A look at the division of Israel and the rule of Rehoboam. Also covered in 1 Kings 12.

Rehoboam, 1st king of Judah, is discussed.

The last few chapters of 1 Chronicles summarize David's legacy. Although the chapters are centered on David's rule as king, it is obvious that the main focus is on pricelessness of God.

A consequence of this disloyalty to God is the instability of their throne. There is a constant struggle for the throne as worldly ideas pollute the people of Israel. Instead of being content to appoint God's heir to the throne, they vie for power and kill for what they desire.

Beginning with Jehoash, Judah experiences a period of revival with 3 God-fearing kings. Although the effects are not permanent, these rulers give us a positive glimpse of David's dynasty, and prove that given the right leader, a nation can always return to God.

Jehu may have been selected as king because God knew he would rid the land of Ahab's disastrous lineage, but Jehu isn't a Godly king by any stretch of the imagination.

Jehoram, brother of Ahaziah and son of Ahab takes over as king of Israel and inherits the rebellion of the Moabites.

And Ahaziah fell down through a lattice in his upper chamber that was in Samaria, and was sick: and he sent messengers, and said unto them, Go, enquire of Baalzebub the god of Ekron whether I shall recover of this disease. 2 Kings 1:2 Ahaziah falls ill and seeks out Baalzebub for help, but Elijah intercepts and pronounces judgment of Ahaziah from God.

I think it's quite fitting that I'm reading 1 & 2 Kings at the beginning of Trump's tenure as president of the United States. We're only nine days in and he's already causing quite the commotion.

The last chapter of Kings brings the southern kingdom of Judah back into focus. For the first time since the division of the kingdom, we see the two kingdoms come together.

We have to remind ourselves that just because someone has power and wealth does not been they have peace of mind, happiness, or favor.

Our leaders can drive our nation to sinful behavior, just as these kings did. Similarly, when we fight with our brothers and sisters in Christ, as Israel and Judah fought, we often lose sight of God in the process.

The first kings of the divided kingdom are Jeroboam and Rehoboam

The split of Israel was long coming, but it marked the end of their strength; united we stand, divided we fall. Let's look at how the kingdom split.

All great rulers have a weakness, these verses tell us Solomon's.

David passes on the crown to Solomon amidst a coup.

But Amasa took no heed to the sword that was in Joab's hand: so he smote him therewith in the fifth rib, and shed out his bowels to the ground, and struck him not again; and he died. So Joab and Abishai his brother pursued after Sheba the son of Bichri. 2 Samuel 20:10 KJV The rift between Israel and Judah begins.

Trigger warning: these chapters discuss sexual assault/rape. From a protective brother to a vain rebel, Absalom his one of the more interesting people in the Bible and the narrative springboards a wide range of topics.

The death of a leader often brings about chaos, especially in a monarchy.

Saul becomes jealous of David and attempts to kill him. This post covers those attempts, the help of David's supporters, and David's reaction.