In 2 Chronicles 11, we get to know the intentions of Rehoboam in the beginning stages of wanting to go to war against Israel, his middle stages of doing the Lord’s will, and lastly, giving over to the flesh into sexual immorality, which caused him to fall. As for Jeroboam, he did not do as the Lord asked him and instead made him his own idols to worship. Here is how this story began, 1“and when Rehoboam was come to Jerusalem, he gathered of the house of Judah and Benjamin an hundred and fourscore thousand chosen men, which were warriors, to fight against Israel, that he might bring the kingdom again to Rehoboam. But the word of the Lord came to Shemaiah the man of God, saying, speak unto Rehoboam the son of Solomon, king of Judah, and to all Israel in Judah and Benjamin, saying, Thus saith the Lord, Ye shall not go up, nor fight against your brethren: return every man to his house: for this thing is done of me. And they obeyed the words of the Lord, and returned from going against Jeroboam.” (2 Chronicles 11:1-4) So we learn that Rehoboam had some hard feelings towards Jeroboam and the people in Israel, but God intervened just in time. Thankfully Shemaiah was a man of God and was in tune with God’s holy counsel. Otherwise, a bloody war may have occurred for no reason at all, where many Jewish people would have been killed. It was after this happened that Rehoboam built up his defenses in many cities, just in case Israel was to attack them. 1“In every several city he put shields and spears, and made them exceeding strong, having Judah and Benjamin on his side.” (2 Chronicles 11:12) As is said, it is better to be prepared for the enemy, than not to.
Now, before we get back to Rehoboam, let’s discuss the downfall of Jeroboam. After 1“the Levites left their suburbs and their possession, and came to Judah and Jerusalem: for Jeroboam and his sons had cast them off from executing the priest’s office unto the Lord: And he ordained him priests for the high places, and for the devils, and for the calves which he had made.” (2 Chronicles 11:14,15) So we learn that he drifted from God into pagan worship. Even his evil priests administered for the devils and idols made out calves. Because he fell, the people in Israel were now on the path of destruction, having their leader indulging in idolatry. As for Rehoboam, it was said that 1“after them out of all the tribes of Israel such as set their hearts to seek the Lord God of Israel came to Jerusalem, to sacrifice unto the Lord God of their fathers. So they strengthened the kingdom of Judah, and made Rehoboam the son of Solomon strong, three years: for three years they walked in the way of David and Solomon.” (2 Chronicles 11:16,17) So the priests of God were ministering again for God and doing sacrifices for Him, which is wonderful, indeed. However, there was a problem with Rehoboam, even the same issue that Solomon dealt with, which was fornication and adultery. His flesh got in the way in wanting more and more women to himself, for sexual reasons. In fact, 1“he took eighteen wives, and threescore concubines” (2 Chronicles 11:21) to himself. You will see how this caused him to forsake God in the next chapter. My friends, sexual sin, including porn, will always cause a person to fall. Therefore, repent of your sins and allow the Lord to build you up in His armor, that you may no longer fall.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray that people will remember You at all times. It is when we start doing our own things, that we end up going after what the flesh desires and fall flat into sexual sins. Lord, I know how easy it is to start looking at pornography after hanging out with the wrong people, watching the wrong kinds of shows or movies, listening to the kinds of music, and surfing for the wrong kinds of things on the internet. It was in these dark times my life that I did not have any defense to temptation. As I was tempted, my flesh was weak, and therefore I fell for the devil’s schemes. Sure, in the moment my sexual pleasures were fulfilled, but afterword’s did I always feel filthy. Even my guilt was awakened into being very shameful. So I learned that what I was experiencing was not right. Thankfully You came to my rescue and lifted me out of such evil and vial things. I never felt right being around my wife while I was committing adultery in my heart towards these other women. However, now my heart is different now. You have cleansed me of all my sins, and I have a fresh new outlook on life and other things. Even my heart and mind have been purified, and I can now look at my wife the way I should. You have taught me that women ought to be respected and not looked at as an object of our wicked imagination. Thank You, Lord. I am so grateful that You released me from the evil spirits that had me bound in my adulterous and pornographic ways. I had no way to defend myself in the past, but now I have Your armor in my life to defend me. I can walk in Your righteousness and not have to worry about willfully sinning any longer. I love Your ways more than anything else, and this is what is different now. I trust in You, God. Thank You for helping me become the man of God that I am today. I love You, Lord. I give You praise and honor, this day and forever. Amen.
Let us read the Bible:
Note: Any Numbered References, found above, are listed below.
