2 Chronicles 11:3

"Tell Rehoboam son of Solomon king of Judah and all the Israelites in Judah and Benjamin

Study Bible

Tell
The Hebrew word used here is "אָמַר" (amar), which means to say, speak, or command. This word is often used in the context of divine communication, indicating that the message being delivered is of utmost importance and carries the authority of God. In this context, it underscores the seriousness of the prophetic message that is about to be conveyed to Rehoboam. It is a reminder that God communicates with His people, guiding them through His chosen messengers.

Rehoboam
Rehoboam, whose name means "he who enlarges the people," was the son of Solomon and the grandson of David. His reign marked a significant turning point in Israel's history, as it was during his rule that the united kingdom of Israel split into two: the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. Rehoboam's account is a cautionary tale about the consequences of ignoring wise counsel and the importance of humility and obedience to God.

son of Solomon
This phrase emphasizes Rehoboam's royal lineage and the legacy he inherited. Solomon, known for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, including the Temple in Jerusalem, left a significant mark on Israel's history. However, Solomon's later years were marred by idolatry and disobedience to God, which set the stage for the challenges Rehoboam would face. This highlights the importance of spiritual faithfulness and the impact of a leader's actions on future generations.

king of Judah
Rehoboam's title as "king of Judah" signifies his rule over the southern kingdom, which included the tribes of Judah and Benjamin. This title is significant because it marks the beginning of the divided monarchy in Israel's history. Judah, with Jerusalem as its capital, retained the Davidic line of kings, fulfilling God's promise to David that his descendants would continue to rule. This underscores God's faithfulness to His covenant, even amidst human failure.

and all Israel in Judah and Benjamin
This phrase refers to the people of the southern kingdom who remained loyal to Rehoboam. The mention of "all Israel" in this context highlights the unity that once existed among the tribes and the division that had now occurred. Judah and Benjamin were the tribes that formed the core of the southern kingdom, and their mention here serves as a reminder of the remnant that God preserved for Himself. It speaks to God's sovereignty and His ability to work through a faithful remnant to accomplish His purposes.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Rehoboam
The son of Solomon and king of Judah. His reign marks the division of the united kingdom of Israel into two separate kingdoms: Judah and Israel.

2. Solomon
The father of Rehoboam, known for his wisdom and building the First Temple in Jerusalem. His reign was marked by peace and prosperity, but his later years saw idolatry and disobedience to God.

3. Judah
The southern kingdom, consisting of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, over which Rehoboam ruled after the division of the united kingdom.

4. Benjamin
One of the tribes of Israel, which remained loyal to the house of David and was part of the southern kingdom of Judah.

5. Israel
Refers to the northern kingdom, which separated from Judah under the leadership of Jeroboam, following Rehoboam's harsh policies.

Teaching Points

Leadership and Wisdom
Rehoboam's failure to heed wise counsel led to the division of the kingdom. Leaders today must seek and apply godly wisdom in their decisions.

Consequences of Disobedience
The division of the kingdom serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience to God's commands. Believers are called to live in obedience to God's Word.

Unity in the Body of Christ
The division of Israel highlights the importance of unity among God's people. Christians are encouraged to strive for unity within the church, avoiding divisions and conflicts.

Listening to Wise Counsel
Rehoboam's account underscores the importance of listening to wise and godly counsel. Believers should seek advice from mature Christians and be open to correction.

Bible Study Questions

1. How did Rehoboam's decision-making process contribute to the division of the kingdom, and what can we learn from this about seeking godly counsel?

2. In what ways does the division of Israel and Judah serve as a warning for the church today regarding unity and division?

3. How can we apply the principles of leadership and wisdom found in Rehoboam's account to our personal lives and roles within the church?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure we are listening to and applying wise counsel in our daily decisions?

5. How does the account of Rehoboam and the divided kingdom connect with the teachings of Jesus on unity and love within the body of Christ?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 12
This chapter provides a parallel account of the events leading to the division of the kingdom, offering additional insights into Rehoboam's decisions and the resulting consequences.

Deuteronomy 17:14-20
These verses outline the laws for kingship in Israel, emphasizing the need for the king to follow God's commandments, which Rehoboam failed to do, leading to the division.

Proverbs 15:1
This verse highlights the importance of gentle answers and wisdom, contrasting with Rehoboam's harsh response to the people's request for lighter burdens.