Although Solomon had reigned in peace for many a year, it was not because of the strength of his army, but because of the goodness of God. Now, when he began to depart from the Lord, the Lord brought trouble upon him. He stirred up adversaries against him which caused him grief and sorrow. Too often we look at the trouble that comes upon us as though it were by chance, or blame the one who troubles us, but we ought to take these things from the Lord. It was the Lord who stirred up these adversaries against Solomon, and if someone has turned against us, the Lord has allowed it. Let us be exercised as to why He has, for His Word says, “When a man’s ways please the Lord, He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.” Prov. 16:77When a man's ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him. (Proverbs 16:7).
Jeroboam, who was one of the servants of Solomon, lifted up his hand against him. He was a mighty man of valor and the prophet Ahijah came to him with a message from the Lord. Jeroboam had a new garment upon him, and the prophet rent it into twelve pieces and gave ten to him. He then told Jeroboam that the Lord was about to deal with Solomon because he had forsaken Him, and would rend the kingdom away from him. He said that ten tribes would follow Jeroboam and two would follow the house of David. He particularly mentioned to Jeroboam that this was the government of God, but that Jerusalem was still His center — a thing which Jeroboam soon forgot when he was placed over the ten tribes. The prophet went on and told Jeroboam that if he would walk in the ways of God in the path of obedience, he would be blessed as David had been, and that the Lord would build him a sure house. We know only too well how soon Jeroboam departed from the Lord, and indeed there was never even one truly godly king who reigned over the ten tribes. Being in a position of responsibility (for the house of David is the line of grace) Israel failed utterly, as man aways does when tested.
After reigning for forty years Solomon died, and was buried in the city of David. Rehoboam his son then went to Shechem to be made king over Israel, but Jeroboam returned from Egypt at this time, taking his place as leader of the people. Jeroboam and all the congregation of Israel then spoke to Rehoam and asked him to make their yoke lighter. Solomon had made their yoke heavy, they said, and they promised that if Rehoboam made it lighter they would serve him. Rehoboam asked for three days to consider the matter before giving his answer. He then asked counsel of the old men who had stood before Solomon, as to what he should answer the people. They said that if he would “speak good words to them, then they will be thy servants forever.” Rehoboam did not like this advice, however, but asked the younger men. They suggested that he speak roughly to the people, and make their yoke heavier instead of lighter. Rehoboam accepted this counsel and told the people he would make their yoke still heavier than Solomon his father had done. The Lord allowed this in His government, for when we forsake the Lord, we often show a lack of what is called “good common sense.” How foolish we are apart from Him! Then too, when we refuse the advice of those who are older and who are walking in the fear of God in obedience to His Word, how foolish we are! Natural energy and force too often characterize youth!
ML 03/04/1956