Jeroboam’s Rebellion

I Kings 11:23–43
» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)

Solomon had both internal and external adversaries. We have already heard about Hadad, the Edomite, who had taken refuge in Egypt and lived for the day he could take revenge of David’s slaughter of the Edomites. Apparently he caused trouble for Solomon militarily (v. 25). Now we meet another enemy of Solomon, Rezon, who was from Zolah, just south of Damascus. He took control of that region (vv. 23-25).

Next we meet an internal adversary, Jeroboam, who was from Ephrain, the leading tribe in the Northern Kingdom. Apparently he had worked for Solomon and as a result of his good work was promoted to leader over the whole labor force of the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh (vv. 26-28).  The one tribe to be left with Solomon was Judah (v. 32). This one tribe was taken over by Solomon’s son Rehoboam.

Jeroboam was told that he could rule over all that his heart desired (v. 37). Unfortunately, Jeroboam did not value this promise and it was forfeited. No reason is stated but Jeroboam apparently tried to take matters into his own hands and seize the kingdom. Because of this, Solomon tried to kill Jeroboam. Solomon ruled for 40 years but his life ended in tragedy. He became more of a lover of the things God prohibited than in God Himself. The man who had the most wisdom of any man who ever lived failed to apply this wisdom to his life and died a very unhappy old man. We have here the conclusion of Solomons story. A summary of the years of his reign (v. 42): He reigned in Jerusalem (not, as his father, part of his time in Hebron and part in Jerusalem). His reign was as long as his father’s, but not his life. Sin shortened his days.

Application

Because I have a great relationship with God in the past does not guarantee my relationship with Him in the future. Solomon was one of the wisest men that ever lived but he died a very unhappy old man.