II Chronicles: Rehoboam

King Rehoboam's story is circumstantially dramatic and historically momentous. As soon as Rehoboam became king, Jeroboam returned from exile and challenged the throne. Influenced by bad advice, Rehoboam spoke harsh words that caused ten tribes to secede in rebellion, after which all-out war was narrowly averted. Rehoboam's successes included strengthening his country's defenses and receiving some loyal refugees. Just as Rehoboam's kingdom seemed firmly established, his land was invaded by King Shishak of Egypt, resulting in cities being captured and even the capital being threatened. Territory was lost, citizens were forced to serve Egypt, and some of the country's greatest treasures were carried away. Throughout his reign, Rehobaom had constant wars with Jeroboam. The losses of Rehoboam's kingdom overwhelmingly surpassed the gains.

Rehoboam's losses were directly linked to his relationship with God. Although Rehoboam acted foolishly in the matter of the dividing of the kingdom, "it was a turn of events from God that the LORD might establish His word" (II Chronicles 10:15). God even told Rehoboam, "This thing is from me" (11:4). Rehoboam's godless decision cost him dramatically. The second major loss was in the attack by Shishak. Again the reason was clear. "Because they had been unfaithful to the LORD, . . . Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem" (12:2). God gave Rehoboam this more personal message: "You have forsaken Me, so I also have forsaken you" (12:5).

Rehoboam did not overtly hate God; at times he even showed spiritual sensitivity, but ultimately he did not acknowledge a need for God nor welcome a relationship with Him. Rehoboam repeatedly asserted his independence. He did not consult God in his responses to the people that led to the dividing of the kingdom; in fact, he did not even mention God (11:6-14). When the ten tribes rebelled, Rehoboam relied on his own resources as he gathered a powerful army (11:1). Rehoboam flaunted his own strength as he built defensive cities, strengthened fortresses, and equipped the military (11:5-12). He relied on his own wisdom as he married wives, delegated his sons, and catered to their desires (11:18-23).

Rehoboam reached a point that he gave up any pretense of following God. "When the kingdom of Rehoboam was established and strong, he and all Israel with him forsook the law of the LORD" (12:1). When it came down to it, Rehoboam had one source of strength upon which he relied: himself. Even after his overtures toward God, his life is summarized with these words: "So King Rehoboam strengthened himself in Jerusalem and reigned" (12:13).

Part of Rehoboam's independence rested in whom he chose to listen to. The dividing of his kingdom came because he ignored the wise counsel of "the elders who had served his father Solomon" (10:6). Instead he embraced the foolish counsel of "the young men who grew up with him and served him" (10:8). The results were a disastrous rebellion and political secession that he could not have imagined.

Rehoboam had opportunities to listen to God, and his responses on two significant occasions show some sensitivity. The first event was immediately after the secession, when he was preparing to go to war with Jeroboam. God sent the prophet Shemaiah with a message: "You shall not go up or fight against your relatives; return every man to his house, for this thing is from Me" (11:4). Rehoboam obeyed; he "listened to the words of the LORD and returned from going against Jeroboam" (11:4).

The second major event was the attack by Shishak. During the attack, God again sent Shemaiah, who declared, "You have forsaken Me, so I also have forsaken you to Shishak" (12:5). This time, Rehoboam's response was deeper than simple obedience. "The princes of Israel and the king humbled themselves and said, 'The LORD is righteous'" (12:6).

Other than these two events, little is said about Rehoboam's spiritual state. Jeroboam, king of Israel, openly rejected God; he prevented the priests and Levites from serving and set up his own gods instead (11:14-15). The priests and Levites, along with "those from all the tribes of Israel who set their hearts on seeking the LORD God" expatriated to Judah (11:16) where they could worship God. The passage does not state that Rehoboam invited or even welcomed them, but he did allow them to come, and he accepted their support. Sadly, this faithfulness lasted only three years (11:17). Rehoboam's evil heart was revealed when "he and all Israel with him forsook the law of the LORD" (12:1). Because of this unfaithfulness, judgment came in Rehoboam's fifth year.

These reports seem conflicting. During the two most important events in his reign, Rehoboam listened to God. His respective responses of obedience and humility prevented a tragic war and turned back the imminent judgment of God. Everything else in Rehoboam's life indicates that he rejected God early on. The answer lies in these words: "He did evil because he did not set his heart to seek the LORD" (12:14). There is a difference between responding to an overt interaction of God and seeking Him on a consistent basis. Rehoboam responded positively toward God only when God openly confronted him. In both cases, Rehoboam responded correctly to the words of the prophet, but his heart for God went no deeper. He had not sought God in either disaster, nor did he take advantage of these potential wakeup calls to turn the direction of his life toward God. He was content to give a proper response at critical times, but not to embrace following God in his everyday life. Rehoboam was given opportunities to seek God, but he wasted them.

Rehoboam was a proud man who enjoyed his power. He acknowledged God, and at times even responded to Him, but he had no desire for a real relationship with Him. Even so, God showed mercy. When Rehoboam showed humility, God tempered and delayed His judgment, allowing conditions in Judah to return to the status of "good" (12:12). Sadly, Rehoboam's evil heart had caused great loss for himself and for Judah.