1 Kings: Walk Before Me Faithfullyنموونە

Attention now returns to Judah and King Rehoboam. Though descended from David, Rehoboam is no better than Jeroboam. Typical of Judah’s kings, and unlike most of Israel’s, the name of the king’s mother is given, as lineage matters for the line of David. 

Judah’s sins are religious (14:23–24). Here is the Canaanite religion in the guise of worshipping Yahweh. All of this was strictly prohibited in Deuteronomy 12. High places were possibly regarded as closer to God. Pillars and poles represented male and female Canaanite gods, especially their sexual organs. Temple prostitutes were engaged to encourage the gods to answer petitions for fertility. The idolatry begun by Solomon finds full flower here. Notice the connection between idolatry and immorality (temple prostitutes). Canaanite religion was an immoral fertility religion. 

At the same time, the wealth accumulated by Solomon is plundered by Egypt (14:25–28). How quickly the glory days of Solomon are undone: a kingdom divided; wealth plundered; idolatry and immorality rampant. 

Why do God’s rescued people, so richly blessed under Solomon, turn so quickly from God? It is partly poor leadership – leadership of God’s people does matter and make a difference. It is partly immoral religion, which is always superficially attractive. There is a great attraction for spirituality and eastern religion in the West these days. One reason for that is the desire for something spiritual without the demanding morality of Christianity. It is also partly because the human heart remains tarnished by sin and loves darkness more than light. We ought not to be surprised at how quickly people turn from the living God. It is why we constantly need God’s word and the reminders of the gospel. It is why Jesus died, not only to forgive us but also to transform our stubborn hearts. 

Rehoboam is succeeded by his son Abijam, but he is no better than his father and continues all his sins (15:3). However, God perseveres with Judah because of David; his promises to David in 2 Samuel 7 still driving the story (15:4). Those promises will eventually lead us to Jesus, the greater son of David.

Reflection

Have there been times in your life when you have turned away from God?