Topical Encyclopedia The death of Rehoboam, the son of Solomon and the first king of the southern kingdom of Judah, marks a significant moment in the history of Israel and Judah. Rehoboam's reign and subsequent death are pivotal in understanding the fulfillment of prophecies concerning the divided kingdom and the spiritual state of Israel.Background and Reign of Rehoboam Rehoboam ascended to the throne following the death of his father, Solomon. His reign is characterized by the division of the united monarchy into two separate kingdoms: Israel in the north and Judah in the south. This division was a direct fulfillment of the prophecy given to Jeroboam by the prophet Ahijah. In 1 Kings 11:31-32 , Ahijah tells Jeroboam, "Take ten pieces for yourself, for this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Behold, I will tear the kingdom out of the hand of Solomon and give you ten tribes. But one tribe will remain for the sake of My servant David and for the sake of Jerusalem, the city I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel.’" Rehoboam's harsh response to the northern tribes' request for lighter burdens led to the fulfillment of this prophecy, as recorded in 1 Kings 12. The ten northern tribes rejected Rehoboam's rule, leading to the establishment of Jeroboam as their king and the division of the kingdom. Prophetic Context and Significance The division of the kingdom under Rehoboam's rule was not only a political event but also a spiritual one, reflecting the nation's departure from the covenantal faithfulness required by God. The prophets had long warned of the consequences of idolatry and disobedience, and Rehoboam's reign exemplified these warnings. The division served as a judgment upon the house of David for Solomon's idolatry and the people's unfaithfulness. Rehoboam's reign was marked by continual conflict with Jeroboam and the northern kingdom, as well as with external enemies. In 2 Chronicles 12:1-2 , it is recorded, "After Rehoboam had established his sovereignty and royal power, he and all Israel with him forsook the law of the LORD. In the fifth year of Rehoboam’s reign, because they had been unfaithful to the LORD, Shishak king of Egypt came up and attacked Jerusalem." Death of Rehoboam Rehoboam's death is recorded in 1 Kings 14:31 : "And Rehoboam rested with his fathers and was buried with them in the City of David. His mother’s name was Naamah the Ammonite. And his son Abijah became king in his place." His death marked the end of a turbulent reign that had significant implications for the future of Judah and the Davidic line. The prophetic significance of Rehoboam's death lies in the continuation of God's covenant with David, despite the division and unfaithfulness. The promise of a lasting dynasty for David's descendants, as articulated in 2 Samuel 7:12-16, remained intact, pointing to the eventual coming of the Messiah through the line of David. Rehoboam's life and reign serve as a reminder of the importance of covenant faithfulness and the consequences of turning away from God's commands. His death, while marking the end of his personal rule, continued the unfolding of God's redemptive plan for Israel and the world. Nave's Topical Index 1 Kings 14:31And Rehoboam slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David. And his mother's name was Naamah an Ammonitess. And Abijam his son reigned in his stead. Nave's Topical Index Library The Antiquities of the Jews The Earlier Hebrew Histories. Formation and History of the Hebrew Canon. Questions. The Prophet Joel. The Assumption of Moses His Name --The Counsellor The Book of Enoch Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... The Old Testament Canon from Its Beginning to Its Close. Resources What is New Israel? | GotQuestions.orgShould Israel be building settlements in the occupied territories, i.e., the West Bank and East Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.org Will all Israel be saved in the end times? | GotQuestions.org Israel: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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