14:21-31

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Rehoboam’s reign in the south (1Ki 14:21-31)

The story returns to the kingdom of Judah. After the division of the kingdom, Rehoboam quickly strengthened the defences on his southern border, for he knew that Egypt was likely to support Jeroboam (cf. 1Ki 11:40; see 2 Chron 11:5-12).

For three years Rehoboam carried on the true worship of Yahweh.

This was mainly because of the help he received from a large number of priests and Levites from the north who fled to Judah rather than participate in the corrupt religion of Jeroboam (2 Chron 11:13-17).

During this time Rehoboam ruled wisely and trained his sons as administrators. The new kingdom of Judah was strong and well organized (2 Chron 11:18-23; 12:1).

Unfortunately, Rehoboam’s pride increased with his power, and he tried to show himself independent of God by adopting practices of the Canaanite religions (1Ki 14:21-24).

(For details of the Canaanite religions see introductory notes to the book of Judges.)

As a judgment on Judah for this sin, God allowed the Egyptians and their allies to invade the land, capture the defence cities that Rehoboam had built, invade Jerusalem, and carry off much of the gold that Solomon had carefully stored up.

Only a last minute confession of sin from Rehoboam and his governors saved Judah from destruction (1Ki 14:25-31; 2 Chron 12:2-16).