: for to Shechem were all Israel come to make him king. And it came to pass, when Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who was in Egypt, whither he fled from the presence of Solomon the king, heard it, that Jeroboam returned out of Egypt. And they sent and called him. So Jeroboam and all Israel came and spake to Rehoboam, saying, Thy father made our yoke grievous: now therefore ease thou somewhat the grievous servitude of thy father, and his heavy yoke that he put upon us, and we will serve thee. And he said unto them, Come again unto me after three days. And the people departed.” (2 Chronicles 10:1-5) As you can see, he had a lot to think about here.
Rehoboam was given counsel from wise men who feared God, and also those that didn’t care to make things better for the people. Here is what they both presented to the king. It is recorded that 1“king Rehoboam took counsel with the old men that had stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived, saying, What counsel give ye me to return answer to this people? And they spake unto him, saying, If thou be kind to this people, and please them, and speak good words to them, they will be thy servants for ever. But he forsook the counsel which the old men gave him, and took counsel with the young men that were brought up with him, that stood before him. And he said unto them, What advice give ye that we may return answer to this people, which have spoken to me, saying, Ease somewhat the yoke that thy father did put upon us? And the young men that were brought up with him spake unto him, saying, Thus shalt thou answer the people that spake unto thee, saying, Thy father made our yoke heavy, but make thou it somewhat lighter for us; thus shalt thou say unto them, My little finger shall be thicker than my father’s loins. For whereas my father put a heavy yoke upon you, I will put more to your yoke: my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.” (2 Chronicles 10:7-11) As you can see here, his advice from the older gentlemen, who new Solomon, gave the king the better advice. Even though God’s advice would have been even more sound. However, you will soon learn that because people are arrogant and don’t care as much for people’s needs, they will push them even more than the last ruler, in order to get the results they want. And when this happens, people are not at peace, but every day are walking on pins and needles.
After this counsel was given, 1“Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam on the third day, as the king bade, saying, Come again to me on the third day. And the king answered them roughly; and king Rehoboam forsook the counsel of the old men, And answered them after the advice of the young men, saying, My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add thereto: my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions. So the king hearkened not unto the people: for the cause was of God, that the Lord might perform his word, which he spake by the hand of Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam the son of Nebat. And when all Israel saw that the king would not hearken unto them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion have we in David? and we have none inheritance in the son of Jesse: every man to your tents, O Israel: and now, David, see to thine own house. So all Israel went to their tents. But as for the children of Israel that dwelt in the cities of Judah, Rehoboam reigned over them.” (2 Chronicles 10:12-17) This certainly was not in the favor of the people, but what the king wanted of them instead. And because he wanted to push them even further, even with whips and scorpions, the people of Israel had enough and rebelled against him. That is why at this point forward he only ruled over the house of David. Now, as you’ve learned, Rehoboam is much like the evil and wicked rulers in today’s time. As for the USA, Trump has done a pretty good job of keeping peace in the USA. It is also great that he has Christian values and is against abortion. However, time will come when a ruler will come about in a certain country and bring about much heartache and unrest. We are living in the last days and unfortunately, things are not getting better. Therefore, trust in Jesus as your Lord and Savior, and he will lead you into all peace.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray for this country and the elections to come. I know that there is currently peace upon the land in the USA, where Christian rights are respected, but I know that this can be changed in the blink of an eye if a wicked president comes into power. Thank You, Lord, for all that Trump has done so far in his presidency. I am grateful that he has stood up against abortion and has been working on changing abortion laws in states. Keep giving him wisdom, oh Lord, and may he act upon the counsel he is given from you. I know that all things will work out for the good of all the people if this happens. It is wonderful that he has listened to people’s needs and not just inflicted different laws and punishments upon us, in order to make things more difficult. How wonderful it is to see a stimulus check coming to people around the USA because of the coronavirus. This is amazing to hear, Lord, and is going to bless many people’s lives. Many people, including myself, are going through hard times financially, because of job loss, and we need Your help. Our government is doing what it can to help us, but we need Your peace to sustain us each day of our lives. Give us wisdom in these times of fear, because of this virus outbreak. Cause people to trust in You even more than ever now, and I know that more people will come together in the faith. This life is short, and we don’t know the time of Your return. Therefore, we come humbly before You in worship and praise. We repent of our sins, that we may be made whole in Your sight. Have mercy upon us, God. Help us walk in Your light all the remaining days of our lives. And when the upcoming elections come around, may we all make the correct decisions in who we put next in power. I wish people would continue to trust in Trump, but it is up to them to decide this. Lend us your counsel as well in this matter, and help us vote correctly. I love You, Lord. Amen.
Let us read the Bible:
Note: Any Numbered References, found above, are listed below.
All Devotionals written on the Coronavirus are Here.
