Under David and Solomon Israel had been a strong and flourishing nation, but following Solomon’s death divisions among the tribes would reach a boiling point and the kingdom would split apart. This was in fulfillment of God’s word to Solomon in 1 Kings 11:11-13. But God gives each person free will and the people in this story certainly had the power to choose differently. Perhaps if they had things would have turned out differently, at least in the short term. Either way, God’s ultimate plan would have been accomplished. This story, recorded in 1 Kings 12 as well as 2 Chronicles 10, is important because it helps us better understand the context of the Old Testament following Solomon’s death, as well as the prophets and the issues they faced. It also provides four valuable lessons for Christians today.
This Sunday’s lesson will focus on 1 Kings 12 and what we can learn from it. The audio will be available under Sermon Audio File by 10:00 AM Sunday.