2 Chronicles 10–11
The chronicler does not mention Solomon’s apostasy or God’s warning (1 Kings 11–13), but he does record Rehoboam’s folly. You would think younger men would recommend easier lives for the people, for youth is generally a carefree time. But the king’s friends did not have to bear any of the burdens, and their decision made them appear strong. They used the people to advance their authority instead of using their authority to help the people. (See
Some divisions are of God (11:4), even though they create problems and cause hurts. For one thing, divisions force people to make decisions, and the decisions they make reveal the kind of people they are. The priests and Levites left Israel and came to Judah because they wanted to serve in the true temple and be ruled by a king from David’s line.
God’s program for this world is to bring things together in Christ (Eph. 1:10), and He will succeed despite man’s rebellion. The devil’s program is to tear things apart. Which side are you helping?