Split Leadership

 

    When something is split, it goes into two different directions.  When it is an organization or church, a group breaks away and changes their name and sets up new rules that works for them.  When it is a nation the same happens, but with a feeling of hostility in the air.  There is a sense of tension even when the leaders try to play it cool.  

    King Rehoboam was a bad king.  It cost him his united nation.  Ten tribes left him to be ruled by Jeroboam.  He was left with Judah and Benjamin for the covenant that God made with David.  By this point he probably realized the great error he had made, but it was too late to change it now.  How could he move forward?

    Rehoboam fortified all of Judah to feel strong.  He provided well for the cities that stayed with him.  The Levites took a stand and stayed with the rightful king.  Really it was because Jeroboam would not let them be priest.  His people were only allowed to worship false gods.  Rehoboam stuck true to God.

    He got married to his cousin, Mahalath.  Mahalath was Abigail's granddaughter.  They had three sons.  David married Abigail because she was smart and beautiful.  Maybe it was a strategic move on Rehoboam's side.  It worked for his grandfather.  He had another wife, whom was his favorite.  Her name was Maacah.  She was Absalom's daughter and his second cousin.  

    Rehoboam had 18 wives and 60 concubines.  The women gave him 28 sons and 6 daughters.  It seems that he did not learn from the mistakes of his grandfather or father having so many women in his life.  However, he did right by his family.  He was a family man.  He lost his unified nation, but he kept his family safe and together.  He also learned discernment as he grew older which means he was a better king in the end.

2 Chronicles 11