In Today's Email:
II Chronicles 9 Notes
In this chapter the greatness of Solomon’s kingdom is described.
vs. 1-12 – This parallels I Kings 10:1-13. The gift of 120 talents of gold is about $254,032,464.
vs. 13-28 - This parallels I Kings 10:14-28, 4:26. The value of the yearly income of gold (666 talents) is $1,409,808,173. The value of the targets and shields are $423,387 and $211,694 respectively.
vs. 29-31 - This parallels I Kings 11:40-43. It is worth noting that in Chronicles there is no record of Solomon’s turning from God late in his life (I Kings 11:1-8). Thus, he is largely treated in the same manner as David.
II Chronicles 10 Notes
In this chapter Rehoboam’s actions divide the kingdom.
vs. 1-15 – This parallels I Kings 12:1-15. Rehoboam’s harsh actions lead to the division of the kingdom.
vs. 16-19 - This parallels I Kings 12:16-24. We have another occurrence of “unto this day” in vs. 19, paralleling I Kings 12:19. Seems to be the same situation as II Chronicles 5:9.
II Chronicles 11 Notes
In this chapter the fallout from the kingdom being divided is seen.
vs. 1-12 – Rehoboam prepares for war and gathers 180,000 soldiers from Judah and Benjamin. The prophet Shemaiah prevents Rehoboam from taking military action against the rebellious tribes. For having made such awful decisions that led to the division, Rehoboam at least listens to the prophet here. Instead, he focuses on fortifying his cities and strengthening his forces.
vs. 13-17 - Jeroboam’s creation of a counter-religion caused the tribe of Levi to move wholly into Judah. This is a dramatic shift that removes the Godly influence from the Northern Kingdom and strengthens the spiritual state of the Southern.
vs. 18-23 - The wives of Rehoboam are also of the house of Jesse, probably reinforcing his claim to the throne. Mahalath (“stringed instrument”) is a daughter of Jerimoth (“heights”) who was a son of David. Abihail (“father of, that is, possessing, strength”) is the granddaughter of David’s brother Eliab. Maachah (“oppression”), his favorite wife, was a descendant of Absalom. He followed in the path of Solomon by taking many wives. He controlled palace intrigues by placing his children in different cities to govern.
II Chronicles 12 Notes
In this chapter Rehoboam turns from God and faces judgment.
vs. 1 - This parallels I Kings 14:22-24. Rehoboam again follows the pattern of his father Solomon in turning away from God once his kingdom was established.
vs. 2-12 - This parallels I Kings 14:25-28. Much more detail is given on this Egyptian incursion than in I Kings 14. This defeat is clearly stated to be a judgment against Rehoboam and the nation for turning from God. The prophet Shemaiah appears and tells them that Egypt will conquer them, which brings about repentance. However, judgment would still fall as the nation would be spoiled by the Egyptians.
vs. 13-16 - This parallels I Kings 14:21, 29-31. Rehoboam dies and is succeeded by his son Abijah.
Closing Thoughts
Actions have consequences, most of which are unintended but powerful. When Jeroboam created his counter-religion it caused the Tribe of Levi to defect en masse to Judah. Losing their godly influence and example helped drive the Northern Kingdom further away from God. The actions of Jeroboam doomed many and stole from them the true worship of God. We most so be careful with our lives, so as not to cause the generations that follow us to never know our God.
Hymn for Today
Our hymn today is “Sing to the Lamb’s Victorious Grace” by Benjamin Wallin (1711-1782). Perhaps the most obscure of any hymn we have used, I have found it only in Psalms and Hymns and Spiritual Songs by Melody Publications. I have chosen it because of its description of the departed saints of God as “happy”, which is the same description used by the Queen of Sheba concerning Solomon’s servants. All of God’s children should so happily serve Him.
Sing to the Lamb’s victorious grace,
Ye objects of redeeming love,
Come, join the saints that view his face,
Rejoicing in his courts above.
Let faith supply the want of sight.
Within the vail behold your King;
The saints surround him with delight,
And to him loudest praises bring.
Salvation to thy name belongs,
These perfect spirits sing on high,
With faultless hearts and cheerful tongues
All shout Immanuel’s vict’ry.
Happy the dead, arrived secure,
O’er Jordan’s gloomy swelling tide;
They sin and death no more endure,
But in the purest peace reside.
Ye faithful, banish all your fear,
Your absent spirits shall be blest;
Shall with these glorious saints appear,
And share with them eternal rest.