_THE FOOLISH YOUNG KING_ ‘He forsook the counsel of the old men, which they had given him, and consulted with the young men that were grown up with him, and which stood before him.’ 1 Kings 12:8 Now that Rehoboam ascended the throne, the event was hailed by the national leaders as an opportunity... [ Continue Reading ]
_A FUTILE ENDEAVOUR_ ‘And when Rehoboam was come to Jerusalem, he assembled all the house of Judah, with the tribe of Benjamin, … to bring the kingdom again to Rehoboam the son of Solomon.’ 1 Kings 12:21 I. WE MUST NOT SUPPOSE THAT THE SENTENCE WHICH AFFIRMS THAT THIS GREAT CALAMITY OF THE RENDIN... [ Continue Reading ]
_AN EASY RELIGION_ ‘It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem.’ 1 Kings 12:28 These were the words of Jeroboam, to whose name is attached the awful record, ‘who made Israel to sin.’ Doubtless his scheme as a piece of policy appeared admirable; nothing seemed more fatal to his new state than th... [ Continue Reading ]
_THE GOLDEN CALVES_ ‘He set the one in Beth-el, and the other put he in Dan.’ 1 Kings 12:29 Jeroboam had the courage and capabilities of the ruler, but he lacked confidence in the Providence of God. He gave himself up to finessing in religious matters that wrought his own undoing and his people’s... [ Continue Reading ]