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Biblical Prophets - Bible Study Online
Jeroboam had heard all that Ahijah the prophet had to say when it came to the "House of David" and they departed from each other. The Sacred Record seems to indicate that Jeroboam might have started bragging about the prophecy he had just received from Ahijah. I type the word "bragging" because somehow Solomon had found out that Jeroboam had found favor with the Lord and so therefore, tried to have him killed. Because of Solomon's rage and envy, Jeroboam would have to flee Jerusalem and seek refuge from within the land of Egypt: which was now under the rule of Shishak the King of Egypt. When it comes to Shishak. Egyptologists have identified him to be "Shishaq" and if this is the case, this means he would be officially known as Shoshenq I. Now, when it comes to Shoshenq I; understand that he was indeed, the ruler over Egypt just as the Scriptures point out, but he also came from a Meshwesh Libyan descent. I find this little detail to be important, since he was also the son of Nimlot A, the Great Chief over the tribe of Meshwesh. Shoshenq I, would advance to the Egyptian throne after his predecessor Psusennes II. At the start of Shoshenq I reign, this would mark the beginning of the Twenty-second Egyptian Dynasty and he reigned between the years of (943 - 922 BC). Now, as we move back towards Jeroboam: I find it very interesting when it comes to the events that followed. That after Jeroboam had just received word from the Lord, that he will rule over the ten tribes that were to be ripped from the House of David and next, we learned that Jeroboam would have to flee from that very same house in which he served. Interesting on how the Lord works... Be as it may, Jeroboam was now on the run. Shortly after, we find that the Sacred Scriptures would confirm that Solomon who had ruled Israel for forty years, had passedaway: "As for other events of Solomon's reign: all that he did and the wisdom he displayed; are they not written in the book of the annals of Solomon? For Solomon reigned for forty years. Then he rested with his fathers and was buried in the city of David his father. And Rehoboam his son succeeded him as king." (1 Kings 11:41-43) Now, when it comes to the "Book of The Annals of Solomon" -- which is also known as "The Acts of Solomon" -- is basically a political public record that dealt with the life and actions that were recorded during the reign of that current king. This record was probably kept by a historiographer, or chronologist. Some of these records are also found in the Sacred Books of 1 & 2 Chronicles. The Scriptures now turn our attention to Solomon's successor, which was his son Rehoboam. They inform us, that during this time, Rehoboam was on his way to Shechem. The Israelites of the ten tribes were going to hold a public inauguration for Rehoboam and the start of his kingship. Why the place that was known as Shechem was chosen for this event and not the city of Jerusalem, could be for a number of reasons. But we could assume, that Solomon had told Rehoboam about how the "House of David" was going to be divided after he passes and because he was privy to this information, Rehoboam tries to hold off this divine judgment, by going to meet personally with the ten tribes. But according to the "Book of Joshua" -- Shechem was the place in which Joshua had renewed the covenant with all the tribes: "Then Joshua assembled all the tribes of Israel at Shechem. He summoned the elders, leaders, judges and officials of Israel, and they presented themselves to God." (Joshua 24:1) I point this out, because perhaps from that point on, Shechem was used for these purposes and just like Joshua used that place to make a new covenant with all of Israel -- perhaps the ten tribes were going to use the same place to usher in a new royal era when it came to the nation of Israel as a whole? Be as it my, Rehoboam was now headed to Shechem for his inauguration. But as we read farther along, we will now learn that the Israelites had also invited Jeroboam. He was to come and speak on their behalf at the inauguration. Now things become a little bit clearer when it comes to why they chose Shechem, since Jeroboam wasn't going to go into the city of David: for the mere fact that he still had a bounty on his head, from when Solomon had reigned. How do he not know, that Solomon's son Rehoboam, won't honor and carry out that same bounty -- out of respect for his father Solomon? He doesn't, so it would be best for Jeroboam if they spoke in a place that was neutral and safe for him. Since Jeroboam knew, that the Israelites that had invited him to speak and their behalf, would protect him if Rehoboam had tried to seize him during the meeting. Now that Shechem had been chosen as the place that the inauguration for Rehoboam will be held, what now? With Jeroboam knowing that the Lord will hand him power over the ten tribes, will he use this event to announce the start of his own kingship? What about the ten tribes, are they ready for the nation of Israel to be divided? Are they ready to serve under Jeroboam?
02) <-CURRENT PAGE-> 03) God Splits the House of David 04) King Jeroboam and the Golden Calves 06) The Prophet and the False Prophet  CrossDaily.com Web Search where you can VOTE FOR THIS SITE & other great ones. Christian search engine, directory & voting index. You'll find Bible, chat, churches, jobs, music, reviews, software, theology, & more. See the best sites!
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