Life, God, and Consequences a Study of 1Kings 11: 26-43

INTRODUCTION:

·       Over the last two weeks we studied how the reign of King Solomon did not end well.

·       We learned, “The Lord was angry with Solomon, because his heart had turned away from the Lord, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice. “

·       Last week we read about two adversaries the LORD raised up against the King he chose to lead Israel. 

So the Lord raised up Hadad the Edomite as an enemy against Solomon.  –

God raised up Rezon son of Eliada as an enemy against Solomon.  — 1 Kings 11:23 (CSB)

·       This week we learn about a third adversary that God raised up. 

·       The larger question that comes into focus is the Biblical concept of consequences.  How does the LORD use consequences in our lives.

·       How do consequences weave into God’s plan for our lives. 

SCENE 1: An enemy .  (26-28)

·       Most likely a royal official and fulfillment of the promise of verse 11. 

·       Location of Zeredah is not known. 

·       He is identified by his mother’s name not the father.  This is the third time in Kings where this happens.  Each person where this happens aspired to be king.

Adonijah son of Haggith kept exalting himself, saying, “I will be king! ” He prepared chariots, cavalry, and fifty men to run ahead of him. — 1 Kings 1:5 (CSB)

·       The second time was King Solomon himself when he was identified by his mother Bathsheba. 

·       “Zeruah” = means leper.  Most likely a derogatory nickname indicating her character. 

·       We are given the most detail about this third enemy God raised up against Solomon.

·       Jeroboam was very capable and got things done. 

·       He was promoted to leadership by the king. 

SCENE 2: God’s .  (29-39)

·       While on a road leaving Jerusalem Jeroboam has a meeting that will change his life. 

·       To date Nathan has been the prophet of God.  Since Solomon became king, he has not been mentioned.

·       Ahijah is now presented as God’s prophet. 

1.     The .

o   New cloak = Represents the king and the kingdom along with the newness of it.

o   Tearing into 12 pieces = Fulfillment again of Verse 11, also representing 12 tribes of Israel.  Echoes of Samuel’s dramatic encounter with then King Saul.

Samuel replied to Saul, “I will not return with you. Because you rejected the word of the Lord, the Lord has rejected you from being king over Israel.” When Samuel turned to go, Saul grabbed the corner of his robe, and it tore. Samuel said to him, “The Lord has torn the kingship of Israel away from you today and has given it to your neighbor who is better than you. Furthermore, the Eternal One of Israel does not lie or change his mind, for he is not man who changes his mind.”  — 1 Samuel 15:26-29 (CSB)

·       Giving of 10 pieces the fulfillment of verse 13. 

2.     The Word.

1)     Consequence: 10 of 12 Tribes are going to be taken away from Solomon.

2)     Grace: One tribe is left because of his promise to David. (10 plus 1 does not equal 12 probably the “twelve pieces” more symbolic than literal.)

3)     Reason: Response to Solomon’s ongoing sin. 

4)     Grace Reinforced

Indeed, we have all received grace upon grace from his fullness, for the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.  — John 1:16-17 (CSB)

5)     Promise: ”I will be with you”  (Is there no greater promise?)

Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” — Matthew 28:19-20 (CSB)

SCENE 3: The . 

·       “Therefore, Solomon tried to kill Jeroboam”

·       We are left with the indication that King Solomon most likely did not repent.  In doing so, in his old age Solomon acted more like King Saul than his father King David.

Saul ordered his son Jonathan and all his servants to kill David. — 1 Samuel 19:1 (CSB)

EMERALD CITY:

We have seen God orchestrate consequences in response to King Solomon’s ongoing sin.  How do consequences apply to New Testament followers of Jesus?

1.     The Three Laws of the Harvest are . 

1.     We what we sow.

2.     We reap than we sow.

3.     We reap. 

2.     Not all bad events are consequences of personal sin. 

One who is righteous has many adversities, but the Lord rescues him from them all. — Psalm 34:19 (CSB)