1 Chronicles 13:4-20, Rehoboam and Abijah: Mixed Bags

Let’s make some notes on the first few kings of Judah.

·       REHEBOAM TIMELINE:

o   Years 1-3: 11:23 he dealt wisely (11:17). This is, of course, after the unwise decision that led to the division of the nation.

o   After three years he forsook the Lord and all the people did as well (12:1). Note how 1 Ki. 14:22 describes this: Now Judah did evil in the sight of the LORD, and they provoked Him to jealousy with their sins which they committed more than all that their fathers had done.

o   Yr. 5: Shishak of Egypt invades (12:2-12).  According to 1 Kings 11:40,4-25, Solomon had a treaty with one Pharaoh but his enemies (Hadad and Jeroboam) found refuge in 2 others.

o   Rehoboam humbled himself (12:6-8).

o   Year 17: He died. Reigned 17 years (12:13)

·       There is a question as to which tribes went with each of the kingdoms.  The issue has to do with Simeon and Benjamin.  Which was with Judah?

o   1 Kings 12:16-17: The prophet tore his robe into 12 pieces (1 Ki. 11:30) but said Jeroboam would have 10 and David 1 = 11 (11:31-32). He must have referred to Simeon as part of David’s since they were in Judah entirely.

o   In 12:16-17 Rehoboam ruled over the children of Israel who lived in the cities of Judah. That includes Simeon. v20 says “the tribe of Judah only.” But this can include Simeon, although it’s possible many Simeonites could have headed north, it only says some from the North moved to Judah, somewhere.

o   12:21: Rehoboam's army was from Judah and Benjamin.  As you continue to read through the Kings it seems that Judah and Benjamin were together.  There is really no mention of Simeon.  Remember that from the time of Joshua, Benjamin and Judah shared Jerusalem (the upper and lower cities). 

·       ABIJAH: There is no record of his age in 1 Kings or 2 Chr. He reigned only 3 years.  1 Kings 15:1-8 says he was like his father, Rehoboam, rather than like David (v3).  Yet, 2 Chr. 13:4-20 paints a great picture of his trust in God.  The Kings says there was war with the NK during this time.  Chronicles contains this amazing speech with some powerful lines.  The God of Israel gave the dominion over Israel to David forever (13:5).  With you are the golden calves (13:8).  The Lord is our God and we have not forsaken Him (13:10).  God Himself is with us as our Head (13:12).  Strong faith from an otherwise ordinary King of Judah.